iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll ThthTht sblkidekiThcThebNutrient deficiencies associated with low alkaline phosphatase include vi-
tamins B 6 , B 12 , C, and K; folic acid; calcium; phosphorous (this deficiency
is usually due to a genetic condition detected at birth); zinc; and protein.
Fasting, fat-free diets, low-protein diets, and unsaturated fats also reduce
AP, while saturated fats, short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate), and me-
dium-chain triglycerides (e.g., coconut oil) increase AP.
The amino acids L-cysteine and L-phenylalanine (found in artificial sweeten-
ers) are potent inhibitors of AP. Additionally, phytates found in legumes and
grains reduce AP enzyme activity, as does guar gum, a common food additive.
Excessive soda consumption may be associated with reducing AP levels.
Sodas also have high phosphatase amounts and are known for leaching
calcium from our bones.
In contrast, fermented foods and gram-positive probiotics such as
Lactobacillus casei stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity, as do saturated
fats, fiber, and carbohydrates.^6
Smoking, which has been found to be protective against developing
Hashimoto’s, increases alkaline phosphatase.^7
Various blood types may be associated with AP levels. Individuals with
Type O blood seem to secrete the most AP, while those with Type A
blood secrete the least.^8
Alkaline phosphatase works best in a more alkaline environment. Note:
While the stomach should be slightly acidic, the rest of the body should
be slightly alkaline for optimal body function.^4
Increasing Alkaline Phosphatase Activity
Restoring depletions is required for increasing low alkaline phosphatase.
People with Hashimoto’s, even if overweight, usually experience nutrient de-
ficiencies because they are not extracting nutrients from their foods correctly.
Increasing the right foods is the first obvious step, but we must also en-
sure our bodies are properly absorbing nutrients from our foods.
If your alkaline phosphatase is low, gluten or another type of intolerance is
likely causing inflammation in your intestines. In addition, you are proba-
bly not digesting proteins correctly and potentially have low stomach acid.
Reducing the amount of gram-negative bacteria may also help relieve
inflammation. Thus, taking a probiotic supplement and fermented foods