Coffee, artichoke tea, black turtle bean water, and citrus fruit juices are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support liver function and help reduce elevated liver enzyme levels.
High liver enzyme readings are often a warning sign of liver dysfunction or damage to liver cells. If left untreated, this condition can progress to hepatitis or cirrhosis.
According to Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung from Nutrihome Nutrition Center, a scientifically balanced diet can play a vital role in managing liver enzyme levels. Here are five drinks that may help:
1. Coffee
Coffee
contains caffeine and polyphenols, which help reduce fat buildup in the liver, combat inflammation, and prevent cirrhosis. Consuming around 700 ml of coffee daily has been shown to lower liver enzyme markers such as AST, ALP, and GGT.
However, individuals sensitive to caffeine should consult their doctor before increasing intake.
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A cup of coffee. Illustration photo by Unsplash |
2. Artichoke tea
Artichokes are high in natural antioxidants, including mono-caffeoylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, sesquiterpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds help reduce liver cholesterol levels, ease inflammation, and lower elevated enzymes.
Drinking artichoke tea may also stimulate the production of glutathione peroxidase—a powerful antioxidant enzyme made by the liver that helps reduce inflammation.
3. Solanum procumbens tea
This herbal tea offers antioxidant benefits that help lower liver enzymes such as LDH, ALP, and AST. It also enhances the activity of protective liver enzymes like SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH, promoting cell repair and supporting liver health.
4. Black turtle bean water
Black turtle beans
are packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which help protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation. These compounds also regulate genes related to fat metabolism, reducing fat accumulation and liver enzyme levels.
The beans are a source of plant-based protein and fiber that support liver cell regeneration, improve gut health, and ease the liver’s metabolic load.
5. Citrus fruit juices
Juices from
citrus fruits
such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which supports the liver’s detoxification of sugars, toxins, and fats. These juices help lower liver enzyme levels including AST, ALT, and GGT.
Citrus fruits also contain cryptoxanthin—a plant pigment with anti-inflammatory effects that help control liver enzyme levels—and grapefruit provides naringin and naringenin, antioxidants that enhance liver detoxification and reduce inflammation.
Dr. Tung recommends that individuals with elevated liver enzymes stay well-hydrated unless advised otherwise by a doctor. He also advises limiting sugary, fatty foods, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, staying physically active, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis viruses.
Natural supplements such as Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and Wasabia may help regulate the activity of Kupffer cells—resident liver macrophages—thereby reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, controlling liver enzymes, and aiding in the recovery from conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, and liver cancer.
