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Published on: Aug 18, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Liver Function Test

A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of various enzymes and proteins in your blood. These substances are produced by the liver, and they can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

There are a number of different liver function tests (LFTs) that can be used to assess the health of your liver. The most common ones are Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine Transaminase (ALT).

Bilirubin is a pigment that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can be a sign of liver damage or disease.

ALP is an enzyme that is produced in the liver. High levels of ALP in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.

There are a few different types of liver function tests, but they all basically measure the same thing: how well your liver is functioning. The most common liver function test is called the serum blood panel. This measures the levels of enzymes in your blood that are produced by the liver. These enzymes include:

- ALP (alkaline phosphatase): This enzyme helps with the digestion of fats and is increased when there is damage to the bile ducts.

- ALT (alanine transaminase): This enzyme helps with the breakdown of amino acids and is usually elevated when there is damage to hepatic cells.

- AST (aspartate aminotransferase):

The liver function test is a common medical test that is used to evaluate the health of your liver. The test measures levels of enzymes in your blood that are found mainly in the liver. Enzymes are proteins that help with chemical reactions in your body. When something is wrong with the liver, these enzymes can be released into the blood, where they can be detected by the Liver Function Test. Some of the things that can be checked with this test include hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and fatty liver disease. It can also give clues about other problems such as an toxins or alcoholism. The test is usually done as part of a routine checkup or when someone has symptoms that might be related to liver.

There are a few different liver function tests that your doctor may order, depending on your individual situation. These tests can help to assess how well your liver is functioning and whether or not there is any damage present.

There are a few different liver function tests (LFTs) that your doctor may order, depending on what they suspect might be going on with your liver. The most common LFT is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test. This measures the level of an enzyme called ALT in your blood. ALT is normally found in liver cells, so high levels of it in your blood can indicate liver damage. Other LFTs that may be ordered include the aspartate transaminase (AST) test, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, and the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test. A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are produced by your liver and help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. There are several different types of liver function tests, but the most common one is the alanine transaminase (ALT) test.

ALT is an enzyme that is involved in metabolizing amino acids. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, it releases Jazz hands advertising internships high levels of ALT into your bloodstream. The ALT test can be used to detect liver damage or disease. The normal range for ALT varies depending on your age and sex, but it is generally between 20 and 40 IU/L

There are a number of different liver function tests that can be performed, each of which can give useful information about the status of the liver. The most common liver function tests are the serum glycated albumin test, the serum alkaline phosphatase test, and the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)test.

The glycated albumin test measures the level of a specific type of sugar (glucose) that is bound to albumin, a protein found in the blood. This test provides an indication of how well the liver is able to process glucose.

The alkaline phosphatase test measures the level of an enzyme that is produced by the liver. This The liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your liver. These substances are normally present in the liver in small amounts. But if your liver is damaged, these substances can leak into your bloodstream and increase the level of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.

There are several different liver function tests, each of which measures different enzymes or proteins. The most common liver function tests are the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test.

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How Inflammation Affects Overall Health: Understanding the Hidden Risks

Inflammation is often misunderstood. While it is a vital protective response of the immune system, persistent or chronic inflammation can quietly damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases. Understanding how inflammation affects overall health is crucial in preventing long-term complications and maintaining optimal wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization and global medical research published in Lancet, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to:

infection
injury
toxins
stress

It activates immune cells to eliminate harmful stimuli and promote healing.

There are two main types:

Acute Inflammation

Short-term and protective.
Examples include swelling after injury or fever during infection.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists even without injury.

Chronic inflammation is harmful.

How Chronic Inflammation Develops

Persistent inflammation can result from:

unhealthy diet
sedentary lifestyle
obesity
chronic stress
environmental toxins
untreated infections

Modern lifestyle patterns contribute significantly to this condition.

Impact on Heart Health

Inflammation damages blood vessels and promotes plaque formation.

This increases risk of:

heart attack
stroke
hypertension

ICMR data highlights cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death in India, with inflammation playing a contributing role.

Link Between Inflammation and Diabetes

Chronic inflammation interferes with insulin signalling.

This leads to:

insulin resistance
elevated blood sugar
metabolic syndrome

NFHS-5 data shows rising diabetes prevalence, partly linked to inflammatory lifestyle factors.

Effect on Joint and Muscle Health

Inflammatory processes contribute to:

arthritis
joint stiffness
muscle pain

Autoimmune diseases often involve chronic inflammation.

Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut plays a central role in immune regulation.

Poor diet and stress disrupt gut balance, triggering:

inflammatory bowel conditions
digestive discomfort
nutrient malabsorption

Gut inflammation impacts systemic health.

Brain Health and Inflammation

Emerging research suggests chronic inflammation affects:

memory
mood
cognitive performance

Inflammatory markers are associated with depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

Chronic Fatigue and Inflammatory Stress

Persistent inflammation causes:

ongoing fatigue
reduced stamina
sleep disturbances

The immune system remains in constant activation mode.

Role in Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Chronic inflammation is central to conditions such as:

rheumatoid arthritis
lupus
inflammatory bowel disease

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

Symptoms may include:

unexplained fatigue
persistent joint pain
digestive issues
frequent infections
skin problems

Early detection is important.

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Inflammation

High Sugar Intake

Excess sugar promotes inflammatory pathways.

Processed Foods

Trans fats and additives trigger immune responses.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise reduces anti-inflammatory benefits.

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers.

Chronic Stress

Elevated cortisol disrupts immune balance.

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

leafy greens
fruits rich in antioxidants
nuts and seeds
whole grains

Avoid excessive processed foods.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise lowers inflammatory markers and improves circulation.

Stress Management

Meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress hormones.

Adequate Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Excess abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals.

Role of Preventive Health Screening

Regular tests such as:

blood sugar
lipid profile
inflammatory markers

help monitor risk factors early.

Importance of Early Intervention

Unchecked inflammation increases risk of:

cardiovascular disease
metabolic disorders
organ damage

Timely lifestyle changes reverse early inflammatory effects.

Long-Term Health Benefits of Inflammation Control

Reducing inflammation supports:

heart health
stable blood sugar
improved immunity
enhanced cognitive function
reduced pain

Preventive strategies protect long-term wellbeing.

Conclusion

Understanding how inflammation affects overall health reveals its profound impact on the heart, brain, gut and metabolic systems. While acute inflammation protects the body, chronic inflammation silently contributes to major diseases. Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep and stress management significantly reduce inflammatory burden. Prevention and early monitoring remain the most effective tools for protecting overall health and ensuring long-term vitality.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Disease and Inflammation Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes and Hypertension Data
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
Lancet – Inflammation and Chronic Disease Research

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