Gilbert syndrome: Elevated bilirubin levels in the liver

Back when I was just nine years old (I’m seventeen now), I was diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome. Since then, I've had to be really careful about avoiding alcohol and cutting way back on fizzy sodas. The very first sign was my face and especially my eyes turning a bit yellow. Because of that, I’m curious to hear what you guys know about this—how do you manage it, what precautions do you take, and does anyone use specific treatments to deal with it?

My bilirubin levels were high too. Like, double the normal limit, sitting at around 46 or something.
My bilirubin was also elevated. I know plenty of people dealing with this. It came up during my military physical, but they never actually told me it was a disease.
I don't have any symptoms. They just told me to skip the alcohol, stay away from soda, and cut out stuff like Gatorade. I don't even have jaundice.

I’ve noticed an increase in my bilirubin levels as well... I think it was sitting at around 42 when I last had it checked, though honestly, I can't quite remember how many years it's been since that measurement...

I’ve always just had naturally pale skin... back in the day, I used to go pretty hard on the Bud Light, probably knocking back two liters a day without a second thought... lately, though, I’ve cut way back because I mostly stick to water... I don't necessarily avoid anything specific regarding that bilirubin issue, but for now, I’m feeling fine enough😁

Even though they haven't officially diagnosed me with any sort of Gilbert syndrome or whatever you want to call it... though maybe they have and I just haven't caught wind of it yet🤔 😬

There isn't some magic pill out there to fix it, but honestly, from what I've seen, if you actually listen to your doctor and stick to the routine, it doesn't really throw any major wrenches in your life.

The recruiter totally messed me up during my intake, so I ended up having to donate blood twice just to get it sorted out.

Morgan Cook5 said:When I was nine years old (I’m 17 now), they diagnosed me with Gilbert's syndrome. Now I'm told I have to watch my alcohol intake and cut back on carbonated drinks. The first sign was my face and especially my eyes turning yellow. I'm looking for any information you guys have—how do you manage this, how do you stay safe, etc.? Is there any specific treatment for it?

I deal with this too. It's incredibly common. My eyes get that yellowish tint, especially when I'm exhausted, staring at a screen for too long, or spending too much time out in the sun. A friend of mine who works in medicine tells me it's essentially nothing and doesn't actually harm your body. So, what's the deal with the restrictions on alcohol and soda? It feels a bit excessive.
But she did mention that a huge number of people are living with it without even realizing they have it.

My 16-year-old son ended up with elevated bilirubin levels—nothing to panic about, really—and our doctor mentioned it’s actually quite common. Apparently, plenty of people go through life without ever realizing their levels are even high.
He hasn't had to change his diet or cut out any specific foods or drinks at all.

At my last checkup, I was sitting at 76 or something! And honestly, I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that folks with high blood pressure are getting completely exempted from military service lately.

Gilbert is just a genetic quirk where a specific liver enzyme doesn't quite perform up to par. It’s no massive ordeal; the main giveaway is just that my eyes look a bit yellowish.

Back in the day, maybe three or four years ago, you didn't have to deal with the military over stuff like this. But I guess they realized too many people were showing up with it, so now they're even going after anyone with elevated bilirubin levels

So, a buddy of mine went in for his military physical earlier this year, and get this—they actually cleared him from service because his hemoglobin levels were through the roof. Apparently, he’s basically walking around with a surplus of red blood cells. It was like finding a hidden stash of rubies in a coal mine!

I’ve been living with Gilbert’s syndrome for about ten years now.
Unfortunately, the military didn't give me a pass because of it.
From what I’ve gathered, your bilirubin levels don't stay high all the time; they mostly spike when your body is under fire—think things like a nasty flu, fasting, intense stress, or just being completely wiped out. Usually, my levels hover around 15, but if I catch a virus, that number can shoot straight up to 95 or even 100.
It’s nothing to panic about, though I always end up having to do a second blood test just so the doctors can double-check they haven't made a mistake. These days, I make sure to tell them beforehand, "Hey, I have Gilbert’s, so don't freak out if my bilirubin looks high."
As for alcohol and everything else, don't sweat it—you can still enjoy a drink in moderation (trust me, I've tested that theory).
The only real side effect I deal with is when my white matter looks a bit yellowish, but even that only happens when those levels spike.

Morgan Cook5 said:Back when I was 9 (I'm 17 now), they diagnosed me with Gilbert's syndrome. Now I'm told I have to watch my alcohol intake and cut back on carbonated drinks... the first sign was my face and especially my eyes turning yellow. I'm looking for any info you guys might have—how do you manage it? How do you stay healthy? Is there any specific treatment out there?!?

I've got it too, and I still drink... just don't act like it's no big deal! 🤣

I’ve been diagnosed with Gilbert’s syndrome. I actually got a deferment from the military, and they told me I’ll most likely be fully cleared once I submit one last set of lab results. My bilirubin levels tend to fluctuate, but they always run pretty high... both times I had my blood drawn, it was over 90. I don't touch alcohol because my hangovers are absolutely brutal... seriously, they are pure torture. My eyes get yellowed, and even my skin changes color... with Gilbert's, the intensity just fluctuates.

For most people, it isn't really an issue, and honestly, it usually isn't for me either... but there are those moments where I wish I didn't have it. I get wiped out so easily; sometimes I'm traveling all day and barely have time to grab a bite to eat... and then I get this feeling like I've been hit by a truck. It sucks. Has anyone else gone through something similar? 👎