What should i do if my liver enzymes are elevated?

There isn't specific guidance on elevated liver enzymes from the retrieved data. However, based on general health practices discussed by Andrew Huberman, here are some steps you might consider:

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Elevated liver enzymes can signal various health conditions, so it's crucial to discuss your results with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Lifestyle and Diet Adjustments: Reducing alcohol intake, avoiding unnecessary medications or toxic substances, and maintaining a balanced diet may help improve liver health. Minimizing processed foods and sugars is also advisable 1.
3. Routine Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and blood tests can help track your liver enzymes and assess the effectiveness of any interventions.

Always seek personalized medical advice from healthcare professionals based on your specific condition.

Choosing between ezetimibe and statins for elevated ApoB largely depends on the individual's specific condition and how they respond to these medications. Here’s an overview based on insights from Dr. Peter Attia on the Huberman Lab:

1. Statins: Statins target an enzyme high in the cholesterol synthesis pathway and mainly work by increasing the liver’s LDL receptors, thereby removing more ApoB particles from the bloodstream. However, they can have side effects, including muscle pain or liver enzyme abnormalities 1.

2. Ezetimibe: Ezetimibe blocks a transporter in the gut that absorbs cholesterol. This drug tends to have fewer side effects compared to statins, with the most common being loose stools 1. Ezetimibe can be particularly useful if you are sensitive to the side effects of statins.

For elevated ApoB, Dr. Attia emphasizes that ApoB is the causative agent of atherosclerosis and needs to be kept ideally below 30 milligrams per deciliter for optimal health and longevity 2.

Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment based on your personal health profile and medical history.

Statins can have several side effects, though their prevalence and severity can vary among individuals. Here are the most common ones based on insights from Dr. Peter Attia on the Huberman Lab:

1. Muscle Soreness: About 5% of individuals experience muscle soreness, which can be quite debilitating. It’s described as feeling like the soreness after an intense workout you’re not accustomed to 1.

2. Elevated Liver Enzymes: Statins can cause an elevation in liver enzymes (transaminases), indicating liver irritation. Although the clinical significance of this is debated, it often leads to discontinuation of the treatment in practice 1.

3. Brain Fog: A smaller subset of individuals may experience cognitive effects, such as brain fog. The exact mechanism isn't well understood, but it might be related to a reduction in central cholesterol synthesis 1.

4. Insulin Resistance: Though not very common, statins can sometimes lead to insulin resistance, which can be monitored through periodic glucose or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) tracking 1.

Given these potential side effects and the variety of statins available, it’s important to have a personalized approach and consult healthcare providers to find the most suitable option.

Ezetimibe has very few side effects. According to Dr. Peter Attia discussed on the Huberman Lab, the primary side effect noted is loose stools, which can be significant enough for some patients to discontinue its use. Overall, Ezetimibe is considered to have minimal side effects, particularly in comparison to other cholesterol-lowering medications like statins 1.

Milk thistle's primary use is as a liver support supplement. Dr. Peter Attia commented on the Huberman Lab that milk thistle is believed to maintain liver health, especially in conditions of liver stress or damage 1. However, it's important to note that definitive evidence on its efficacy is still limited, and as always, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.

To improve liver function, consider the following actions recommended by Andrew Huberman:

1. Time-Restricted Eating: Limit eating to specific windows within a 24-hour cycle. This method has been shown to enhance liver health by reducing inflammatory markers and promoting better metabolism 1.

2. Balanced Diet: While not explicitly mentioned in the retrieved clips, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can support liver function. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can be beneficial.

3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce fat deposits in the liver, which is critical for preventing liver diseases.

4. Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can prevent liver damage and help maintain overall health.

These practices can support liver health beyond just the use of supplements like milk thistle.