ALT levels are often mentioned in passing, but rarely explained — and if you’re a little unclear on what these levels are, we’re here to help.

At Daily Dose, we get it: staying on top of your health can feel like a full-time job. But here’s the good news — you don’t have to be an expert to take steps that support your wellness. Understanding what’s happening with those numbers and how to keep them in check is easier than you think.

Read on as we give you some practical tips to help your liver stay in its happy place. 

What Are ALT Levels?

ALT, short for alanine aminotransferase, is an enzyme found in your liver cells. Its main job is to help your body break down proteins so they can be turned into energy. Sounds pretty important, right? It is. ALT is one of the markers healthcare professionals use to check in on your liver’s well-being, typically through a simple blood test.

You might also see ALT referred to as SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) on your lab results. 

When your liver is in good shape, ALT levels tend to stay within a healthy range, quietly doing their thing. That’s why ALT is such a key part of liver function tests (LFTs) — it offers a snapshot of how well your liver is handling its daily tasks.

What’s Considered a Healthy ALT Level?

So, what’s the deal with ALT levels — how do you know if yours are in the healthy range? It’s all about the numbers. 

As touched on previously, ALT levels are measured through a blood test, and while the specific “normal” range can vary slightly depending on the lab, here’s a general guide:

• Adults (18+ years): Typically between 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L) of blood.

• Children and Teens: Slightly lower or higher levels may be considered normal due to age and growth factors.

• Variations Between Labs: Some labs may set their ranges slightly differently based on testing methods.

It’s worth noting that a healthy ALT level is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to liver health. If your levels are within the normal range, that’s a good sign that your liver is likely functioning as it should. However, it doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong if they're outside the range — it’s just a signal to look a little closer.

Your healthcare provider will always consider your ALT levels alongside other markers like AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) to get a fuller picture of your liver health.

What Are Common Causes of High ALT Levels?

We’ve talked about what ALT levels are and what’s considered a healthy range, but what causes them to rise in the first place? While there are plenty of reasons why ALT levels might spike, they often come down to how hard your liver is working to keep up. 

Here are some of the most common factors that can lead to elevated ALT levels:

Medications

Certain over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription meds can require extra work from your liver. 

Extra Weight

Excess weight can affect how your liver operates. Your liver plays a crucial role in energy production and nutrient management — when there’s extra weight to manage, it can show up in your ALT levels as a sign of the added workload.

Viral Bugs

Some viral infections can temporarily stress your liver, which might nudge your ALT levels higher. These changes are often caught during routine blood work and might be your liver adapting to the extra load.

Trouble With Bile Flow

Your liver makes bile to help you digest food and keep things moving. However, if bile isn’t flowing properly, your liver has to work harder, and — you guessed it — ALT levels might go up.

Mineral Imbalances

Too much copper or other minerals in your body can stress the liver, leading to changes in ALT levels. Your liver’s job is to filter and manage these elements, so when things get out of balance, it shows up in your blood work.

Your Immune System

Sometimes, your immune system gets too ambitious and starts targeting healthy liver cells. This added stress can lead to higher ALT levels as your liver tries to keep everything running smoothly.

What Are the Signs of Elevated ALT Levels?

Elevated ALT levels don’t always come with a flashing neon warning sign, but there are some things to watch for if your liver might be working overtime. 

Most of the time, elevated ALT is spotted during routine blood work, but here are a few clues that could hint something’s up:

1. Exhaustion That Doesn’t Go Away

If you’re feeling unusually tired or drained, it might be connected to your liver’s role in energy production. When the liver is under stress, it can affect how efficiently your body converts nutrients into usable energy, leaving you feeling wiped out.

2. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)

Jaundice, or a yellow tint to your skin or eyes, happens when bilirubin builds up in your bloodstream. This could be a sign that your liver is struggling to filter unwanted elements properly, which might also show up as elevated ALT levels.

3. Digestive Changes

Your liver plays a big part in digestion, including producing bile to break down food. If you notice bloating, nausea, or changes in your appetite, it could be a clue that your liver is working harder than it should.

4. Dark Urine or Pale Stools

Changes in urine or stool color might indicate that your liver isn’t processing bile as efficiently as usual. Dark urine or pale stools are signs to take note of, especially if they appear alongside other symptoms.

5. Unexplained Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen

The liver sits in the upper right area of your abdomen, and discomfort or a sense of fullness in that area could be related to how it’s functioning. This might not always be noticeable, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re experiencing other signs.

When To Call a Doctor

If you’ve noticed some signs that your ALT levels might be elevated, it’s a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider. While a single clue might not be cause for alarm, a combination of changes can point to a liver problem that deserves attention.

Healthcare professionals can run liver function tests to check ALT levels and other liver enzymes, giving you a clearer picture of how your liver is performing. These test results can help identify potential liver injury or stress and offer insight into what might be contributing to the imbalance.

How To Support Healthy ALT Levels

Now that you know the ins and outs of ALT levels, let’s talk about what you can actually do to keep them in check.

Supporting your liver and maintaining healthy ALT levels doesn’t require a massive life overhaul. Small, intentional habits can go a long way toward giving your liver the help it needs to do its job. 

Here’s how to get started:

Eat Foods That Support Liver Health

Your liver loves a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. Think colorful veggies, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, and foods like beets and carrots are particularly great at supporting the liver’s filtration process. 

Minimize overly processed foods and opt for fresh options whenever possible — it’s one of the easiest ways to give your liver a little extra love.

Stay Hydrated

Water might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most underrated ways to support your liver’s functions. Staying hydrated helps your liver filter unwanted elements more efficiently. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day to make hydration a no-brainer.

Move Your Body

Regular physical activity can support your liver by encouraging healthy blood flow and overall wellness. You don’t need to hit the gym for hours — something as simple as a daily walk or a quick yoga session can make a difference. Find movement you enjoy and make it part of your routine.

Rely on Nature’s Power

Ingredients like turmeric, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion have been trusted for ages to help keep your liver functioning at its best. They work together to encourage digestion, promote bile flow, and support your body’s natural filtering process.

This is where our Dose for Your Liver comes in. It’s packed with these clinically-backed herbs in just the right amounts to give your liver some support, all in a quick, easy, and tasty shot.

Focus on Building Healthy Habits

Avoiding habits that strain the liver, like drinking excessively or eating high-fat, low-nutrient foods, is key. Instead, focus on creating a lifestyle that promotes balance and consistency. Your liver thrives when it’s not under constant stress, so the goal is to make everyday choices that support its natural processes.

The Bottom Line

Elevated ALT levels can offer clues about how your liver is holding up, and while they’re not always a red flag, they’re worth paying attention to. Whether it’s keeping an eye on potential signs like digestive changes or yellowing of the skin or working on habits like eating nutrient-rich foods and staying active, there’s plenty you can do to support your liver’s natural processes.

At Daily Dose, we’re all about helping you take those small but impactful steps toward better health. From our Dose for Your Liver to other wellness shots tailored to support your body’s key functions, we make it easy to give your health the attention it deserves.

Sources:

ALT Blood Test | MedlinePlus Medical Test

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Blood Test: What It Is, Procedure & Results | Cleveland Clinic 

Jaundice | Mount Sinai 

Your Digestive System | University of Michigan Health 

Investigation of liver and biliary disease | PMC

Liver Disease Diets: Fatty Liver Diet and More | American Liver Foundation