Advice for Blood Test Results

[lassiveran]

Hi Everyone, I was wondering if someone could shed some light on my recent blood test results.

Im 38, 5'8" 221.5lbs 22% Body Fat

Been dieting and exercising regularly since February and have lost about 30lbs but at the beginning of April I suffered a back injury lifting weights. Muscle inflamation and nerve irriration. X-rays showed no significant damage but Ive been taking it easy (no weights only cardio) and my back has improved. During this time I was reluctant to take significant NSAIDs but I eventually had too and did end up talking about 3-4 days of 3x a day extra strength Advil and some tylenol as well. With some additional days taking the odd advil and tylenol. I have been back to my doctor for progress reports and have still experience some nerve irritation issues so she requested blood work to be done to rule out and other contributing factors.

Today I received the results of my blood work and was alarmed to find out my AST and ALT levels were elevated. All the other results were normal although my cholesterol wasn't tested.

AST
Lab Range Normal (5-40) Mine was 41 (+1)

ALT
Lab Range Normal (5-68) Mine was 81 (+13)


My doctor said I shouldnt be concerned and offered I take the test again in a weeks time.
-I'm curious are these numbers something I need to increase my anxiety over?
-Could my back injury(inflammation) and treatment with NSAIDs
cause my levels to be minor elevated or is some other condition that has presented itself?
-Can higher protein diets with herbal supplements, exercise and the fact I've made significant weight loss (from 250lbs in Jan) cause elevated fluctuation in Liver enzymes.
-Lastly why do Lab Test Normal Ranges vary? My results are considered slight by my labs test range standard but in comparison to other labs ranges Ive noticed on this board they would be more of a difference.

Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Mitch


Current Herbal and Medication I'm taking

Nexium for reflux (not regularly since Ive lost weight)
CLA
Green Tea
Whey Protein
GNC Men's Mult-vitamins
Triflex - Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM

[cyt]

Mitch - your results are almost exactly like my sons were a few weeks ago, only his 2nd # was 90. Since he is 17 and I had him in to the doctor because I was concerned about weight loss, the doctor decided to order an ultrasound on his liver. Well, we sweated that result for almost 2 weeks and finally the other day I received a letter saying everything was normal. Boy, was I relieved, to say the least! Anyway, my son does drink a lot of herbal tea and he works out a lot, eats healthy, hence, the weight loss. Here's hoping yours is nothing as well. I'm just saying try not to stress out too much like I did! I don't know what makes those #'s go up sometimes. If Doc isn't that worried than I wouldn't be either. Good luck! C

[lassiveran]

Thanks for the reply Cyt,

Yeah I didnt fast for my initially blood test but my next one I'm suppose to fast for 14 hours. I will also cut out my supplements and pain meds this weekend as well (if that will make a difference) and take a break from the cardio. Health concerns always cause me anxiety. Part of my determination to change my lifestyle from fast foods/couch potato to a healthly lifestyle is driven by the fact I want to see my 4 kids grow up. I'm not getting any younger and problems due happen but conscious decisions to make changes for the better are within my control. Hopefully, I havent waited too long.

Mitch

[Mike In NY]

Hold off on another blood test. Do a mild liver flush each morning before breakfast for at least two months: lemon juice, aloe vera, garlic extract liquid & liquid milk thistle. I did this for an elevated AST and it worked. You should also take a Liver Formula. Everything except the lemon juice can be purchased at your local health store.