COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 310
to liver and kidney stress4often before symptoms present or
conventional labs flag abnormalities.
Liver Markers
● ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate
aminotransferase)
These show liver cell stress. When both are high, the liver is
likely under strain.
If AST is higher than ALT, alcohol or muscle issues might be
involved.
● ALK Phos (Alkaline Phosphatase)
Often goes up when there’s trouble with bile flow4like
gallbladder or duct issues.
● GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
If this is high along with ALK Phos, it points more clearly to a
bile or liver-related issue.
Can also rise with alcohol use or certain medications.
● Bilirubin
When elevated, the liver may not be clearing waste properly.
Watch for signs like yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Kidney Markers
● Creatinine
Goes up when the kidneys aren’t filtering well.
● BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Can be high from kidney issues, dehydration, or too much
protein in the diet.
● BUN:Creatinine Ratio
A high ratio usually means dehydration.
A normal or low ratio with both markers' high points more
toward kidney stress.
Tips:
310
