What 7 Foods to Avoid If Alkaline Phosphatase Is High

What Is Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme your body uses for many processes. It’s mostly found in your liver, bones, bile ducts, and digestive system. Doctors check ALP levels through blood tests to spot problems with your liver or bones.

High ALP doesn't always mean something serious, but it can signal:

• Liver inflammation or damage
• Blocked bile ducts
• Bone disorders like Paget’s disease
• Infections, pregnancy-related conditions, or certain cancers

That’s why your doctor may recommend changes in your lifestyle and diet.

Why Diet Matters When ALP Is High

High ALP isn’t a condition on its own; it’s a clue that something else is going on. Certain foods can:

• Stress your liver
• Worsen inflammation
• Interfere with bone health

Eating well won’t fix the root cause, but it can help reduce stress on your body while your doctor investigates further.

7 Foods to Cut Out If Alkaline Phosphatase Is High

1. Alcohol

Alcohol puts direct stress on the liver. If your ALP is high because of liver inflammation or bile duct problems, alcohol can make the situation worse, even in small amounts.

Why avoid it:

• Damages liver cells
• Raises enzyme levels
• Delays recovery

What to drink instead:

Try sparkling water with lime, herbal teas, or infused water. If you’re used to having a drink at the end of the day, kombucha (in moderation) or non-alcoholic bitters with soda can be satisfying alternatives.

2. Fried and Fatty Foods

These include fast food, deep-fried snacks, heavy cream sauces, bacon, and high-fat cheese. They’re hard for your liver to process and are linked to fatty liver disease, a common cause of elevated ALP.

Why avoid it:

• Overload liver detox functions
• Increases inflammation
• Can worsen insulin resistance

What to eat instead:

Choose baked, grilled, or steamed dishes. Cook with olive oil instead of butter. Add creamy texture with avocado, hummus, or tahini instead of heavy sauces.

3. Sugary Drinks and High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Soft drinks, fruit punch, flavored coffees, and energy drinks often contain high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to liver inflammation and fatty liver disease.

Why avoid it:

• Promotes liver fat buildup
• Raises blood sugar quickly
• Offers no nutritional benefit

What to drink instead:

Go for unsweetened iced tea, water with citrus slices, or diluted 100% fruit juice. You can also enjoy sparkling water flavored with cucumber or mint.

4. Processed and Packaged Foods

Frozen meals, snack cakes, chips, and boxed foods are often packed with sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. These ingredients burden your liver and can lead to chronic inflammation.

Why avoid it:

• Contains artificial additives
• Increases oxidative stress on the liver
• Often high in trans fats and refined carbs

What to eat instead: Make meals at home using simple, whole ingredients. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you need quick meals, look for clean-label frozen veggies, canned beans (rinsed), or pre-cooked lentils.

5. Refined Carbohydrates

White bread, white rice, pastries, and sugary breakfast cereals digest quickly and spike blood sugar. That extra sugar turns into fat in your liver.

Why avoid it:

• Can worsen insulin resistance
• Low in fiber and nutrients
• Linked to poor liver health

What to eat instead: Switch to brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole-grain bread, or barley. These options provide steady energy and support better liver function.

6. Red and Processed Meats

Beef, pork, lamb, bacon, sausages, and deli meats are high in saturated fat and may contribute to inflammation. These meats are also harder for your liver to process, especially if your ALP levels are elevated due to liver-related issues.

Why avoid it:

• Increases liver strain
• Promotes inflammation
• Linked to chronic disease risk

What to eat instead:

Opt for chicken, turkey, tofu, lentils, or fish like salmon or cod. These provide protein without overloading your liver.

7. Foods Rich in Zinc and Phosphorus (in Excess)

Shellfish, organ meats, some fortified cereals, and nutritional supplements may contain high levels of zinc and phosphorus. While essential in small amounts, too much can trigger elevated ALP in some cases, especially when bone health is involved.

Why avoid it:

• Zinc is part of the ALP enzyme
• Phosphorus imbalance can affect bone markers
• It may not be necessary unless you’re deficient

What to eat instead: Get zinc and phosphorus from balanced sources like eggs, seeds, and whole grains. Avoid overusing supplements unless prescribed by a doctor.

Also important:

• Get enough vitamin D and calcium for bone support
• Avoid smoking, it’s strongly linked to high ALP

When to Talk to a Doctor

High ALP levels don’t mean much until the cause is clear. Always follow up with a healthcare provider, who may run:

• ALP isoenzyme tests (to find the source: liver vs. bone)
• Imaging (like liver ultrasound or bone scans)
• Liver function tests

Never rely on diet alone to manage a potentially serious condition.