Liver Health 101: 7 Blood Tests You Should Know (Part 1)
< 1 min read | Aug 25, 2025
A friend recently told me, ‘I have fatty live, and I don’t even drink!’
That’s when I realized he’s dealing with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL), now known as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Globally, MASLD affects nearly 25% of people and an even more astonishing 50% under a newer, more inclusive definition.
When he came over, I asked him to point to his liver.
He froze and vaguely gestured at his stomach, almost apologetically.
That’s when it hit me: most of us don’t really understand where our bodies are or how key organs like the liver work. But today, you’re here, and that matters.
Let’s use this moment to learn about liver health.
You can also watch the video here
Your Liver
Location & How It Should Feel
Place your right hand gently under your right ribcage where your liver resides, shining quietly beneath your diaphragm.
Ideally, it should feel soft and expansive, like it’s ‘breathing’ with you.
If it feels stiff, tender, or tight, it could be a silent cry for help.
As a quick check: look at the whites of your eyes (the sclera).
If they appear slightly red, your liver might be signaling inflammation your body’s second line of defense, known as the healing process.
Liver Damage
The 3 Stages of Liver Damage
1. Stage 1: Fatty Liver (NAFL/MASLD)
Begining silently, this is where excess sugar, refined carbs, and calories deposit fat in liver cells.
You may feel a dull ache or fatigue or nothing at all.
2. Stage 2: Fibrosis
Inflammation creates scar tissue.
Imagine a worn T-shirt with tough seams similarly, scarred liver tissue isn’t as flexible, affecting blood flow, nutrient delivery, and toxin clearance.
3. Stage 3: Cirrhosis
Here, damage becomes permanent.
The liver loses its ability to detox, balance hormones, and process blood.
Symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), swelling, confusion, and fatigue appear signs that the damage has progressed significantly.
Liver Problems
Several root causes are fueling this global epidemic:
●Poor Diet: Sugar, processed carbs, seed oils, and overeating.
● Chronic Stress: Keeps the body in fight-or-flight, stalling detox and healing.
● Gut Issues: Leaky gut or unhealthy bacteria send more toxins to the liver.
●Toxins: Pesticides, BPA, heavy metals, and synthetic fragrances.
● Alcohol & Drugs: Even small amounts, over time, cause wear and tear.
● Infections: Hepatitis viruses or other parasites.
● Sedentary Lifestyle: Less movement leads to poor glucose usage and more liver fat.
● Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of B vitamins, magnesium, choline, and antioxidants like glutathione.
Blood Markers for Liver Health
Knowing the signs your body sends through routine tests can be a game-changer:
1. ALT (Also known as SGPT) —
An enzyme mainly in the liver.
High levels mean liver cells are leaking it into your blood, often from fatty liver, hepatitis, or medication damage. Healthy range: 10–30 U/L.
2. AST (Also know as SGOT) —
Found in liver, heart, muscles, and more.
High AST alongside ALT points to liver issues. If AST is more than twice ALT, it may suggest alcohol-related damage.
3. ALP —
Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found in the liver and bones.
If your bile ducts are blocked from gallstones or liver congestion ALP tends to rise.
But here’s the trick ALP can also go up from bone growth also.
My 11-year-old son had sky-high ALP… but his liver is fine.
So ALP must always be interpreted with.
4. GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) —
GGT is more specific to the liver.
When it’s elevated along with ALP, it confirms the problem is liver-related.
It also spikes with alcohol, certain meds, and early fatty liver.
5. Bilirubin —
This is the yellow pigment created when your body breaks down red blood cells.
The liver is supposed to process it and send it out through bile. But if your liver’s struggling bilirubin builds up.
That’s when the whites of your eyes turn yellow — jaundice.
6. Albumin —
It’s the main protein your liver produces.
Low albumin can point to poor liver function, chronic disease, or malnutrition.
It also keeps fluid in your blood vessels so if you see swelling or bloating, low albumin might be a clue.
7. Total Protein —
This measures both albumin and globulins and gives you an overall picture of your immune system, liver function, and protein status.
Low total protein?
Think liver disease, gut issues, or protein deficiency.
Remember this: your liver isn’t just some passive detox organ.
It’s a metabolic powerhouse, a chemical factory, and a hormone regulator.
It deserves some love.
In Part 2 of this video series, we’ll dive into exactly how to take care of your liver with herbs, nutrients, supplements, and holistic lifestyle practices.
So make sure you’re subscribed.
The links to free fabulous guides and ebooks to master the foundations of your health are in the description below, do check them out before you leave.
The EOB System Guide
The PNS Fix
The Hormone Health Imbalance Fix
Do check out our Holistic Nutrition Coach Certification to dive deep into anatomy, physiology, and practical health coaching
Stay tuned for Part-2.
Stay healthy, stay fabulous
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About Akash Sehrawat
Akash is a creator of 25+ programs and certificate courses in which more than 200,000 students have enrolled both on Udemy and Fabulous Body's native platform. Akash is also an author of three books that can be found on Amazon. His answers on Quora have gathered more than 12 million views in less than a year.
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