Causes of High Bilirubin Levels + How to Reduce Them Naturally
Overview
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when old red blood cells break down in the body. This bilirubin travels to the liver, gets processed, and is finally removed through bile.
When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it causes jaundice, which appears as yellowing of the skin, eyes, and urine.
High bilirubin is not a disease by itself — it is a warning sign of liver problems, bile duct blockage, blood disorders, or digestive issues.
This article explains the medical causes, symptoms, and natural reduction methods along with serious situations when high bilirubin becomes dangerous.
Medical Causes of High Bilirubin (Hyperbilirubinemia)
1. Liver Diseases
The liver plays the main role in clearing bilirubin.
When the liver is inflamed or damaged, bilirubin increases.
Common conditions:
- Hepatitis A, B, C
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Liver cirrhosis
- Autoimmune liver disorders
2. Bile Duct Blockage
If bile cannot flow properly, bilirubin accumulates.
Causes:
- Gallstones
- Bile duct narrowing
- Tumors
- Pancreatic inflammation
3. Hemolysis (Increased RBC Breakdown)
When red blood cells break down too quickly, bilirubin rises sharply.
Reasons:
- Hemolytic anemia
- Sickle cell disease
- Certain drugs
- Infections
- Genetic RBC disorders
4. Gilbert Syndrome
A harmless condition where bilirubin is slightly elevated.
It is caused by a mild enzyme deficiency.
5. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol inflames liver cells and blocks biliary flow, increasing bilirubin.
6. Viral or Bacterial Infections
Infections like malaria, dengue, or typhoid can raise bilirubin due to liver stress.
7. Genetic/Born Conditions
Some genetic disorders affect bilirubin processing:
- Crigler–Najjar
- Dubin–Johnson syndrome
- Rotor syndrome
8. Medications
Certain medicines increase bilirubin:
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Anti-TB drugs
- Oral contraceptives
Dehydration and Its Role in High Bilirubin
Dehydration reduces liver blood flow and thickens bile, slowing bilirubin removal.
Causes include:
- Not drinking enough water
- High fever
- Excess sweating
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Proper hydration significantly helps bilirubin clearance.
Chronic Diseases Linked With High Bilirubin
1. Chronic Liver Disease
Long-term fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis commonly raise bilirubin.
2. Pancreatic Disorders
Pancreas inflammation can block bile flow, raising bilirubin.
3. Gallbladder Problems
Repeated gallstone attacks affect bile ducts and increase bilirubin.
4. Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune liver diseases interfere with bilirubin metabolism.
Smoking and Alcohol Effects
Smoking reduces oxygen supply and increases RBC breakdown.
Alcohol damages liver cells, slows metabolism, and thickens bile.
Both raise bilirubin and worsen jaundice.
Symptoms of High Bilirubin Levels
Common Symptoms
- Yellow eyes (whites turn yellow)
- Yellow skin
- Dark yellow or brown urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
Severe Symptoms
- Continuous vomiting
- Swelling in abdomen
- Confusion
- Severe abdominal pain
These require urgent medical care.
How to Reduce High Bilirubin Naturally at Home
(Note: Natural methods help only when bilirubin is mildly elevated.
Moderate to high values require medical treatment.)
1. Improve Hydration
Drink:
- Water
- ORS
- Coconut water
- Fresh fruit juices
Hydration improves bile flow and helps bilirubin clearance.
2. Eat a Liver-Friendly Diet
Include:
- Fruits: papaya, apple, grapes
- Vegetables: spinach, beetroot, carrot
- Whole grains
- Lemon water
- Herbal teas (dandelion, milk thistle — with doctor’s approval)
Avoid:
- Fried food
- Processed snacks
- Red meat
- Excess oil
- Spicy food
3. Reduce Fatty and Oily Food
Helps reduce liver load and improve digestion.
4. Completely Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol worsens bilirubin levels and delays liver healing.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases oxidative stress and can worsen jaundice.
6. Improve Gut Health
A healthy intestine improves bilirubin metabolism.
Include:
- Probiotics
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Oats
7. Rest Well
Body repairs liver cells during rest, helping bilirubin clearance.
Supplements That May Help (Safe Note)
Only with a doctor’s guidance:
- Milk Thistle – supports liver function
- Vitamin B-complex – helps RBC metabolism
- Curcumin – reduces inflammation
- Probiotics – improve gut-liver axis
⚠ Avoid self-medication.
⚠ Never take herbal mixes without medical supervision.
When High Bilirubin Becomes Dangerous
Seek urgent medical care if bilirubin rises above:
- >3 mg/dL with symptoms
- >5 mg/dL causes visible jaundice
- >10 mg/dL requires hospital evaluation
- >20 mg/dL can indicate severe liver failure (emergency)
Danger increases if:
- Skin becomes very yellow
- Urine is dark brown
- Stools lose color
- You develop fever and abdominal pain
Test Preparation
To prepare for bilirubin testing:
- Fast 8–10 hours before test
- Avoid alcohol for 48–72 hours
- Inform doctor about medications
- Drink enough water
- Avoid heavy meals a night before
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Skin or eyes turn yellow
- Urine becomes dark yellow or brown
- You feel severe fatigue
- Abdominal pain occurs
- Appetite drops
- Fever appears
- Bilirubin crosses 3 mg/dL
- You have chronic liver disease
- Jaundice does not improve within a few days
Important Word Explanations
- Bilirubin: Yellow pigment produced during RBC breakdown.
- Jaundice: Yellow discoloration of eyes/skin due to high bilirubin.
- Hyperbilirubinemia: High bilirubin levels.
- Hemolysis: Increased breakdown of red blood cells.
- Bile Duct: Pathway through which liver removes bilirubin.
- Fatty Liver: Fat accumulation in liver cells.
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