Most of us don’t spend too much time thinking about our gallbladder, a small, pouch-shaped organ located beneath the liver. That is until something goes wrong. Here is why you shouldn’t ignore gallbladder health.
Gallstones
Gallstones are solid lumps (stones) that sometimes form in the gallbladder. Most gallstones are comprised primarily of cholesterol, although a different kind of gallstone, known as “pigment stones,” are made from calcium salts and bilirubin.
Cholesterol stones often form as a result of the liquid bile contained in the gallbladder having more cholesterol than it can dissolve. Cholesterol stones can also develop from the gallbladder failing to fully contract and empty. Pigment stones can be caused by liver disease, anemia, and bile duct infections.
Gallstones can range from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Fortunately, for most people, gallstones don’t cause any symptoms, serious issues, or discomfort.
But when they do, gallstones can result in a number of painful or serious conditions or diseases. Generally, gallstones start becoming a problem when they block ducts that carry bile from the liver or gallbladder.
Problems Caused by Gallstones
If left untreated, gallstones may block the gallbladder ducts or liver. This can lead to painful diseases, conditions, or symptoms, including:
- Biliary colic
- Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts in the liver)
These conditions may present with symptoms such as stabbing pain, nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, and more. It is important to seek emergency medical assistance if you experience any of these.
Reduce The Risk of Gallstones
Research suggests that there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk of developing gallstones, or decrease the amount or frequency of attacks. These include:
- Eating three balanced meals a day
- Maintaining a normal weight
- Getting 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
- No more than moderate alcohol consumption
- Increased fiber in your diet
- Eating several 1 ounce servings of nuts each week
- Avoiding fatty foods
Another way to support gallbladder health is with these nutritional supplements from Premier Research Labs, Genestra, and Nutritional Frontiers.
These supplements may work as a supportive aid to existing changes in lifestyle and regular checkups with your primary care physician.
Gallbladder-ND Gallbladder Support – Premier Research Labs
Gallbladder-ND Gallbladder Support from Premier Research Labs is a probiotic-fermented liquid dietary supplement that supports gallbladder health. This comprehensive liquid herbal formula contains a proprietary blend of organic milk thistle, artichoke, Indonesian cinnamon, organic turmeric, and organic beet. Those ingredients help to support healthy bile flow and gallbladder function.
Ichol Plus – Genestra
For an all-natural nutritional supplement that supports gallbladder health, liver health, digestive health, and more, try Ichol Plus from Genestra. Ichol Plus combines Ox Bile with a number of lipotropic factors and synergistic herbs, such as choline, L-methionine, beetroot, dandelion root, and more. The herbs in this formula may promote healthy fat metabolism, the removal of toxins and metabolic waste, and provide support for healthier bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder. Ox Bile plays a vital role in the body’s ability to digest fat, stimulate bile flow, and promote the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins. Not only that, but Ichol Plus may also provide support for symptoms caused by menopause, PMS, hypertension, hypotension, and endometriosis.
Liver/Gallbladder Organic Herbal Tincture – Nutritional Frontiers
Finally, Liver/Gallbladder Organic Herbal Tincture from Nutritional Frontiers is an herbal liquid supplement formula that supports normal liver and gallbladder function. Each 2 ounce serving contains milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, artichoke, bei chai hu, fumitory, fringe tree, chlorella, and cilantro in a preservative alcohol base. This liquid supplement, which may also support digestion, can be easily added to water or juice for daily consumption.
How do you support gallbladder health?
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I’m passionate about healing. I use food as medicine, a proven approach for healing from chronic disease. When you are tired of taking prescription medication or are ready to take a different approach to your health, let me teach you which foods can help you live a healthy life!
