Gallbladder Treatment Options To Think About
The formation of gallstones causes the majority of gallbladder symptoms, including painful gallbladder attacks. These small, hard pebbles form inside the little storage pouch and are either made up of excess cholesterol or bilirubin; a bile pigment.
When gallstones shift into the common bile duct and block its function, the related pain is called biliary colic. Surgery is often recommended as the first line and most effective gallbladder treatment option. In the US, the conventional medical view is that a gallbladder is a non-essential organ and its removal is extremely safe and effective.
The truth is, no surgery is without inherent health and safety risks and while we certainly can live without gallbladder, there are a few reasons why you may not want to.
Cholecystectomy, (surgical gallbladder removal) is not the only option for gallbladder treatment in many cases. If you’ve had one or a few episodes of biliary colic, the intense pain you felt in the upper right abdomen, back or right shoulder blade will really motivate you to find a solution, fast.
A few episodes of pain, or indigestion and nausea related to gallbladder dysfunction do not mean that you have a severe, chronic problem. At least, not yet. There’s plenty you can do to heal your gallbladder and support a healthy liver too.
If you experience severe nausea, vomiting or a fever along with abdominal pain, seek medical attention.
Otherwise, try these natural DIY interventions.
Apple Juice
It is believed that the malic acid in apples helps to soften gallstones and ease their passing. Also known as, “apple acid” it is abundant in green, sour apples and found in apple juice as well.
Drinking a lot of juice with high sugar content is not considered safe for diabetics, however adding whole apples to the diet is considered safe for most people and may help to soften your existing gallstones.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This popular fermented product is best in its raw, unpasteurized form. The ingredients are believed to lower blood sugar, help regulate cholesterol and soften gallstones made of cholesterol. As well, ACV is believed to increase the production of bile and thin the bile to reduce sludge and stones.
Globe & Jerusalem Artichoke
Artichoke is known to stimulate bile secretion and is not only a gallbladder treatment but supportive of healthy liver function too. The large thistle heads or knobby roots of the Jerusalem variety serve as diuretic, bile stimulation and antioxidant.
Acupuncture
The nerve-related pain of a gallbladder attack can radiate to the back, chest and shoulder blades. Where pressure is applied at the neck of the gallbladder from a lodged stone, discomfort can be felt along the entire nerve path.
Acupuncture has been known to relieve pain due to gallstones, relax spasms and ease the flow of bile. Unfortunately, over the counter pain medications often have no beneficial effect on gallbladder pain. If you are experiencing regular discomfort, why not try this ancient, effective approach?
Remove The Bad Fats
Lastly, there are a few things you’ll want to remove if you are trying to improve your gallbladder’s function and relieve pain. Saturated, trans and hydrogenated fats are difficult to digest and will add to your discomfort if your gallbladder is already not working well. Each time you consume a meal high in fat or fried foods, the gallbladder is triggered to contract and a large volume of bile is needed.
Poorly digested fats can lead to bloating, cramps, diarrhea and nausea. In order to trigger gallbladder pain episodes, try replacing those junk foods and processed oils with extra virgin olive oil, flax, hemp and coconut oil, wild caught fish, avocados in small amounts.
