Effective Treatment for High Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme in the body that is essential for many bodily functions. It helps in bone mineralization, cellular growth, and the breakdown of fats and minerals. Higher alkaline phosphatase levels (above 147 IU/L) can sometimes indicate underlying health problems from bone disorders to liver conditions. If you have any symptoms of high ALP levels, you might be wondering about the treatment for high alkaline phosphate. Whether it's through medications or dietary or lifestyle changes, reducing ALP levels is possible with an effective approach.

This blog will help you explore various high-alkaline phosphatase treatments. Let's read!

Treatment for High Alkaline Phosphatase

The management of elevated ALP levels will depend on the underlying issues. The potential treatments include:

1. Medications

Depending on the cause of high ALP levels, healthcare providers might prescribe certain medications for high ALP like antiviral drugs for hepatitis and bisphosphonates to manage bone conditions.

2. Lifestyle & Dietary Changes

A healthy lifestyle and dietary practices can help promote bone and liver health, which can maintain ALP levels and prevent their elevation.

• Consume a Balanced Diet: Have a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and berries. Avoid or limit refined carbohydrates, processed foods, excessive sugar, and saturated fats.

• Avoid Alcohol: Reduce your alcohol intake to prevent stress on the liver and cause damage.

• Manage your Weight: Maintain a healthy body weight by consuming nutritious foods and practicing exercise regularly to improve bone density and support liver enzymes.

• Quit Smoking: Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as it may worsen bone and liver health. 

3. Surgery

The healthcare providers may recommend surgery for conditions such as liver tumors and gallstones. The surgical treatments can help improve symptoms and lower the levels of alkaline phosphate.

Tips to Reduce High Alkaline Phosphatase Levels

If the alkaline phosphatase is high, there can be underlying health conditions causing the diseases. These are the natural ways to lower ALP levels:

1. Maintain Liver Health

If the ALP levels are high, it can be because of liver health. You can support your liver's health with supplements like Milk Thistle, Taurine, Vitamin C, and B vitamins. Vegetables like broccoli, onion, dandelions, cauliflower, and cabbage can help cleanse the liver. Additionally, you can protect your liver by reducing your alcohol intake.

2. Take Omega -3 Fatty Acids Supplements or Food

Research shows that omega-3 supplements can help reduce ALP levels and liver fibrosis. The foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are fish, salmon, and eggs that you can include in your diet.

3. Quit Smoking

Stop smoking, as a study reports that smoking can increase ALP levels. It is even associated with liver damage that can lead to liver disease or cancer. Additionally, smoking can induce inflammation which can also contribute to liver damage. 

4. Drink Coffee

Coffee intake is linked to lower levels of ALP. Remember to take coffee in moderation as high intake (large or more cups of coffee a day) can lead to unwanted effects such as high blood pressure and sleep disturbances.

5. Take Cinacalcet

Cinacalcet is a drug used for chronic kidney disease conditions. It can help reduce the alkaline phosphatase levels in the blood by more than 20% in patients after 26 weeks of taking the drug. This drug should be prescribed and consumed only after consulting your regular healthcare provider. 

6. Get Vitamin D

Since vitamin D deficiency is linked with high alkaline phosphatase, you can get rid of higher levels of ALP by getting more sunlight. That can help increase vitamin D levels and supplement a person's health by reducing alkaline phosphatase levels. You can also eat vitamin D-rich foods like salmon, dairy products, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.

Foods to Manage Your Alkaline Phosphate Levels

The following are the nutritious foods that you can include in your diet for healthy ALP levels:

• Leafy Green Vegetables: These include collard greens, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, which are rich in antioxidants and nutrients. They protect liver cells and improve digestion, which helps manage ALP levels.

• Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are a great source of sulforaphane, which promotes healthy liver function. This indirectly manages ALP levels.

• Nuts: Nuts such as pine nuts, cashews, or Brazil nuts are highly rich in healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and other vital nutrients. These nutrients support enzyme activity and liver function, which manage ALP production.

• Fatty Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of liver damage. They contribute to regulating alkaline phosphate levels.

• Olive Oil: The high content of oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and oleic acid in olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can protect liver cells and boost liver health. This way, olive oil manages ALP levels.

• Beetroot Juice: Beetroot contains betalains, which prevent inflammation and oxidative damage in the liver. This improves the flow of blood to the liver, supporting its function and ALP levels.

Causes of High Alkaline Phosphate Levels

The following factors can contribute to high ALP levels:

Liver Conditions

• Gallstones

• Cirrhosis

• Hepatitis

• Cholestasis of pregnancy

• Mononucleosis

Bone Disorders

• Paget's disease (weak, enlarged, or deformed bones)

• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

• Bone metastasis (cancer spread to the bones from other body parts)

• Osteomalacia (weak bones due to vitamin D deficiency)

• Healing fractures

Other Causes

• Endocrine disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism

• Untreated celiac disease

• Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, or birth control pills.

• Alcohol overconsumption

• Obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms Associated with High ALP Levels

Symptoms of high ALP levels can differ depending on the root cause.

Symptoms associated with liver disease:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Easy bruising

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dark-colored urine

• Light-colored stool

• Itchy skin

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue & weakness

• Swelling in the legs and arms

Symptoms associated with bone disease:

• Joint or bone pain

• Enlarged or deformed bones

• Frequent broken bones

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. 

What Happens if I Have High Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase?

If your ALP test is high, it will not necessarily mean you have a medical condition. It can be an effect of -

• Certain medications

• Diet

• Pregnancy

• Age

• STD

• An error in the sample testing.

Before starting the high alkaline phosphatase treatment, you should check the medical history and current medication.

When should you seek help?

See the healthcare provider, if you have:

• Persistent high ALP levels: If your ALP levels stay high despite lifestyle and dietary changes, see a doctor for further evaluation.

• Liver-related symptoms: Jaundice, dark urine, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue that may indicate liver conditions.

• Bone pain or weakness: Frequent fractures or joint pain can indicate bone disorders like Paget’s disease or osteoporosis.

• Digestive problems: Chronic nausea, fatty stool, or bloating might suggest intestinal or gallbladder issues affecting ALP.

• Kidney concerns: Swelling in the legs, persistent fatigue or changes in urination may signal kidney dysfunction. 

Final Thoughts

The treatment for high alkaline phosphatase involves medications, lifestyle & dietary changes, and surgery, depending on the cause of high ALP levels. So start the high alkaline phosphatase treatment as early as possible by keeping a watch over the symptoms. You can also consider some tips to lower ALP levels like reducing alcohol, getting enough sunlight, maintaining liver health, and taking coffee within a limit.