Preventing/Reversing Gallbladder Disease

Your gallbladder is a pouch below the liver which stores a fat emulsifying liquid known as bile. A small amount of cholesterol in the bile is normal, but when there is too much cholesterol, it may form crystals, or stones. Normally bile acids and lecithin in the gallbladder prevent this from happening, but a number of factors including diet, genetics, liver health, history of pregnancy, and certain hormones can exert an influence. Most gallstones are made almost completely of cholesterol, but some contain other substances. The medical term for having gallstones is cholelithiasis.

While many people have gallstones that never cause problems, gallstones are most often found when there is inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis. Whether the inflammation or the stones comes first is often impossible to ascertain.

The main goals of Naturopathic treatment are to decrease inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder, and to decrease the cholesterol saturation of the bile. In terms of diet, the treatment is the same for both conditions.

While being overweight is associated with increased risk of gallbladder disease, rapidly losing weight can increase the cholesterol in the bile, and thus is not a good idea is you have gallbladder disease.

Minimize fats, especially if you are symptomatic: fats will stimulate the gallbladder to contract, which can be painful. Fatty foods include dairy products, fired moods, meats, chocolate, nuts, olives, avocado, gravy, cream sauces, mayonaise etc. If you are asymptomatic, high quality fats in moderation can be used to keep the bile flowing. This includes fish, soy, olive oil, natural vegetable oils and flax oil.

Avoid refined and processed foods, as they are generally high in fat and sugar and low in fiber. All of these factors are capable to promoting gallstone formation.

Fiber binds fats, preventing their absorption. High fiber foods include vegetables, fruit, gains and legumes. This may be part of the reason that vegetarians have a lower risk for gallstones.

Foods which you are sensitive to can trigger attacks. Most commonly these foods include eggs, oinions, pork and dairy products. Some people find spicey foods are a problem.

WATER, WATER, WATER! Drink at least 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses of water daily to keep your system hydrated.

Coffee and alcohol are best left alone; they stress the liver and can predispose you to symptoms.

Beets and artichokes tend to nourish the liver. Eat them if you like them. A number of herbs are useful to decrease gallbladder irritation and stone formation. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor to discuss which ones would be best for your particular condition. Never do a "gallbladder flush" without the advice and supervision of a trained and licensed healthcare professional. Dr. van Loon does not advise gallbladder flushes.

This article is of a general nature and is not intended as treatment advice. Please contact your health care provider before undertaking any course of treatment.

Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.