transportation of enzymes, hormones, etc. Albumin levels can give an insight
into liver conditions, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, malnutrition, wasting
conditions including those of the vascular and intestinal (Crohn’s) systems.
BILIRUBIN TOTAL — Bilirubin is one of the best indicators of liver
function. It can become elevated during detoxification as the urine eliminates
water-soluble toxins. There is indirect (unconjugated) or direct (conjugated)
bilirubin depending upon the organ involved, (spleen or liver, respectively).
Provides insight as to the proper functioning of these organs and the
inflammation or damage therein. Obstructions of these organs, as well as the
bile duct, such as with tumors or stones, will increase bilirubin levels. Other
conditions that increase these levels include pernicious anemia, sickle cell
anemia, hemolyte anemia, and damage from drug consumption.
ALP (ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE) — Alkaline phosphatase is a
phosphatase enzyme that works in the presence of an alkaline environment.
ALP is found mostly in the Kupffer’s cells of the liver, bile tract epithelium
(surface cells), and in the bones. When acidosis is present in these tissues,
depending upon the degree (tumors, inflammation, cancer, etc.), the ALP will
increase. The elevation of ALP can also be a result of healing fractures and
normal bone growth, among other things. Many drugs and chemicals can
play a major role in affecting ALP levels. These include antibiotics, heart
medications, fluorides, oral contraceptives, oxalates, sulfates, and cyanides.
Low levels can indicate hypothyroidism, pernicious anemia, excess vitamin-B
ingestion. Some doctors give mega B-vitamin injections to drive ALP down
when they are high. As previously stated, increased levels may indicate
cancer (liver, gallbladder, bone, etc.), however, normal growth factors can
also affect ALP levels.
AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) — Formerly SGOT (serum
glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), AST is an enzyme found in liver cells,
heart muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, and to a smaller degree in kidney and
pancreatic cells. The elevation of AST may suggest liver inflammation, as in
hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer, as well as myocardial infarction (heart attack),
muscle conditions like myositis and myopathy, and renal disease and
pancreatitis.
ALT (ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE) — Formerly SGPT (serum
glutamic-pyrovic transaminase). ALT is an enzyme formed predominately in
liver cells. However, it is found in heart muscle cells, skeletal muscular cells,
and kidney cells, like AST. ALT enzyme is considered a specific in liver
conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and necrosis.