Gallbladder Disorders: Prevention and Elimination

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Gallbladder Disorders: Prevention and Elimination

The gallbladder, while not a part of the liver, is an important

accessory organ to the liver. This organ serves as a storage tank for

bile. One of the primary functions of the liver is to make bile.

Bile is a liquid containing, among other substances, bile pigments,

bile salts, and cholesterol. Bile is essential for the digestion of

fats and oils. Bile does not contain digestive enzymes. Its purpose

is to emulsify fat so that enzymes excreted by the pancreas can break

them down. In other words, without bile, fat digesting enzymes can

not complete the job of digestion; this would lead to serious

nutritional deficiencies and disease.

The most common abnormal condition associated with the gallbladder is

the accumulations of gallstones. Gallstones are almost always made up

of cholesterol and pigment.

The most common causes of gallstone formation:

Dietary Factors:

The best explanation I read about why gallstones form as a result of

dietary factors is written by Dr. Ted Morter's in his book, Fell's

Official Know-It-All-Guide: Health & Wellness, in a chapter called, " A

Cruise Down The Alimentary Canal " , pgs. 69-82.

Dr. Morter believes that the typical American diet of processed foods

and heavy consumption of meat, fat, and refined sugars, with few

high-fiber foods, has been correlated with increased incidence of

gallstones. WHY?

Dr. Morter explains that foods are of two types, acid or alkaline.

This refers to the ash value of a food which means the type of residue

that remains after the food is digested and processed. Is it acid, or

is it alkaline? If there is an acid residue (inorganic acids), the

body must neutralize this acid to keep the blood from becoming acidic.

The acid is neutralized with alkaline. Ideally there is adequate

alkaline in the diet to do this. However, if there is not, the body

must extract alkaline from its cells to neutralize the acid. This, of

course, causes the cells to become acidic, and thus diseased. The

main determining factor of alkaline is organic minerals. One can

equate organic minerals with alkaline for better understanding.

The breakdown of foods into acid ash and alkaline ash categories would

generally be as follows:

Meats, poultry, fish = Very acid

Dairy products, eggs = Acid

Cereals, grains = Acid

Some fruits and vegetables (cranberries, blueberries, plums, prunes,

squash) = Acid

Overcooked fruits/vegetables = Acid

Sugars, refined foods = Acid

Fruits, vegetables (raw) = Alkaline

Nuts, seeds (almonds, pecans, cashews, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower) =

Alkaline

Sprouted grains = Alkaline

All chemical processes have an ideal pH at which they are most

efficient. Our internal body chemistry functions in an alkaline

environment. Our blood for example must maintain a pH of 7.4. If it

drops below that to 7.2 we die. The fluids in body cells of healthy

people are alkaline. The more acid the cells become, the sicker we

become. The cells will not die until their pH gets to about 3.5.

Our bodies produce acid as a by-product of normal metabolism. This is

the result of burning or using alkaline to carry out life. Since our

bodies do not manufacture alkaline (minerals), we must supply the

alkaline from an outside source to keep us from becoming acidic and

thus die. Food is the means of replenishing the alkalinity (minerals)

to the body.

As a result of the " Typical American Diet " that leaves acid ash

residue, the gallbladder bile becomes acidic because its alkaline

properties (i.e., sodium) is reabsorbed and put back into the

bloodstream. Sodium is a primary contributor to the bicarbonate

buffer system which is one of the systems that keeps the body from

becoming too acid. If a person eats mostly acid foods (meats, dairy,

grains...etc.) and doesn't eat much fruits and vegetables to provide

organic sodium to work the bicarbonate buffer system, the body will

take the sodium from gallbladder bile. With the sodium gone,

cholesterol is left high and dry in the gallbladder to turn into

stones. It is far more important for the body to be able to remain

slightly alkaline than it is for it to prevent cholesterol from

solidifying in the gallbladder (cholesterol in the gallbladder stays

in liquid form when bile salts are present - when the salts are gone,

cholesterol will solidify into stones).

Eating too much acid producing foods every day (Typical American

Diet), means the body needs the sodium from the gallbladder to

neutralize the daily excess acid that is affecting body cells.

Other dietary factors that contribute to gallstones formation are

related to nutritional deficiencies, again, as a result of refined

foods. Deficiencies in either vitamin C or vitamin E have been shown

to promote gallstones in test subjects, while control groups eating a

diet with foods high in vitamin C and E remained free of stones.

(Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D. Nutritional Influences on Illness. Tarzana,

CA: Third Line Press, 1988).

Estrogen Dominance:

Estrogen dominance means estrogen unbalanced by progesterone; an

outcome exposure to or ingestion of estrogen mimics or environmental

estrogens and consumption of excess amounts of dietary forms of

estrogen (soy, or herbal forms of estrogen such as black cohosh and

sage). According to Dr. Lee, excess estrogen in the body

inhibits liver enzymes needed to convert cholesterol to bile salts.

Prescription Drugs:

The greatest drug-related cause of gallstones is estrogen, both

natural and synthetic; including that found in birth control pills and

estrogen replacement therapy. Additionally, cholesterol-lowering

drugs increase the risk of gallstones by increasing cholesterol

secretion in the bile. In one study of 3,800 people, those taking an

anti-cholesterol drug had 22% more bile diseases and a 45% increase in

gallstones. (R.L. and E.R. Pinckney, The Cholesterol Conspiracy.

Sherman Oaks, CA: Vector Enterprises, 1992).

Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery is now frequently used to remove the gallbladder.

Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder is the most frequently

performed procedure. However, stones may recur in the remaining ducts.

Alternative surgical treatment - Lithotripsy is a treatment

infrequently done in certain cases, in which sound waves are used to

smash the gallstones, while the patient is under anesthesia, similar

to the procedure for kidney stones.

The disadvantages to removing the gallbladder are that bile salts are

no longer concentrated in the gallbladder so they can cause a bile

diarrhea. When bile comes directly out of the liver, the small

intestine must adapt, which it eventually does. Post syndrome

diarrhea can last from six to twelve months after surgery.

In general, when the gallbladder is surgically removed, fat digestion

is greatly hindered. The tiny amount of bile that drains directly

from the liver into the intestine is not enough to function adequately

in fat digestion when even moderate amount of fat are consumed. This,

of course, leads to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and to

digestive problems.

Bile must be present in the intestine to properly absorb fat-soluble

vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and beta carotene). The consequence of

not getting enough of these vitamins may not be immediately

noticeable, but over time will manifest itself in a variety of ways.

The best advice for anyone suffering from gallbladder disorders is to

change one's lifestyle and work with natural remedies to reverse the

condition without surgery. However, there is a point of no return

after which gallbladder surgery is necessary to save a life.

Prevention and Elimination of Gallbladder Disorders:

For elimination and prevention of gallbladder disorders, nutritional

and medical experts recommend certain supplements while adhering to a

strict diet to solve gallbladder conditions.

Gallbladder flushes:

Gallbladder flushes, in which people consume large amounts of olive

oil, have become a popular home remedy in recent years. Many medical

experts believe this procedure to be dangerous, especially for someone

who has large gallstones, because heavy consumption of oil can cause

gallbladder contraction. The contractions increase the chances of

biliary obstructions-that is, a stone stuck in the bile duct, which

requires immediate surgery.

If you decide to embark on a kidney and gallbladder flushes, there are

many books that can give you details on how to do that. However,

such flushes should be used on the advice of an experienced and

well-trained health care professional. Refer to the list of books at

the end of this article to learn more about kidney and gallbladder

flushes.

However, here's a gentle gallbladder flush that can help greatly

without any side-effects. An old oriental folk remedy used for

emulsifying gallbladder stones is a plant called hydrangea. The part

of the plant that is used medicinally is the root. Hydrangea root is

one of the, if not the most, powerful herbs known for dissolving

calculus deposits in the kidneys and gallbladder.

The following formula is one recommended by Dr. Shook in his

classic herbal textbook, Advanced Treatise in Herbology, and has been

proven to be safe and effective:

One Quart pure apple juice (organic) and 2 ounces hydrangea root

(chopped). Soak hydrangea root in the juice for 12 hours. Put the

juice and root on the stove and bring to a boil. Slowly simmer for 30

minutes. Let cool, strain out hydrangea root, and bottle. Keep juice

in the refrigerator. Drink a cupful three to four times a day. There

are no side effects or danger of overdose as this formula is

completely harmless.

Hydrangea root can be purchased whole at good health food stores. It

can also be obtained as a tincture. In tincture form it is most

convenient. To prepare a dose, simply fill a cup with apple juice and

add 20-30 drops of hydrangea tincture. Drink it warm or cold. This

way you avoid the trouble of heating the juice/hydrangea mixture and

straining out the root afterwards.

Dietary Recommendations:

Researcher J.C. Breneman reports that 100% of his patients found

relief of gallbladder symptoms while on an elimination diet of rye,

brown rice, cherries, peaches, apricots, beets and spinach. Other

foods that support gallbladder health are apples, artichoke, parsley,

pears, carrots, turmeric, wild blue green algae, wheat grass juice,

olive oil, celery, and watercress.

The following foods were found to cause negative symptoms (in

descending order of occurrence): eggs, pork, onions, fowl, milk,

coffee, citrus, corn, beans, and nuts. Eggs caused gallbladder

attacks in 93% of the patients, pork in 64%, and onions in 52%. (J.C.

Breneman, " Elimination Diet as the Most Effective Gallbladder Diet. "

ls of Allergy 26 (1968), 83.)

Other foods that should be avoided are cucumbers, radishes, cabbage,

chocolate, and tomatoes. Check to see if any of the above foods,

especially eggs, give you symptoms of gallbladder stress such as

burping or nausea after meals, a pain between the shoulder blades, or

clay-colored stools (from lack of bile), among other indications.

In general, increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber

foods, especially those containing soluble fiber. Avoid consumption

of fatty foods, all fried foods, all commercial oils, margarine and

other hydrogenated oils, unsaturated oils with the exception of extra

virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil, all refined sugars, and

refined white flour.

A high fiber diet protects from gallbladder disease by binding

cholesterol and bile salts, and decreasing intestinal transit time. A

high fiber diet can only be achieved with unprocessed, unrefined

foods. Unfortunately, the typical American diet provides very little

of the needed foods daily. Raw vegetables are good sources of fiber

because they contain the cellulose the body needs to break down the

fiber. The best source is raw carrots; their fiber binds many colon

toxins.

Specific foods and their benefits for liver and gallbladder:

APPLE: Apples cleanse the liver and gallbladder (especially green

apples).

BLUEBERRY: Has medicinal properties for liver and blood.

CARROTS: Excellent for liver rejuvenation and cleansing.

CHICORY: Both the root and the greens, is an excellent tonic that

cleanses and helps regulate the liver and gallbladder.

KALE: It can ease liver congestion.

LEMON: It benefits bile formation and therefore supports liver function.

OLIVE OIL: In the Middle East, extra virgin olive oil is highly

regarded for its ability to support liver and gallbladder functions.

ORANGE: Used in ancient times for its medicinal properties for those

with liver weakness because it's a liver cleanser.

BLUE GREEN ALGAE (Wild Crafted): It helps lower cholesterol and

suppresses fatty accumulations in the liver.

TURMERIC: Helps tone the liver and is known as a liver regenerator.

Nutritional Supplements:

Enzyme Therapy:

Enzymes, besides being a great digestive aid, are anti-inflammatory

agents and aid in clearing and cleaning the lymphatic system. Enzyme

therapy is a systematic approach to using different types of enzymes

in large amounts to help the body clean and clear itself of toxins.

Three types of enzymes, when used in combination, have the best

synergistic effect on reducing inflammation: papain, bromelain and

plant-based enzymes. This formula is ideal for use in enzyme therapy

and is micro-blended with foods high in minerals such as wild blue

green algae - http://tinyurl.com/ey8l .

Continue to take two enzymes before each meal for proper digestion.

In addition, start using enzymes on an empty stomach before meals.

Start by taking one capsule between meals and one capsule before bed

time. ie., between breakfast and lunch take one capsule, repeat

between lunch and dinner and at bed time. Increase after a few days

and take two each of the enzymes, then three and then four. You can

continue to increase beyond these amounts depending on the progress

taking place. It is common to take up to 30 enzyme capsules a day.

There are absolutely no side effects from such high usage of enzymes,

only good results. Results are felt, but usually take place very

slowly.

Always remember you are not working with drugs. You are working with

plant and fruit base enzymes to heal your body. So, please be patient

and allow a little extra time for these enzymes to work.

Dr. Lee says that enzymes taken long enough (the length of time

depends on the severity of the gallbladder condition) will help

maintain or decrease the size of gallstones. There is no standard

length of time because each case is individual and depends upon the

causative factors.

Friendly Bacteria:

Dr. Trent Nichols, M.D., believes that one of the factors for

developing gallstones is bacteria. He believes that they apparently

can initiate the core formation of the stone, called the nidus.

Friendly bacteria such as acidophilus, bifidus, L. bulgaricus, L.

plantarum, L. salivarius....etc., will create an intestinal

environment that is inhospitable to harmful bacteria.

One of the best friendly bacteria products in the market today is a

wide-spectrum friendly bacteria supplement micro-blended with

fructo-oligosaccharides. Following are its ingredients:

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium bifidum,

Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus

plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus faecium,

Streptococcus thermophilus, Acerola and Rose Hips blend, wild blue

green algae, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lipase, Amylase, Protease, and

Cellulase - http://tinyurl.com/6gzqa .

Whole Food Supplements:

+ Red beet is one of the best foods to support the liver and

gallbladder. Find a supplement that can give you organically grown

beet leaves and beet roots powder. The therapeutic part of the beet

is its naturally occurring betaine which comes from the leaf and root

of the plant. Betaine has long been shown to be an effective agent

promoting the transportation of fats and helping to prevent the

accumulation of fat in the liver.

+ Wild blue green algae supplements (http://tinyurl.com/g1iz and

http://tinyurl.com/iw4k) helps lower cholesterol and suppresses fatty

accumulations in the liver. Take up to 3 grams a day (10 to 15

capsules).

What is remarkable about wild blue green algae is its minerals

content. Ounce for ounce, wild blue green algae is higher in minerals

than any other class of foods. Sodium, boron, chromium, zinc,

copper,.....you name it, is in wild blue green algae. All the

minerals in wild blue green algae are held tightly and deeply within

the very core of hundreds of transformative enzyme systems. Minerals

in wild blue green algae are naturally-chelated and are directly

assimilated and more easily put to work within our own similar, but

vastly more complex system of enzymes. As a result, each of our cells

function more smoothly, especially the cells in our largest

detoxifying organ, the liver.

+ Wheat grass: A good source of amino acids, vitamins, and

minerals. It can nourish the blood and aid the liver in detoxification.

+ Turmeric: Helps tone the liver and is known as a liver regenerator.

+ Wheat Sprouts: To promote liver cell regeneration. Use wheat

sprouts micro-blended with blue green algae and red marine algae -

http://tinyurl.com/6vxtu.

+ Coconut Oil: For those suffering from gallbladder disorders or

for anyone who has had their gallbladder removed, using coconut oil in

place of other oils will greatly benefit them. Because coconut oil is

made of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), the metabolism of these fatty

acids does not require bile or pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, the

fats from coconut oil are easily digested with or without a gallbladder.

Following Healthful Living:

Rest assured that it is never too late to begin a healing way of life.

Pain from gallstones are symptoms indicating that there is an

abnormal condition within the body which is producing a state of

" dis-ease " . You can surgically remove the dis-eased organ, but you

have not addressed the cause of such symptoms.

To address the causes of gallbladder disorders, you need to start

incorporating healthful living habits. You may slowly change your way

of living to that which is health producing. When you do, aches or

pains will disappear and you will be on your way to being genuinely

healthy.

References:

Cichoke, J. Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy. Keats Publishing,

Inc. New Canaan, Connecticut, 1994.

Fife, Bruce. The Detox Book. Health Wise, Colorado Springs,

Colorado, 2001.

Fife, Bruce. The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil. Health Wise,

Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2001.

Lee, . The Enzyme Cure. Future Medicine Publishing, Tiburon,

CA,1998.

Morter, Ted. Fell's Official Know-It-All Guide: Health & Wellness.

Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc., Hollywood, FL, 2000.

Nichols, Trent, Ed. Optimal Digestion. Avon Book, NY, NY, 1999.