Since both sugar, carbohydrates and protein undergo chemical changes in the liver, it is evident that a diet consisting of an excess of either, must overwork the liver, not only through the nutritive food elements absorbed, but through the toxic substances which must be absorbed,—due to the excessive amount of food not being digested as readily as a smaller amount. If the food remains in the intestines too long, it is attacked by the bacteria always present there, fermentation results and poisons are absorbed and carried to the liver, where they must be broken down and rendered harmless, so as not to affect other parts of the system. If for any reason the liver is diseased, overloaded, or its action is sluggish, it will not promptly oxidize these toxins.
One of the most important corrective agencies for an inactive liver is exercise directed to this organ, to bring a free supply of blood, and deep breathing of fresh air. It is apparent that the blood must carry its full quota of oxygen to assist in oxidizing both the nitrogenous waste and the poisons; and it must be remembered that the liver must oxidize the waste from its own tissues, as well as from other parts of the system.
It is apparent, from the above, that the regulation of diet for an abnormal liver must be more in the quantity than in the quality of food and in the perfect digestion. It depends also upon the activity of the intestines, since the poisonous products of imperfectly digested and fermenting food, not being regularly eliminated, must be absorbed and carried to the liver. It is to free the intestines of the waste containing the toxins that physicians give calomel and other strong cathartics, to work off the toxins. These cathartics also work off foodstuffs from the intestines before they are absorbed, so that the liver has more rest.
Torpid Liver or Billiousness. This condition is due to the sluggish action of this organ and a consequent failure to eliminate the bile through the bile ducts into the duodenum. It may be caused by inactivity and a resultant sluggish circulation of blood, to overwork of the liver, due to overeating, to breathing of impure air, or to insufficient breathing of pure air. It may also result from constipation and a resultant absorption of toxic matter as described above.
Many cases of billiousness are occasioned by obstruction of the opening of the bile ducts into the intestines, which is often occasioned by an excess of mucus in the duodenum. In such cases exercise for the intestines is clearly indicated.
In the bending, twisting and squirming movements which the infant in the cradle makes, the liver is regularly squeezed and relaxed. The same is true in the free movements of an active child at play. If during adult life these same free movements of bending and twisting the trunk were continued daily and correct habits of free breathing of pure air were established, there would be little call for “liver tonics.”
The elaboration of carbohydrates in the liver is an important part of its work and in case of inactive liver the sugars and starches should be limited, allowing that function to rest. Yet it is a mistake to allow a diet too rich in protein. The best method is to cut down the quantity of a mixed diet.
Two glasses of water an hour before breakfast followed by brisk exercise for the vital organs and deep breathing are important. The daily action of the bowels is imperative. In extreme cases a fast of two or three days, with a copious use of water, is recommended. Following this fast the diet should consist of easily digested foods, eliminating those containing starch and sugars in too great proportions, and it should be as limited as possible, consistent with the actual necessity for rebuilding and for energy.
Some authorities restrict fats in a diet for billiousness but the presence of fat in the duodenum stimulates the flow of pancreatic juice, which in turn stimulates the secretion of bile.