It may be occasioned also by obstruction of the opening of the bile duct into the intestines from an excess of mucus in the duodenum. In such cases exercises for the intestines are 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 of 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 transformation 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 in the diet. Protein stimulates the activity of the liver, yet it is a mistake to allow a diet too rich in protein. The best method is to cut down the quantity of food.
Two glasses of water an hour before breakfast, followed by brisk exercise for the vital organs and deep breathing, are the best remedies.
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 sugar in too great proportions, as bread, cereals, and potatoes. The amount should be as limited as is consistent with the actual necessity for rebuilding and for energy.
The taking of fats should be restricted in biliousness. The presence of fat in the duodenum stimulates the flow of pancreatic juice, which in turn stimulates the secretion of bile, thus overworking the liver.
Lemon stimulates the action of the gastric glands and thus tends to increase the liver activity.
It has been thought that eggs and milk cause sluggish liver action. There is no physiological reason for this if too much food is not eaten. The fact is often lost sight of that milk is a food as well as a beverage and that when milk constitutes an appreciable part of the diet other foods should be limited accordingly.
The DIET may be selected from the following: