Impairment of bile flow within the liver can be caused by a variety of agents and conditions, as listed in Table 2. However, relying on these tests alone to evaluate liver function is not adequate, since, in the initial or subclinical stages of many problems with liver function, laboratory values remain normal. Among the symptoms people with enzymatic damage may complain of are fatigue, general malaise, digestive disturbances, allergies and chemical sensitivities, premenstrual syndrome, and constipation. Perhaps the most common cause of cholestasis and impaired liver function is alcohol ingestion. In some especially sensitive individuals, as little as 1 oz of alcohol can produce damage to the liver, which results in fat being deposited within the liver.
All active alcoholics demonstrate fatty infiltration of the liver.
The first step in supporting proper liver function is following a health promoting diet low in animal foods and sugar, and high in whole plant foods such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Such a diet will provide a wide range of essential nutrients the liver needs to carry on its important functions. In contrast, a diet rich in dietary fiber, particularly the water-soluble fibers, promotes increased bile secretion. Alcohol stresses detoxification processes and can lead to liver damage and immune suppression, but it is related to how much you drink and how healthy your liver is. A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral is a must in trying to deal with all the toxic chemicals we are constantly exposed to.