Korean Job Discussion Forums

[swoodman]

I got my med check back and my liver function (ALT) (Alanine transaminase) levels were slightly higher than they should be (38 when I think theyre supposed to be under 35),

I think its to do with drinking. I drank everyday (and quite a lot everyday) for a week in the Philipinnes but then didnt drink for 2 weeks prior to the med test, is it still likely thats why the levels were elevated?

And should I get a diabetes check when I can?

[decolyon]

The liver is one of the body's natural filters. Livers that fail mean they no longer filter and get infected and whatever is put into the body, especially alcohol, is rushed into every organ possible.

It operates much like an air filter in your car or a/c. Just because it's working and doing it's job, doesn't mean there isn't residue. You may have stopped drinking for 2 weeks, but heavy doses of alcohol will have residual effects on your liver for weeks or months at a time.

An ALT of 38 is on the high end, approaching scary. Above 40 and it could be a symptom of cirrhosis or Hepatitis C. It's certainly in your best interested to get further tested by a doctor specialized in internal medicine. This isn't always due to alcohol consumption, but further testing may determine that to be the case. If you have drank heavily for years, it could be catching up with you now.

The first thing you need to do is get further tests and have a professional asses your situation. Unless he gives you different instructions, you need to cut out the drinking for a while. You need to consume large amounts of water (1 gallon a day or more) and lot's of cranberry juice. These are no alternative to proper medication, but could bring down your ALT and AST levels if it is only a temporary infection.

The liver is nothing to take for granted or play around with. It's the most transplanted organ in medicine. Doctors place great importance on it for a reason.

[swoodman]

Never been alcohol dependent but I'm a binge drinker and have been for years (despite only being 25). I drink heavily for a couple of nights and then stop drinking for awhile.

Following the Philippines trip I quit for three weeks and since then Ive been on a couple of heavy weekends............I guess Ill have to get that checked out in China (I'm going there in 2 days) and cut down or cut out drinking.

Im still drinking this weekend though cos its my last in Korea

[crisdean]

I guess there are many questions:
1. are your AST levels also elevated? (in general if you have liver damage both are elevated)
2. are you taking any medication? (some medications are known to raise ALT levels)
3. are you a binge drinker?
4. are you obese? having a fatty liver can increase ALT levels, this is my personal problem, that I'm trying to sort out.
5. have you talked with a doctor about this? probably a better idea to talk to a professional than a bunch of random people on an internet forum who may well be talking out or their asses.

as said earlier, cut back on the Alcohol, increase the amount of water you drink, and eat as many food high in anti-oxidants (like cranberry juice) as possible.

[swoodman]

In answer to the many questions:

1. No
2. No
3. Yes, normally only at weekends but have been for about 7 yrs - minus periods of temperance lasting up to 2 months
4. No. Im 5'11 67kg and pretty fit, I run fairly regularly
5. Will phone a doctor in the UK I think - about this I asked if it would be ok to visit a doctor here and not get any medication, all i want is an analysis of the med results and my co -teacher wasn't sure. In the UK it would be fine but thats cos tax is so high.....could I just pay for the analysis?

[swoodman]

AST/ALT ratio is 0.84

[crisdean]

[Yaya]

If you want to protect your liver, here are a few tips.

1) Take it easy on the booze.

2) Drink puer tea, or 보이차 in Korean.

3) Eat foods from all the food groups: grains, protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fats.

4) Eat foods that have a lot of fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals.

5) Take liver supplements.

[sojusucks]

[blue.sky]

When you got your results back from the doctor/nurse at the hospital, did you consider asking them about your LFT result instead of an ESL forum?

[Kimchifart]

[Poker]

Please google Milk Thistle. There is no quick fix for the liver. Milk Thistle will go a long way in protecting your LIFE

[davai!]

do you lift weights? working out has been known to increase these levels

[lithium]

[jvalmer]

A couple of years ago I had an ALT of 55 after a weekend of some heavy drinking with some ct's. No issues at the moment and my school didn't say a peep.