Before you know the important and adverse effects of high of globulin and how to lower globulin levels from your body, there are various other facts that you would need to know about Globulin.
What is Globulin?
Globulins are known to be a group of proteins that are present in your blood. Globulins are manufactured in the liver by the immune system and it plays a very vital role in liver functioning, blood clotting and fighting various kinds of infections. There are four main kinds of globulins present in the body called alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. The globulin levels in your body can be identified with the help of globulin tests, which include the
1. Total Protein Test
2. Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test
Globulin is also known to exist in various sizes among which the lightest globulins are the alpha globulins, which have molecular weights of around 93 kDa. The heaviest globulins are the gamma globulins, which weigh about 1193 kDa.
What is the Function of Globulin in the Body?
There are two main types of plasma proteins found in the blood. Serum albumins account for major 55% of blood proteins which helps to maintain the osmotic pressure of plasma. They assist in the transport of lipids and steroid hormones. Globulins make up 38% of blood proteins and transport ions, hormones, and lipids assisting in immune function.
Globulin Levels
There are various proteins, which are present in the body. Some of the proteins make certain cells and tissues while the others are distributed in the bloodstream. The serum proteins are found in the blood, which comprises of albumin, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins and gamma globulins. Globulins are also antibodies that can function as carriers. Immunoglobulin is an important component of the immune system. Low levels of protein usually suggest a deficiency of the antibodies. The globulin level ranges from 2.3 to 2.8 g/dl normal. The level should approximately be over 1.0 as a normal level.
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Low Globulin Levels in the Body
Low globulin levels in the body are caused by various kinds of diseases like Liver disease or kidney disease. Protein in the urine may be found in a negligible amount and this usually occurs when glomerulus, or formation of urine, prevents proteins, blood cells and other larger structures from passing. Liver disease can be detected by the low globulin count. Your Bilirubin level can also increase if jaundice is present. Marasmus, Celiac and inflammatory bowel disease and other malnutrition diseases can cause a low level of globulin. There are various symptoms, which are associated with low levels of globulin, and this is what makes diagnosing easy as well. The most common symptom of low levels of globulin is increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and edema located on the body’s limbs. If you have a low level of globulin then you must see a doctor who will do a blood test or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the underlying disease.
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Normal Globulin Levels in the Body
The normal result for Globulin is 2.6 – 4.6g/dl for Unisex gender and for all age groups. The normal ranges, however, vary from lab to lab. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Your doctor will also evaluate the results based on your health as well as other underlying factors. This actually means that, if a value falls outside the normal reference range, it may be normal in your scenario as well.
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High Globulin Levels in the Body
Various diseases in the blood like multiple myeloma, leukemia, or hemolytic anemia may cause high globulin levels in the body. Liver diseases, kidney disease, tuberculosis and autoimmune diseases also may cause them. High levels may indicate infection, inflammatory disease or immune disorders. High globulin levels may also indicate certain types of cancer. A lower A/G ratio may reflect that globulins are being overproduced as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases. If your globulin levels were really high you would have to know how to lower globulin levels in your body. There are various side effects of high globulin in your body. The person might experience chronic inflammation or leukemia. Autoimmune disease is also a probable symptom of high globulin.
What Causes High Globulin Levels?
Now that you know the low, normal range and high levels of globulin, you must also be aware of the causes of increased globulin causes.
- Globulin in your body usually increases if you have diseases in the blood like multiple myeloma, leukemia, or hemolytic anemia.
- Liver diseases, kidney disease, tuberculosis and autoimmune diseases also may cause them. Those with high globulin levels may be dealing with diseases such as leukemia, bone marrow conditions, autoimmunity diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions like liver disease, ulcerative colitis, carcinoid syndrome, kidney disease and other problems.
- If the globulin levels in pregnancy rise, then some additional screening would be necessary to identify the disorder so that you know how to lower globulin levels.
Cortisol binding globulin is important in the interpretation of dynamic tests. It is a serum alpha 2 globulin binding protein with limited capacity and high affinity for cortisol and it is known to bind 90% of the serum cortisol and the remaining free cortisol circulates in the free form. This is synthesized in the liver. These levels increase during pregnancy or after administration of estrogen.
How To Lower Globulin Levels (Naturally)
Foods to Avoid
Would you like to know how to lower globulin levels in your body? One of the best ways to reduce globulin count in your body is by avoiding high protein food products such as
- Soy, Hemp Seeds, Green Leafy Vegetables
- Red Meat, Eggs, Chicken, Fish
- Yogurt, Milk and Cheese which are rich in globulin
Foods to Eat
1. Fruits and Vegetables – In order to lower your globulin levels in blood you have to restrict the intake of proteins. Fruits and vegetables should be the main components of your diet.
2. Healthy Fats – Vegetable oils like safflower oil, olive oil, soybean or sunflower oils are low in proteins and are great sources of healthy fats. Just eating fruits and vegetables cannot give you the amount of calories required for the entire day. Thus, in order to compensate for the loss of calories, healthy fats should be included in your diet.
3. Nuts – Walnuts, Almonds and Cashews are also low in proteins but rich in calories. Candies, sweeteners and canned fruits can also be included in this diet.
Side Effects of High And Low Globulin
Side Effects of High Globulin
- Chronic Inflammation: This is the most probable thing one might experience with high globulin levels.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis or TB, which is a chronic disease can be ignited by high globulin levels. This disease is an airborne disease which means that it could be spread through the air.
- Leukemia: High globulin levels may lead to leukemia. Leukemia is detected when the production of white blood cells has increased and occurs mostly in adults.
- Autoimmunity: This is another side effect of high globulin levels in the blood. A great immune system combats all the foreign elements that may do some serious harm to the body. A person with autoimmunity not only has a weak immune system but a dysfunctional one as well.
- Carcinoid Syndrome: High globulin levels can also mean the development of carcinoid syndrome in the body which leads to other complications like diarrhea and flushing. At times diarrhea is a serious condition as it causes dehydration in the body.
Side Effects of Low Globulin
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