Learn About Natural Relief From Gallbladder Pain
The onset of gallbladder pain is often the first occasion for someone to think about this small, pear-shaped organ.
Even though an average 80% of gallstones don’t cause symptoms and remain “silent”, those stones that shift into a bile duct and block it, can cause excruciating pain known as biliary colic.
Biliary colic is a medical term to describe the pain of a gallbladder attack. Usually, attacks occur many weeks or months apart but if the gallbladder is filled with stones or thickened bile known as biliary sludge, attacks can occur with more frequency and negatively affect quality of life.
The gallbladder sits under the liver and stores bile for release into the digestive system when we eat. Dietary fats signal the gallbladder to squeeze and release its contents in precise, concentrated amounts. Though healthy dietary fat is necessary and nutritious, excess fried and high fat foods stress and irritate the gallbladder, especially when filled with stones.
There are common food triggers for gallbladder pain. Caffeine, alcohol, dairy products (especially ice cream) and deep-fried food are known to trigger painful gallbladder attacks. It is common for sufferers to wake late at night with the onset of pain, so large suppers or late-night snacks should be avoided for those with gallbladder symptoms.
The ache of a gallbladder attack will usually be felt in the mid or right, upper abdomen. It can radiate from there to the mid back, right shoulder blade or even the chest- often prompting concerns of a heart attack. Severe biliary pain may affect breathing, cause nausea and sweating so the experience can be downright scary.
Lasting between 30 minutes to several hours, gallbladder attacks resolve on their own when a stone is expelled however if the pain does not resolve or fever, vomiting and pain increase, seek medical attention.
A simple gallstone treatment: There are some simple, natural steps you can take to relieve the pain of gallbladder attack at home.
Sip on the juice of an organic lemon, 3-4 teaspoons in a small glass of water. Lemon juice is known to trigger bile production which can instantly flush out sludge and small, lodged stones. Introducing this technique to your lifestyle on a daily basis will help clear biliary sludge and prevent gallbladder attacks.
During a gallbladder attack, try drinking apple cider vinegar diluted in water as well. This powerful remedy is known for not only increasing bile production naturally, but it contains compounds that are believed to help break down hard cholesterol stones.
Drinking room temperature apple juice is also recommended for the malic acid contained in apples. Malic acid is considered to be a solvent for stagnant bile and helps to soften the cholesterol in stones. While fasting, (on an empty stomach) drinking room temperature apple juice may help to push stagnant bile and stones from the gallbladder.
On a regular basis, avoid high-fat and fried food in your diet, but add green leafy vegetables and bitter herbs known to support the liver and gallbladder. Gallbladder pain and inflammation can be eased with foods that are natural tonics for these important digestive organs.
