Is Your Liver Health in Danger? The Shocking Truth About SGOT, SGPT, and Liver Enzymes—And Why Social Media Myths Are Misleading You!

Liver health is one of the most overlooked aspects of our overall well-being, yet it’s vital for detoxifying our body, metabolising nutrients, and processing medications. One of the primary ways doctors assess liver function is through blood tests that measure liver enzymes—specifically SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase) and SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase). But did you know that myths surrounding these liver enzymes are being spread on social media, leading to confusion and unnecessary panic? In this article, we debunk these myths, explain SGOT and SGPT, and help you take control of your liver health.

What Are SGOT and SGPT?

SGOT and SGPT are enzymes that play crucial roles in liver function. They are proteins that help facilitate chemical reactions in the liver and other organs. These enzymes escape into the bloodstream when your liver cells are destroyed, which causes increased levels in a blood test. Here’s a breakdown:

1. SGOT (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Also known as AST, this enzyme is present in various organs, including the liver, heart, and muscles. It is often measured alongside SGPT to determine liver damage or muscle injury.

2. SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Also known as ALT, SGPT is more specific to the liver. When the liver is damaged, SGPT levels rise significantly, making it an essential marker for liver function.

What Do Elevated SGOT and SGPT Levels Indicate?

Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels can indicate various liver issues, such as:

● Non-alcoholic fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Living a sedentary lifestyle and eating poorly might lead to one of the most common liver diseases.

● Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are infections that frequently cause liver inflammation. 

● Alcoholic Liver Disease: Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause liver damage.

● Liver Cirrhosis: Severe scarring of the liver due to long-term liver damage.

● Liver Cancer: A more advanced stage of liver disease, where SGOT and SGPT levels may be significantly elevated.

Myths About SGOT, SGPT, and Liver Health on Social Media:

In recent years, social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation regarding liver health. Here are some of the most common myths and why they need to be debunked:

1. Myth #1: “A High SGOT or SGPT Level Means Your Liver is Immediately Failing.”

● Reality: Elevated SGOT or SGPT levels don’t automatically mean your liver is on the brink of failure. Mildly elevated enzyme levels could be due to temporary factors such as stress, diet, or even exercise. Getting a complete medical evaluation and not panic based on a single test is essential.

2. Myth #2: “You Should Avoid All Fatty Foods to Lower SGOT and SGPT.”

● Reality: While a healthy diet is vital to maintaining liver health, not all fats are bad. Flax seeds and fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the liver. Nutrient deficits may result from eliminating all fats without the right advice.

3. Myth #3: “Herbal Supplements Can Cure Liver Damage.”

● Reality: There is no solid scientific evidence that herbal supplements can cure liver disease. Before beginning any herbal treatments, it is important to speak with a doctor because some herbs can worsen liver issues or interfere with prescription drugs.

4. Myth #4: “Liver Damage Is Only Caused by Drinking Alcohol.”

● Reality: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is quite common, particularly in those with diabetes or obesity, even though heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor for liver disease. Elevated liver enzymes can be found in non-alcoholic individuals as well.

5. Myth #5: “If Your SGOT and SGPT Are Normal, You Have a Healthy Liver.”

● Reality: Normal liver enzyme levels don’t always mean your liver is disease-free. Some liver conditions may not cause immediate enzyme changes, and other tests like an ultrasound or liver biopsy may be required for a more accurate diagnosis.

How to Take Control of Your Liver Health:

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most common myths let’s talk about how you can take control of your liver health and ensure your SGOT and SGPT levels stay within a healthy range.

1. Get Regular Check-Ups: Avoid waiting for symptoms to show up. Frequent liver function tests can assist in identifying liver issues early on before they worsen. During regular examinations, look at SGOT, SGPT, and other liver function tests.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet:

● A diet that comprises whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats like nuts, fish, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables.

● Limit sugary foods and processed carbohydrates, as well as alcohol, as these can lead to fatty liver.

3. Exercise Regularly: Being physically fit and energetic on a regular basis helps prevent diseases like diabetes and obesity, which are risk factors for liver disease. At least 150 minutes of exercise per week is essential to maintain good health.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps detoxify your liver, which makes it work more effectively.

5. Manage Stress: Stress is the human’s biggest enemy. It can cause liver inflammation and encourage bad habits. Therefore, engage in deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to relieve stress.

6. Avoid Self-Medicating: Regarding your liver health, don’t rely on self-diagnosis or social media. Any supplements or drugs that promise to “cleanse” or “detox” the liver should be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

7. Monitor Existing Conditions:  To keep your pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol under control, take your prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.