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Page 46 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com the enzyme that converts the amino acid methionine to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is a potent promoter of liver regeneration, thus inhibiting the liver's ability to repair itself. Cholestasis Cholestasis (blockage of bile flow), is not so much a liver disease in itself, as a manifestation of other liver disease processes. Bile, which is essential for digesting fats, is produced by special cells in the liver and stored in a pouch called the gallbladder, which is located outside the liver. Cholestasis may result from hepatitis or alcoholism, or any other condition, which damages bile-producing liver tissue or clogs the intrahepatic ducts that transport bile. e most commonly known form of cholestasis is due to gallstones. In this condition, rock-hard stones formed in the gall bladder from cholesterol and other substances impede the flow of bile from the gallbladder. It has been estimated that 20 million people in the U.S. have gallstones, related in large part to a low fiber diet. The Congested, Sluggish, Toxic Liver Although these are the most widely recognized liver ailments, it is possible that your liver may malfunction without your knowledge and, in the process, create scores of seemingly unrelated problems. is minimal loss of liver function, or subclinical liver dysfunction, known as sluggish liver or toxic liver is the result of the combined actions of different factors that impair the liver's numerous metabolic processes. ese actions can have profound effects on the state of your health. One important cause of a sluggish/toxic liver is diminished bile flow within the liver. e most common cause of a diminished bile flow is gallstones. Another major factor is the ingestion of alcohol and drugs. In some individuals, as little as an ounce of liquor can damage the liver and cause fat deposition. Finally, the constant onslaught of exogenous toxic chemicals and endotoxins that the liver is responsible for detoxifying can cause a toxic liver. Free radicals generated during the process of detoxification produce toxic effects on liver cells. Table 2 lists some of the agents responsible for a congested, sluggish and toxic liver. Millions of Americans are suffering from subclinical stages of liver disease. eir livers are congested, sluggish and toxic. Yet their laboratory values of liver functions, liver enzymes (AST, ALT), serum bile acid values, and other tests of hepatic function may all appear normal or only slightly askew. ese people oen complain of fatigue, allergies, chemical sensitivities, constipation, elevated cholesterol, post- Table 2 Potential Causes of Sluggish/Toxic Liver • Alcohol ingestion • Drugs: Acetaminophen, aminosalicylic acid, chlorothiazide, erythromycin estolate, phenylbutazone, sulphadiazine, thiouracil, thyroxine, phenobarbital, imipramine, methotrexate, hydrazines • Steroid hormones: anabolic steroid drugs, estrogens, oral contraceptives • Chemical pollutants: Aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalic acid esters, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, phenolic herbicides and pesticides, chlorinated drinking water, vinyl chloride • Molds • Spoiled foods • High fat/low fiber diet • Diseases: Hereditary disorders such as Gilbert's syndrome, hyperthyroidism • Endotoxins: Gram-negative bacteria, parasites, viruses • Pregnancy Table 3 Signs of a Sluggish Toxic Liver • Fatigue and malaise • Allergies and chemical sensitivities • Discomfort in the right abdomen • Constipation • Intolerance to eating fatty foods • Weight gain or weight loss • Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels • Skin blemishes and poor complexion • Intolerance to alcohol • Darkish urine meal discomfort, intolerance to fatty foods, and weight gain or weight loss ( Table 3). Everyday, more than 100 Americans die from liver- related illness. At the slightest indication that you may have a liver disorder, see your doctor immediately. ere are a number of safe and natural therapies that can protect and restore liver function, but it is wise to first see your health care professional. Once you have a "snapshot" of your liver's health, then you can begin to construct a sound and proactive hepato-protective plan. Remember that the liver has a tremendous capacity to heal itself.