Gallbladder Disorders: Prevention and Elimination - Cheryl

[Guest guest]

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. Lita

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. Smith 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. Edward 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. " Annals 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> 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. Lita 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>

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>

http://tinyurl.com/g1iz and <http://tinyurl.com/iw4k>

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> 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, Anthony 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, Lita. 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.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

A bit late, but I wanted to thank Carol Minnick

for her excellent in-depth article on gall bladder

management. It has been saved!

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thank you Ien!

 

Carol

 

, " Ieneke van Houten "

<ienvan wrote:

>

> A bit late, but I wanted to thank Carol Minnick

> for her excellent in-depth article on gall bladder

> management. It has been saved!