What Foods to Avoid If Alkaline Phosphatase Is High: 7 Worst Foods

If your alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are above normal, it’s as though your body is trying to communicate with you in this way.  Your blood contains a chemical called ALP, and when it’s high, it may indicate that your liver or bones need a little more attention. Keeping an eye on what you eat is one method to help control this.

So, what foods to avoid if alkaline phosphatase is high?

Try to minimize or avoid eating fried and greasy meals, which are rich in harmful fats. Aside from that, think about cutting back on alcohol and avoiding processed and sugary meals. These dietary changes can support the health of your liver as well as your general well-being.

We’ll look at some foods in this article that you may want to restrict or avoid if your ALP levels are high. Don’t forget to discuss your diet plan with your doctor.

What is Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is like a helpful agent in your body. It’s found in different parts of your body, like your liver, bones, and intestines. It does some pretty important tasks. It helps to build strong bones and aids in digestion.

What Causes Alkaline Phosphatase Levels to Be High?

We need to know the causes behind alkaline phosphatase high levels. This will make it easier for us to stop eating foods that increase alkaline phosphate levels.

Growing Bones

During children’s and teenagers’ growing age, their bones become bigger and stronger. And in this growing season, the ALP level can naturally go up. It’s like a sign that your body is working really hard to structure those healthy bones.

Liver and gallbladder Disease

Liver or gallbladder diseases like blockage or inflammation raise ALP levels.  It’s a way your body lets you know that something is changing in your body.

Bone Problems

Bone defect or fracture contributes to rising ALP levels. It’s your body’s approach to attempting to fix and mend those bones.

Effects of Medication

Medicine for osteoporosis or cancer causes an increase in ALP levels. It’s typically not a reason for stress. Tell your doctor about it to avoid further consequences.

What Foods to Avoid If Alkaline Phosphatase Is High?

Now let’s talk about the types of food you need to avoid to keep your alkaline phosphatase in check:

Get Over Fatty Food’s Cravings

You need to avoid foods that are high in unhealthy fats. If you love fried foods, greasy burgers, and some fast foods, then it’s time to opt for healthier food options. These fats can affect your liver, which can, in turn, affect your ALP levels. Replace harmful fat intake with healthier fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil instead.

Control Drinking Alcohol

Your liver may experience further strain if you drink too much. Your liver plays a role in controlling your ALP levels. So, dear readers, try to reduce or completely avoid alcohol use if your ALP levels are high.

Replace Processed Food

Eating packaged food or food with preservatives is not beneficial for the liver. Tend to fall in love with eating more whole food and fresh fruits.

Quit Sugary Drinks

Drinks with a lot of added sugar, such as certain fruit juices and soda, can lead to weight gain and fatty liver. These sugary drinks can lower ALP levels. Opt for water, herbal teas, or natural fruit juices in moderation.

Cut on Red Meat

Eating too much red meat, especially processed or fatty cuts, is not ideal. These may affect ALP levels and are harmful to your liver. Leaner forms of protein, including poultry, fish, and plant-based alternatives, will be good choices.

Mindfully Eat Dairy Products

People with high ALP levels found that cutting less on fatty dairy products can be beneficial. You can experiment with lower-fat or dairy-free substitutes like soy yogurt or almond milk.

Coffee and Carbonated Drinks

While one or two cups of coffee are usually OK, drinking too much or fizzy drinks may be bad for your ALP level. Enjoy your drinks but in moderation.

Alkaline Phosphatase: Normal Range

Now that you know what foods to avoid if alkaline phosphatase is high, it is time to learn about the normal range of APL. Normal readings might differ slightly from lab to lab. Age and sex might also affect them. Having said that, The typical range is 0.73 to 2.45 microkatals per liter (kat/L) or 44 to 147 (IU/L), which is considered normal.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels that are within the normal range are a positive sign for your body. It indicates that the concentration of this unique chemical in your blood is appropriate. It is neither too high nor too low. When your ALP levels are within normal range, your liver, bones, and other bodily organs are probably functioning normally. It’s like your body giving you the thumbs up.

What Levels of Alkaline Phosphatase Is Dangerous

The amount of the enzyme in the blood might be much greater in children and pregnant women.  Males have somewhat greater ALP levels than females between the ages of 15 and 50. In old age, ALP levels then increase once more.

If your ALP level is higher than the normal range mentioned above, then consult a doctor. Call your doctor if you have signs of a bone condition, such as joint or bone pain, or liver damage, such as jaundice. Contact your doctor if you have a liver illness or a bone disorder and are exhibiting any new or worrisome symptoms.

What Foods to Avoid If Alkaline Phosphatase Is High During Pregnancy

The liver often produces ALP. Your liver may be working harder than normal if your ALP levels increase from time to time. During pregnancy, such changes in health conditions create worry. Your doctor will be able to figure out the cause of this. Sometimes, the ALP level becomes double that of normal during pregnancy.

High ALP levels during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of illnesses. These illnesses can include liver disorders, gallbladder problems, or even simple pregnancy-related changes. In order to determine the precise cause, your doctor will do tests.

According to NIH, having a high level of alkaline phosphatase in your blood during pregnancy is not alarming. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the health of the mother or the baby. It’s like saying there’s no clear connection between the two. Doctors don’t usually see it as a sign of something wrong during pregnancy. 

Your doctor may advise medication or lifestyle modifications depending on the underlying problem. This may entail keeping a watchful eye on your health.

ALP levels are typically not harmful to your infant. However,  if your ALP levels increase, take steps by consulting your doctor. This will ensure you and your baby’s health is safe.

Here’s a list of foods you need to avoid during pregnancy for normal ALP levels:

• Fatty Food
• Alcohol
• Some high fat dairy products
• Food items with preservatives
• Sugary treats or drinks
• Coffee
• Carbonated beverages

Can ALP Levels Return to Normal?

Yes, ALP levels can revert to normal. ALP levels generally increase because of sickness or medication. It will return to the normal range once you treat the problem or stop taking the prescription.

Your body has a built-in mechanism for restoring balance. To balance your ALP level, you need to find out the actual reason for the increase.

It’s important to make sure you’re on the correct track to bringing them down to normal. So. a Doctor’s suggestion will help you with the process.

Keep an eye on your development to make sure everything is going well. So, with the proper care and attention, there is a strong potential that ALP levels can return to normal.

What Organ Does Alkaline Phosphate Affect?

You can figure out which body part with High ALP levels has been affected through the ALP test. ALP’s main sources are bones and liver. It’s like a little messenger that tells us how these parts of your body are doing. Its presence is available throughout your body as it’s found in the bloodstream.

When your ALP levels increase, it may be a sign that your liver or bones need to be checked for any potential issues. So, it’s sort of like a friendly signal that your doctor utilizes to check these organs are functioning well.

FAQs

What Is Alkaline Phosphatase’s Function in The Liver?

One of the primary sources of ALP is your liver. However, some are also produced in the kidneys, pancreas, intestines, and bones. Its main role is to carry out duties, such as breaking down specific compounds in your body. 

It assists the liver with processes like breaking down fats and purging toxic substances from your blood. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) removes the phosphate group from a variety of proteins and nucleotides. So, imagine it working in your liver as a “clean-up crew,” making sure everything is in order.

Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause High Alkaline Phosphatase?

ALP levels increase with decreasing vitamin D levels. ALP was greater than normal in 13%, 16%, and 21% of patients with mild, moderate, or severe vitamin D insufficiency.

What vitamins increase ALP?

Alkaline phosphatase levels can increase if you are having a diet rich in phosphorus, healthy fats, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.

Bottom Line

Let’s have a recap: What foods to avoid if alkaline phosphatase is high? Avoiding oily food, red meat, or dairy products will help you to have balanced ALP levels. As discussed above, ALP levels can increase with growing age and also in elderly people. Unless you have any underlying health issues, a little higher alkaline phosphatase won’t cause much harm. If you can keep your cravings for unhealthy food under control, then it will be easier for you to control your ALP level.