How to recover from low cholinesterase levels
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, low cholinesterase levels may be caused by malnutrition, chronic sleep deprivation, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, and other treatments. Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs in daily life, maintain a light and easily digestible diet, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Generally, low cholinesterase levels may be caused by malnutrition, chronic sleep deprivation, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and under a doctor's guidance, improve the condition through lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Malnutrition: Long-term picky eating leading to insufficient protein intake results in a lack of raw materials for the liver to synthesize cholinesterase. Adjust the diet by consuming more high-quality protein foods such as eggs, milk, and lean meat, ensure balanced nutrition, and avoid excessive dieting.
2. Chronic sleep deprivation: Staying up late disrupts the liver’s metabolic rhythm and impairs cholinesterase synthesis. Maintain regular sleep habits, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep daily, avoid going to bed after midnight, and allow the liver sufficient rest.
3. Fatty liver: Fat accumulation damages liver cells and reduces cholinesterase production. Control high-fat intake, engage in aerobic exercise at least three times per week, and take medications such as silibinin capsules, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, or diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules as directed by a physician.
4. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B or C viruses destroy liver cells, leading to reduced cholinesterase synthesis. Patients with hepatitis B can follow medical advice to use entecavir tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, lamivudine tablets, and other antiviral drugs to suppress viral replication and protect the liver.
5. Cirrhosis: Widespread necrosis and fibrosis of liver cells severely impair cholinesterase synthesis. In addition to prescribed medications such as reduced glutathione tablets, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, tiopronin enteric-coated tablets, severe cases may require liver transplantation to replace the failing liver.
Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs in daily life. Eat light, easily digestible meals and consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Regularly recheck liver function to monitor changes in cholinesterase levels, and promote the restoration of normal values through scientific management.
