A liver is one of our most important organs. It’s a part of the digestive system, and its weight varies between 1300g for women up to 1700g for men.
The most important functions for us as athletes are:
>> Synthesis
- Mixing fats with bile
- Making and storing enzymes
- Synthesis of triglycerides and cholesterol
- Influencing the production of IGF-1
>> Metabolism
- Transforming carbohydrates into glucose, glycogen or fat
- Demoting used up red blood cells
- Metabolising amino acids
- Neutralising toxins (alcohol, drugs, medicine)
>> Storing
- Storing vitamins A, D, K, B12 and C, as well as iron
- Contains glycogen, which it releases in case of energy needs
>> Filtration
- Filtrates blood, heating it up by even 1 degree Celsius
- Removes ammonia in ornithine cycle in form of urea
Liver tests
Or rather liver function tests. It’s to specify the number of individual indicators. We have to remember about a few factors determining our results:
- Do not eat fatty foods, such as knuckle, the day before the tests.
- Do not drink alcohol or take medicine (recommended for even a few days before the tests).
- Do not train intensively.
- Keep a 12 hour fast from eating and drinking sweetened beverages etc. (water is allowed).
- Do not use pre-workout or amino acid supplements the day before.
Names and norms of specific factors:
ALAT (alanine aminotransferase), otherwise called GPT or ALT
Norm: 5-40 U/litre (units per litre)
AspAT (aspartate aminotransferase), otherwise called GOT or AST
Norm: Women: 7-34 U/litre; Men: 8-46 U/litre
Bilirubin
Norm: Whole: 0,2 – 1,1 mg/dl (3,42 – 20,6 µmol/l), Direct: 0,1 – 0,3 mg/dl – (1,7 – 5,1 µmol/l), Indirect: 0,2 – 0,7 mg/dl – (3,4 – 12 µmol/l).
ALP Alkaline phosphatase, otherwise called FA, Falk, FAL
Norm: 30-120 U/l
GGTP (Gamma-glutamyl)
Norm: Women: 10-66 U/l; Men: 18-70 U/l
LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)
Norm: 120-240 U/l
CHE (Cholinesterase)
Norm: 1200-3700 U/l
Interpreting the results and determining the treatment, or supporting the liver function should be left to the qualified specialists. “Uncle Google” as well as “experts” on forums are not appropriate people to determine the treatment or support.
How does workout affect the results?
Going over the norms on tests usually signals that there is an issue with the organ. However, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t always have to mean that the liver is in bad condition. Intense strength workouts significantly increase (up to even 312%) the levels of AspAT! These results in the doctors eyes signals massive issues, which is why it’s important to remember about absenteeism before these tests, and informing the doctor about our life style.
Where does this high level of AspAT come from?
Every person now reading this article probably thinks that workouts affect the liver condition in a bad way. Nothing could be further from the truth!
This phenomenon has a completely opposite effect. Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme transferring amino groups. They are currently also in muscles and kidneys. Highly intense training causes muscle microtrauma, which releases these enzymes into the blood system, which results in their higher concentration. On tests, it seems like the organ is damaged, and a specialist may prescribe a lot of unnecessary medicine for it.
How to take care of your liver?
Do not burden it with frequent voyages with the use of alcohol, drugs or medicine.
Do not use anabolic steroids (oral as well as injections).
Have a balanced diet based on healthy fat.
Carry out preventive examinations once a year (and if you’re in a high risk group, twice a year)
Use supplements that help remove toxins and protective, such as:
- NAC
- Complex products: Liver Detoxifier
- Tudca (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid)
Remember, if you want to take care of your health and check your liver, restrain yourself from alcohol, as well as drugs and hard-to-digest food, but also from training. Keep the 36-48 hour fast, and you will be sure what is wrong with your body.
