After a blood test, high alkaline phosphatase means various things

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is present in all body tissues. Although many don't know, high amounts of alkaline phosphate can actually indicate certain health problems. So, what causes high phosphate alkalis? How do I normalize again?

What causes high alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphate is an enzyme that plays an important role in processing protein so that it is easier for the body to digest. This enzyme is found in almost all organs of the body, but is found mostly in the liver and bones.

High levels of alkaline phosphate are often associated with impaired liver function, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, gallstones and liver cancer.

However, there are actually many other causes that make your alkaline phosphatase test results soar, such as disorders of the parathyroid glands and bone health problems (rickets, osteomalacia, bone cancer, and vitamin D deficiency).

In some cases, high levels of this enzyme can indicate heart failure, kidney cancer, or other types of cancer.

High alkaline phosphatase is not always a sign of disease

Children and adolescents tend to have higher levels of alkaline phosphatase than adults. This is because children and adolescents are still experiencing bone growth. Usually, this enzyme will be high enough during the growing period.

Pregnancy can also increase the levels of this enzyme in the body. In pregnant women, alkaline phosphate is abundant in the placenta.

Food intake can also increase alkaline phosphate

Some foods that can cause alkaline phosphate to increase are:

• Foods that are high in zinc, such as sea shells, beef, chicken, milk and other dairy products.
• Food sources of phosphorus, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, salmon, chicken, and meat.
• B12-rich foods, such as crab, salmon, eggs, chicken and beef.
• High fat foods and oils, for example coconut oil and corn oil.

Even so, these foods are not the main cause of the high amount of alkaline phosphatase in the body and only have a small effect.

To find out more clearly what causes your high amount of alkaline phosphate, you should ask and consult your doctor. Usually, the doctor will recommend further tests.

What if the alkaline phosphate is high? What treatment is done?

The treatment carried out will be adjusted to the cause of the high alkaline phosphatase. If it is due to impaired liver function, the doctor will treat the disorder. However, you can also change your diet during this time so that the alkaline phosphatase levels get back up.

Don't forget to stick to a healthy lifestyle, from regular exercise to leaving all bad habits that can interfere with your health. We recommend that you keep eating healthy foods. If you are confused about what diet is right, consult your doctor and nutritionist.

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