Liver Dysfunction
What Does It Mean?
Liver dysfunction refers to any condition that impairs the liver’s ability to perform its critical functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and protein synthesis. Common causes include:
- Chronic alcohol use
- Viral infections (Hepatitis B, C)
- Exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
- Chronic medication use (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, certain antibiotics)
How Did We Get There?
Diagnosis & Assessment
Patients with liver dysfunction may present with:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right quadrant)
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen due to fluid retention
Lab Test Findings
The following lab markers help diagnose liver dysfunction and assess its severity:
| Lab Test | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Albumin | Decreased | 4.50-5.00 g/dL |
| Albumin : Globulin Ratio | Altered | 1.40-2.10 |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Increased | 45.00-100.00 U/L |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| AST (SGOT) : ALT (SGPT) Ratio | Altered | 0.00-1.00 |
| Bilirubin (urine) | Increased | Negative mg/dL |
| Bilirubin Direct | Increased | 0.10-0.15 mg/dL |
| Bilirubin, Total | Increased | 0.50-0.90 mg/dL |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Altered | 10.00-16.00 mg/dL |
| Ceruloplasmin | Altered | 18.00-21.00 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Normal or Increased | 180.00-200.00 mg/dL |
| Color | May indicate bile pigment presence | YELLOW |
| Ferritin | Altered | 45.00-79.00 ng/mL |
| Glutathione | Decreased | 373.00-838.00 µM |
| Iron, Total | Altered | 85.00-130.00 µg/dL |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) | Increased | 140.00-200.00 U/L |
| Monocyte Abs | Altered | 0.22-0.60 Cells/µL |
| Total Protein | Altered | 6.90-7.4 g/dL |
| Triglycerides, Serum | Normal or Increased | 70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid (Male) | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
| Urobilinogen | Altered | Negative |
| Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy | Decreased | 50.00-90.00 ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach
Treatment focuses on reducing liver inflammation, enhancing detoxification, and supporting hepatocyte regeneration through targeted supplementation.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 4 capsules without food, daily |
| Levo Plasmin | Supports circulation and hepatic detoxification | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Master antioxidant that aids in liver detoxification | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Provides antioxidant support and cellular energy | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Novo Hepatic | Supports liver function and bile production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports hormonal balance and liver detox pathways | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Omega | Provides essential fatty acids for liver and metabolic health | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports gut microbiome, essential for liver detox | 1 capsule without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Hydration: Increase purified water intake to support detoxification
- Dietary Adjustments: Emphasize whole foods, avoid processed fats, and include liver-supporting foods like beets, cruciferous vegetables, and turmeric
- Avoid Alcohol and Toxins: Reduce liver burden by eliminating alcohol and minimizing exposure to chemicals
- Gut Health Support: Improve microbiome balance to support liver detox pathways