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