For a healthy body, it is essential to have an overall proper well-being of our bodily systems. We need to know about the correct levels of pressure, enzymes and other secretions in our body and be informed of our medical needs. The pancreas in our digestive system produces hormones and enzymes to help break foods down. The lipase enzyme is one of such enzymes which allow your cell nutrients and waste to move through your body. You need to be informed about your lipase levels and visit the doctor if you suffer from any of the symptoms given in the article.
We believe that good health is the most precious thing you can gift your body and mind. For a healthy body, your digestive system needs to be in perfect working order. Lipase levels are important enzymes secreted by the pancreas to ensure a healthy digestion and absorption of the cell nutrients in your body, along with the disposal of cell waste. Fortunately, abnormally high or low lipase levels should be treated by a doctor and can be countered by proper food, light exercise, zero alcohol intakes and regularity with medication.
All about Lipase Levels
Lipase levels need to be controlled to ensure better digestion and cell function, as any abnormality can be a sign of health problems. The pancreas produces lipase which is used to break down sugars and fatty foods; some lipase is found in our saliva, but most of it is released into the small intestine.
A normal lipase range in an average human being is 0-160 U/L. Normal lipase levels range change from the laboratory to laboratory. However, the pancreas sometimes secretes an excess of lipase or might even be deficient in it, which is an indication of disease.
Amylase and lipase levels are generally the same for pregnant women as well as non-pregnant women. Any increase or decrease in the levels of these enzymes during pregnancy should be diagnosed and treated the same way as with women who are not pregnant.
Process to Check Lipase Levels
Lipase levels are generally checked by taking a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for those with bleeding disorders, therefore, tell your doctor about this before your blood is taken.
High Lipase Levels: Indications
Symptoms of high lipase levels include:
- Excessive Sweating
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Weakness or vomiting
- Symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue and weight loss
The symptoms can be due to Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, gastroenteritis, cholecystitis, celiac disease, lipoprotein lipase deficiency, chronic kidney disease, intestinal problems or biliary cirrhosis. Drugs that can increase the lipase levels are codeine, indomethacin, morphine, birth control pills, thiazide diuretics and cholinergic drugs for which you need to tell your doctor.
How To Lower Lipase Levels
For those who need to lower their lipase levels the first step is to control alcohol intake. Follow a diet that is low in fat, low in red meat and high in fiber. Drink lots of water, follow an active lifestyle and be regular with medication. Otherwise, treatment for hyperlipasemia is urgent and patients need to be taken to a gastroenterologist or an endocrinologist if the mentioned symptoms are noticed. The patient might be prescribed the following –
a) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and Tylenol such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen
b) If you are advised to take NSAID drugs, acetaminophen may help.
c) Pancreatic enzymes in a pill form, taken with meals.
Low Lipase Levels: Symptoms
On the other hand, low lipase levels, which are lower than 110 U/L, can be indicated by the following symptoms –
- Diarrhea
- Involuntary urination
- Lactose intolerance
- Joint pain/Abdominal Pain/Gallbladder Pain
- Cystitis
- Skin problems like acne and rosacea
- Formation of fat deposits
These symptoms indicate permanent damage to the lipase producing cells or even chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. If left untreated, low lipase levels lead to diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol, deficiency of fat soluble vitamins and glycosuria.
For people who suffer from low lipase levels, lipase supplements in the form of capsules could be recommended by a physician. However, there could be side effects of such supplements such as allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock, decreased sleeping, nervousness and agitation. As this is a digestive enzyme, this could also affect your digestive processes such as an upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea for which you should consult your doctor.
Conclusion
To provide a conclusion, it must be emphasized that these symptoms require urgent treatment. Contact the best gastroenterologist or an endocrinologist immediately if you experience the following symptoms –
a) Nausea and acute loss of appetite
b) Diarrhea
c) High temperature
d) Excessive sweating or rapid heartbeat
e) Severe abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back
Patients with lipase level abnormalities need to be careful of their diet and exercise to ensure the proper working of their digestive system. Situations vary from one case to another. Therefore please consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms, side effects from medicines/supplements or if you have made any changes to your diet/lifestyle to ensure the proper lipase level control and recovery. Discover the detailed information and get genuine answers to all your queries regarding lipase levels, including their functions, abnormalities and their treatments to control the symptoms and walk one step closer to a healthy lifestyle.
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