The liver is a complex organ that produces numerous enzymes, including gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This enzyme is essential for the smooth functioning of the body. When GGT concentrations rise above the normal range, the liver can no longer perform its tasks efficiently, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases and negatively affect overall well-being. This article provides an overview of the GGT level, how it is measured, what causes may be responsible for an elevation, and why it is important to reduce this value. Finally, five effective natural methods are presented to help you lower your GGT level and improve your health.

Table of Contents

• What is the GGT level?
• How is the GGT level measured?
• Causes of a high GGT level
• Strategies for lowering the GGT level
• How long does it take to lower the GGT level?
• Summary

What is the GGT level?

GGT is the abbreviation for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transferase. The GGT level is therefore an important value that measures the concentration of this specific enzyme in the blood. GGT is found in many organs of the body, but the highest concentrations are found in the liver (MedlinePlus, 2021). Among other things, this enzyme acts as a transport molecule in the body, enabling the movement of other molecules. It also plays an important role in the metabolism of medications and other toxins. Elevated GGT levels can have various causes and may indicate diseases (e.g. liver disorders), which are explained in more detail below (Marcin, 2023).

How is the GGT level measured?

The GGT level is determined by a blood test that can be carried out in a doctor’s office or using a home test kit. In this test, a small amount of blood is taken and analyzed in the laboratory to measure the concentration of the GGT enzyme in the blood. For an accurate diagnosis, this enzyme is often tested in combination with several biomarkers, such as ALT and AST. Regular monitoring and interpretation of results is important in order to respond early to potential health risks (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Normal values for GGT:

Reference values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2021

Causes of a high GGT level

In order to take appropriate treatment and preventive measures, it is important to understand the exact cause of an elevated GGT level. Increased GGT values can be caused by various factors and health conditions:

1) Liver and biliary tract diseases

Various liver diseases can cause elevated GGT levels. These factors include:

• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), especially viral hepatitis and alcoholic hepatitis
• Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Reduced blood supply to the liver, leading to tissue death (liver ischemia)
• Liver tumors or liver cancer
• Obstruction of the bile ducts (cholestasis) or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
• Gallstones

Sources: Mei, Y. et al., 2019, Cleveland Clinic, 2021

2) Metabolic disorders

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes can negatively affect the liver and thereby increase GGT levels (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

3) Medications

Certain medications, especially those that affect the liver, can increase GGT levels. Examples include various painkillers, anti-epileptic drugs, and anticonvulsants (acetaminophen, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) (Dugdale, D.C. et al., 2023)

4) Cardiovascular diseases

Studies have shown that an elevated GGT level is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (e.g. chronic heart failure or cardiac death) (Jiang, S. et al., 2013).

5) Lifestyle factors

• Excessive alcohol consumption: About 75% of people with alcohol-related disorders have elevated GGT levels in the blood (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). Alcohol can damage liver cells and lead to inflammation or liver cirrhosis, which is reflected in elevated GGT levels.
• Lack of exercise: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for a number of health problems, including liver disease, which in turn can lead to elevated GGT levels.
• Smoking and poor diet: Smoking can significantly impair liver health by causing chronic inflammation that damages tissue and disrupts normal function. An unbalanced diet also has a negative impact on the liver. Excessive consumption of fatty and sugary foods can lead to fatty liver, which causes inflammation and scarring.

Strategies for lowering the GGT level

There are several natural ways to lower GGT levels:

1. Eat a healthy diet

A targeted diet can play a key role in lowering GGT levels. Below are some examples of which foods should be avoided and which are beneficial.

These foods can help lower GGT levels:

• Vegetables and fruits: beetroot, watermelon, blueberries, grapefruit, grapes, broccoli, carrots, citrus fruits, figs, beans
• Grains, nuts
• Coffee

These foods can increase GGT levels:

• Alcohol
• Red meat
• Fatty and salty foods

Sources: Montonen, J. et al., 2013, Salko, E., n.d.

2. Avoid alcohol

In people who consume more than eight standard alcoholic drinks a day (about two liters of beer), GGT levels are elevated and easily detectable (Caritas, 2015). Therefore, to effectively reduce GGT levels, it is important to reduce or ideally avoid alcohol consumption altogether. Set clear goals and limits for your alcohol intake to monitor your progress and focus on your health. Seek support from trusted people such as friends, family, or a doctor to help you reach your goals and successfully reduce your alcohol consumption.

3. Exercise regularly

Studies have shown that regular physical activity has a positive effect on lowering GGT levels and improving overall health (Fragala, M. S. et al., 2017). It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming (Bayerisches Ärzteblatt, 2021). Choose activities you enjoy so that you stay motivated in the long term and can integrate physical movement into your daily routine.

4. Stay away from environmental toxins

Environmental toxins can place a significant burden on the liver and lead to an increase in GGT levels. To lower GGT, it is important to minimize contact with harmful chemicals:

• Avoiding chemicals (pesticides and solvents): Studies have shown that extensive exposure to pesticides can have negative effects on GGT levels and severely burden the liver. If, for example, you work in agriculture and are exposed to pesticides, be sure to take protective measures (Shamsudin, S. B. et al., 2014).
• Avoiding air pollution: Exposure to poor air quality can lead to increased GGT levels. Pay attention to air quality and consider using an air purifier to filter harmful substances from the air (Wirsching, J. et al., 2023).
• Avoiding lead and cadmium: Studies have shown that high levels of heavy metals (such as cadmium and lead) can be risk factors for liver dysfunction (Yan, J. et al., 2022).

5. Have regular medical check-ups

Regular check-ups are important to keep track of your overall health and especially your GGT level. Through regular check-ups at home or with your doctor, you can detect signs of liver problems or other health issues at an early stage. This allows you to adjust your lifestyle accordingly and, if necessary, start treatment. If you are taking medication or dietary supplements, ask your doctor whether they could affect your GGT level. These preventive measures can help you actively support and improve your liver health in the long term.

To avoid health complications, GGT levels should be monitored regularly. With Homed-IQ’s liver function test, you can easily measure GGT, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin from home. The test provides insight into your liver function and helps detect potential issues early. For a more comprehensive analysis, the liver and kidney damage test includes additional markers such as creatinine, eGFR, and albumin. This allows you to proactively monitor your health and improve your overall quality of life in the long term.

How long does it take to lower GGT levels?

How quickly GGT levels decrease depends on the underlying cause. The half-life is 14–26 days, meaning the value can be reduced by half after 2–3 weeks. Following alcohol cessation, GGT levels usually return to normal within 4–5 weeks. In cases of liver-related causes, it may take longer—regular medical check-ups are important to monitor progress (Dixit, S. et al., 2015).

Summary

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in high concentrations primarily in the liver. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver problems, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or excessive alcohol consumption. To avoid serious health issues, it is important to lower your GGT level or take preventive measures to keep it from rising. Natural ways to reduce GGT include following a liver-friendly diet, avoiding alcohol, engaging in regular physical activity, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and scheduling regular medical check-ups. How long it takes to lower your GGT level depends on the underlying cause and may take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

References

Bayerisches Ärzteblatt. (2021). WHO-Leitlinien zu körperlicher Aktivität und sitzendem Verhalten. Bayerisches Ärzteblatt. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.bayerisches-aerzteblatt.de/fileadmin/aerzteblatt/ausgaben/2021/03/einzelpdf/BAB_3_2021_91_93.pdf

Caritas. (2015). Details. Caritas. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.caritas.de/beitraege/wie-lange-kann-alkohol-im-koerper-nachgewiesen-wer/61749

Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Test: What It Is & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22055-gamma-glutamyl-transferase-ggt-test

Dixit, S., & Singh, P. (2015). Usefulness of Gamma Glutamyl Transferase as Reliable Biological Marker in Objective Corroboration of Relapse in Alcohol Dependent Patients. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 9(12), VC01–VC04. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2015/14752.6895

Dugdale, D. C., Berman, J., Dugdale, D., & Conaway, B. (2023). Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) blood test. UF Health. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/gamma-glutamyl-transferase-ggt-blood-test

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Jiang, S., Jiang, D., & Tao, Y. (2013). Role of gamma-glutamyltransferase in cardiovascular diseases. Experimental and clinical cardiology, 18(1), 53–56.

Marcin, J. (2023). What Is the Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) Test? Healthline. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase

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