Worried and anxious

[Ashok88888]

Hello, just to give you some background info, I suffered from health anxiety for a year or so back in 2011 when I had autoimmune issue (which was completely cured). Now, in Dec 2020 I went for a blood test (I do it every year to keep fit) and my Alt was 83 and AST was 55. My GP did say it’s quite common and there’s nothing to worry about as my bloods in 2019 were completely normal. I did drink a lot during lockdown and ate a lot of takeaway food the entire 2020 year. GP did recommend to do another blood test after 1-2 months. I stopped drinking during this time and but my diet was still not so great in these two months. So three weeks ago I got my second blood test results and saw my alt go down to 79 and my ast to normal 50 and my ultrasound scan showed very little fat in liver. I have been very stressed and anxious ever since and I’m struggling a lot. But my GP said that everyone has a little fat in their liver and mine was absolutely nothing to worry about and will reverse itself in 2-3 months of clean eating. I’m 6 foot 2 and 78 kg very active but have belly fat. I’m seeking reassurance as my mental health is getting worse. Also after I reverse, can I go back to eating how I used to but being under the recommended limit for alcohol. All other blood results and ultrasound reports values were normal including kidneys and pancreas.

[confused71]

Alt levels can change frequently ---I honestly dont think you have anything to worry about --- what i would say is watch diet for sugar and the wrong fats and junk food as over time it can lead to problems ---it took me about 13 years to go from little bit of fat to Nash liver disease . Every thing in moderation ---I was overweight ate junk most of the time and snacked on rubbish --- My alt was at 120 when I had my biopsy my Alt is now 28 73 kg 5 foot 3 I eat healthy most of the time

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Ashok

It can be hard to get off the anxiety train. I can affirm what your doc told you makes sense. We know that fast food will be bad for your liver long term and there is no mystery about the risks with drinking. With a good diet and a bit of exercise there is nothing out of the ordinary to fear from your liver. Not easy to just accept that but take a deep breath and believe that you know what you need to do, it will work, and you can do it so send the anxiety on its way.

Wayne

[gillianTS]

Hi Ashok88888

The great news here is that your ALT has decreased and your AST is back within the normal range in a relatively short time. Keep up the great work with your health and fitness, including diet and lifestyle choices.

The important thing now is to think about what you do to maintain a happy life, and put this experience down to a wake up call and a new journey to a newer more informed person.

Your GP is absolutely right not to worry, and it is great you have your bloods checked on a regular basis, something that the vast majority of people do not do and not because they do not wish to but because they only get offered to get them checked if they do not feel well.

Keep smiling and be happy 😊

[Ashok88888]

Thank you so much Gillian. I have been so stressed. I’m going to eat super clean for the next 2-3 months and then still be careful with bad habits thereafter

[TNWONDER]

Why only eat super clean for the next 2-3 months? Why not change your life for good? Cut out all the crap. Sugar, refined carbs, processed foods, red meat. Limit alcohol significantly, start getting up and moving/exercising. Why not make healthy, sustainable changes? My suggestion, be militant for at least 6 months. Then, allow yourself a vice here and there. I don't miss any of the "crap", but i will allow myself a glass of red wine on occasion as a treat given that i enjoy it.

[Ashok88888]

Haha because I like having drinks with my friends but will keep it to standard UK unit limit. But yes I am gonna do clean eating and zero alcohol lifestyle for 6months 😊