The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food, especially fats.
The majority of gallstones are formed from cholesterol (which comprises only about 5% of bile) and grow because the liver begins secreting bile that is unusually saturated with cholesterol.The cholesterol then crystallizes to form stones while in storage in the gallbladder.
You can have gallstones without any symptoms. However, if the stones are large, they can block the duct that leads from the gallbladder. This can cause pain and require treatment. At first they may block the duct and move away, causing only occasional pain. Continuous blockage of the duct, however, can be life threatening and requires surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Gallbladders that cause pain are usually removed. There are no known problems caused by living without a gallbladder. Today, most gallbladder surgeries are performed with a laparoscope. This instrument shows the surgeon pictures of your gallbladder as it is being removed. The minimally invasive procedure allows for a smaller incision and a shorter hospital stay than traditional surgery.
Some drugs can dissolve stones, eliminating the need for surgery. However, it can take 2 years for a stone to dissolve, and gallstones often recur later.
Signs and Symptoms:
Pain, mostly on the upper right side of the abdomen
Pain following meals, intolerance of fatty foods
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite
1. One of the simplest things you can do to prevent and help flush your gallstones is drink plenty of water. Water will help maintain the water content of bile and also keep the gallbladder flushed. You should try to drink water throughout the whole day. A good rule of thumb would be 2 glasses of water for every 2 hours you are awake.
2. Your diet is also extremely important. Research has shown us that the best diet you can have if you suffer from gallstones is a low-fat and high fiber diet. This diet is also conducive to losing weight which is also beneficial for flushing and preventing gallstones. Research shows that if you are overweight, your chance of this disease increases.
Avoid coffee
Avoid fried foods, especially those that are deep-fried
Avoid carbonated beverages such as colas and sodas.
Avoid artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives.
Eat small meals
Increase intake of steamed vegetables, long and short grain brown rice.
Increase intake of broiled fish
Fresh vegetables and fruits as well as juices.
Apple butter instead of jam.
Yogurt, low-fat Kefir and cottage cheese.
3. A diet that flushes your gallbladder is one rich in water soluble dietary fiber. You should immediately supplement at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables. Vegetables with plenty of chlorophyll are also helpful.
4. Digestive enzymes- Take capsules at least 15 minutes before each meal. You will need to take enzymes for the rest of your life in order to digest fat so your digestive system does not get overloaded.
5. Peppermint Leaf- Preliminary clinical trials suggest that formulas containing peppermint and related terpenes (fragrant substances found in plants) can dissolve gallstones. A number of studies indicate that peppermint may aid in reducing the size of gallstones and thus help some people avoid surgery. Also known as a muscle relaxant and reduces inflammation.
6. Ginger Root- Shrinks liver tumors in animal testing. Also, impairs cholesterol absorption and stimulates the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids which further cleanses the liver and gall bladder. Ginger also inhibits platelet aggregation.
7. Fennel Seed- Helps open obstructions of the liver, gall bladder and spleen to ease painful swellings. Fennel is also used to treat yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps. Fennel seed has been used for centuries as a tasty culinary herb and also for its health properties. It can help to ease flatulence, assist with colic and aid indigestion. For the nursing mom, Fennel can help to increase the body in producing breast milk, It also works as an antispasmodic and has anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Green tea (Camelia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Note: green tea extracts may contain caffeine. Look for decaffeinated products.
9. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg 2 - 3 times daily, for liver and galbladder detoxification support.
10. The dandelion is a member of the sunflower family. For many years, dandelion has been used to cure a variety of ailments, including liver, kidney, gallbladder, and joint problems. Some believe that Dandelion can help with eczema, poor digestion, and diseases of the liver. Dandelion is a stimulant to the urinary organs, and can be used as a diuretic (the leaf) or a hepatic (the root). Chinese herbal traditions suggest taht dandelion can help with other conditions, such as jaundice, hepatitis, and problems with swelling of the eyes.
The above remedies are appropriate for pregnant or non-pregnant women, although there are additional modalities available to non-pregnant women.
These suggestions would also work for people who have fatty liver in pregnancy
Talk with your health care provider before you take any medication or supplement.
This site is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
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