Ketosis and affects on Liver?

SkinnyKerinny

Hi there! This is my first post here and I'm so happy this group is here. It has already helped me so much.

I just started on the Keto diet on June 18 following the Eat Bacon Don't Jog book. It basically is high fat, moderate protein and low carbs with exercise that is done in short strenuous bursts to build strength. I think it is going OK so far and have lost some water weight and not feeling too bad-- just a little more tired than usual and not as much energy.

I have over 100 to lose and am 55 years old so I definitely need to do something but so far nothing has worked.

I would especially like to know if anyone in this group has had any issues with their liver while being on this diet? I know my liver isn't in the best shape because I have had to cut out drinking wine and eat an organic diet. Otherwise I would feel some pain in that area. I take supplements like Milk Thistle and it is improving over time.

I realize many will say I should go to a doctor, etc., and I have a doctor but I'm really interested in anyone had/has any issues with their liver and how they are doing with a LC diet. Especially if your liver wasn't as healthy as it should be-- how did you do (or are you doing) with a LC diet?

Thanks so much!

wabmester

Do you have ALT and AST results from your blood tests? Do a before and after snapshot. In theory, you should see improvement on a LC diet.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST/ALT_ratio

SkinnyKerinny

Thanks so much for your answer, wabmester. I have heard opposing information on this so I'm proceeding with caution. ; )

wabmester

Some liver problems are caused by excess fat deposits in the liver -- that's where LC can help.

I'm not sure what you've heard, but some people seem to think ketosis "stresses" the liver. I haven't read any evidence of that. The liver is the second most metabolically active organ in your body (brain is #1). It's ALWAYS busy.

At very low carb levels, the liver can't keep up with the glucose demand of your brain, so the kidney's start contributing. At 0 carb intake, the liver makes about 60% of the glucose, and the kidney's make the other 40%. If you keep carbs above 30-40g, you won't need to convert any protein to glucose.

SkinnyKerinny

Holy Smokes wabmester! That is fantastic information. My carbs are hovering around 25 but it sounds prudent to up them a bit to keep any unnecessary load off the ol' liver.

pedidiva

all of my liver enzymes got better with the low carb diet.

SkinnyKerinny

That is beyond fantastic! So happy for you.

GaleHawkins

wabmester wrote: »

Some liver problems are caused by excess fat deposits in the liver -- that's where LC can help.

I'm not sure what you've heard, but some people seem to think ketosis "stresses" the liver. I haven't read any evidence of that. The liver is the second most metabolically active organ in your body (brain is #1). It's ALWAYS busy.

At very low carb levels, the liver can't keep up with the glucose demand of your brain, so the kidney's start contributing. At 0 carb intake, the liver makes about 60% of the glucose, and the kidney's make the other 40%. If you keep carbs above 30-40g, you won't need to convert any protein to glucose.

I think LCHF helped my liver.

SkinnyKerinny

Thanks so much for sharing, GaleHawkins. That's very encouraging! Glad your liver is better.