The liver is a vital organ that makes a large contribution to digestion. The liver is responsible for creating a substance called bile, which gets transported into the gallbladder. Bile is used to help break down dietary fats. The liver also acts as the body's filtration system: it filters out toxins that enter the body and eliminates the toxins that can't be broken down. There are a few digestive problems that may interfere with proper liver functionality.
Gallstones
Gallstones are collections of hardened digestive fluid that collect inside of the gallbladder, which also holds bile that is important to digestion. Gallstones can block the bile ducts that allow bile to flow freely during digestion. This can result in partial digestion of food, which can hinder the overall function of the liver. It is necessary for bile to properly break down the fats and toxins consumed in foods so the liver can complete its task when the nutrients reenter the liver. According to MayoClinic.com, gallstones usually occur when there is too much cholesterol in the bile.
Bile Duct Obstruction
Another digestive problem of the liver is known as bile duct obstruction. This condition occurs when a block in the bile duct doesn't allow bile to release from the liver into the gallbladder. When the bile duct is obstructed, bile builds up in the liver and causes a series of serious health problems that interfere with digestion and possibly harm other functions of the body. For example, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the buildup of bile in the liver can cause jaundice, or yellowing of the skin.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease may cause problems with digestion because it causes the liver to become damaged. Scar tissue is created when too many fat cell deposits form in the liver. Scar tissue weakens the liver, causing it to not properly perform its regular duties in digestion. According to the American Liver Foundation, fatty liver disease can be reversed if individuals avoid alcohol, lose excess weight and eat a well-balanced diet. Common symptoms of fatty liver disease include edema, or swelling, yellowing skin and a sudden loss of weight. Extreme scarring of the liver will eventually lead to liver failure.
