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Do you know someone who, after a meal, becomes bloated, dizzy, has diarrhea, or a headache behind their eyes? Do they feel nauseated, experience a bitter taste or have pain or indigestion after eating a food which has fat in it?
It's possible they could have a poorly functioning gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a reservoir directly under the liver which stores and concentrates bile for use by the digestive system. When fats are consumed the gallbladder contracts to release the proper amount of bile to emulsify the fats for digestion. If the bile in the gallbladder is too thick it can not be released easily. However, if the gallbladder is removed, the liver must take over the job of the gallbladder, but because it has no storage receptacle, concentrated bile is not available. The inability to emulsify dietary fat can result in diarrhea after a fatty meal, and if the gallbladder is sluggish it can cause bile to back up, which causes other symptoms such as, pain, bloating, nausea, headaches and shoulder/back pain.
The liver converts dietary fat into cholesterol, which is used to make bile, cell walls and hormones, among other things. If the liver is sluggish because of poor dietary choices, the bile becomes thick and the gall bladder becomes congested. If a meal contains more fat than the liver can utilize properly, it excretes the fats, as cholesterol, into the bile and the gallbladder passes it on to the intestinal tract for disposal. If the bile is thick and not able to break down the cholesterol it can remain in the gallbladder, where it sticks together and forms stones. These stones, with proper diet and supplementation, can be dissolved over time.
There are also other types of stones, which are not as common, that are more difficult to break down. They are created by bilirubin or bacteria which sometimes gets caught in a sluggish gallbladder.
Keeping the bile flowing is the best way to prevent gallstones. In many people, eating a diet which helps the body to emulsify fats, and avoiding saturated fats is enough to prevent gallbladder congestion.
Although gallbladder symptoms are common in our society, women seem to be affected more often than men, and pregnant women tend to be more prone to gallbladder attacks. There may also be a link to hypothyroidism, due to increased levels of cholesterol in the blood. Obese people tend to have more gallbladder symptoms than thin people and losing weight rapidly may also spark symptoms.
Surgery is a very common way to deal with gallstones. Although, surgery should be used as a last resort. When an infection has set in, or in the case of an obstructed bile duct, surgery is sometimes medically necessary. Most often, surgery can be avoided with close supervision and care from a natural health care practitioner who is well versed in gallbladder and liver health.
If you think you may be prone to gallbladder problems you can do a few things yourself to help prevent symptoms.
Avoid
Large meals, especially before bedtime
Saturated fats (greasy or fried foods)
Soda (which can cause stones to move)
Chocolate
Caffeine
Dairy Products
Processed Flours and Foods (crackers, white bread etc...)
Sugar
Use
Plenty of Clean Water, such as distilled or reverse osmosis
Omega 3 Oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, etc... for the production of bile)
Fiber - helps remove excess cholesterol, fats and sugars from the body
Turmeric - helps thin bile
Ginger - helps the digestion of fat
Chicory - helps the digestion of fat
Dandelion - helps with bile production, but can also cause the gallbladder to contract
Nutritional supplements to emulsify fat and thin the bile - as recommended
Apples
Pears
Grapes
Blackberries
Blueberries
Oranges
Cherry
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber
Beets
Celery
Broccoli
Beans
Cauliflower
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Spinach
Raisins
Prunes
Dried Apricots - Remember dried fruits are higher in sugar than whole fruit
Dried Dates
Get
Plenty of exercise
Fruits and vegetables can also be juiced, using beets, carrots and cucumbers can be beneficial to the gall bladder (100ml each twice a day), as well as fresh made apple juice or pear juice, which helps to thin the bile. It's important to eat alkalizing vegetables and fruit regularly to help the body maintain proper mineral levels, too.
Again, it is important to discuss liver and gallbladder health with your health care provider to ensure you have the proper balance of nutrients to support liver and gallbladder health. Nutritional supplementation, along with proper diet, can help to dissolve existing stones and prevent the formation of new stones.
If you have a sudden onset of pain, or are running a fever, a visit to the office may be in order. Do not try to treat yourself for a gallbladder attack. Gallbladder attacks can be serious and even fatal if not handled properly.
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