Gallbladder Conditions
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ situated directly under the liver in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
What is the function of the gallbladder?
Its main function is to collect and concentrate the bile that the body uses to emulsify fats to boost absorption. Problems with the gallbladder and biliary system are very common and consist of -
- Inflammation of the gallbladder and bile ducts
- Muscular spasms and/or poor contraction of the gallbladder wall
- Stones forming in the gallbladder and/or bile ducts
- Obstruction to the free flow of bile
What causes gallbladder problems?
- Production of toxic bile by the liver
- Inadequate production of bile by the liver
- Sluggish flow of bile
- Excess amounts of cholesterol in the bile resulting in stone formation
- Infection of the gallbladder
- Poor dietary choices with excess consumption of gluten, other grains, sugar, dairy products, fried foods and processed foods.
- The hormonal changes of pregnancy
- The oral contraceptive pill and some types of hormone replacement therapy
- Some types of blood disorders
What are the symptoms of gallbladder conditions?
- Indigestion and nausea after eating (especially fatty foods)
- Vomiting attacks
- Pain in the right upper abdomen, which often radiates to the right shoulder and back at the shoulder blade.
What causes gallstones?
High cholesterol loaded bile tends to encourage gallbladder sludge and stones. Generally speaking, the gall bladder becomes diseased or dysfunctional because the liver is producing unhealthy bile. The bile is either toxic or contains excess amounts of cholesterol.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
The majority of gallstones stay in the gallbladder and cause no symptoms. However, if a stone moves it may obstruct the neck of the gall bladder or common bile duct giving rise to severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
A stone in the common bile duct will frequently cause jaundice. Jaundice is a condition in which the skin and the eyes become yellow due to accumulated bile pigment. Some people with large stones in the gallbladder will never have any problems, and should not rush into surgery. In such cases, you may want to try and dissolve the stones gradually over several years by following the recommendations given below. Of course you will also be doing your liver a good service, as you will be removing the unhealthy fats from the liver.
Acute cholecystitis is when the gallbladder becomes distended and inflamed often with resulting localized peritonitis or sometimes pancreatitis. This usually follows obstruction to the neck of the gallbladder or cystic duct by an impacted stone. Acute cholecystitis classically affects females in the 20 to 40 year age group but may occur at any age. The pain in the central and right upper abdomen is continuous and severe and increases in intensity over 24 hours. It frequently radiates around to the back and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. Fever is usual. The presence of gallstones and acute cholecystitis can usually be confirmed by an ultrasound scan. Repeated attacks of cholecystitis may occur if the condition remains untreated.
Recommended books
- "Save Your Gallbladder Naturally and what to do if you've already lost it"
- "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"
Treatment
Generally speaking, the gallbladder becomes diseased or dysfunctional because the liver is producing unhealthy bile. The bile is either toxic or contains excess amounts of cholesterol. To improve gallbladder problems, we must improve the quality of the bile, by improving the liver function. Even after the gallbladder is removed there may still be problems in the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. This is because the underlying problem of toxic bile has not been corrected.
Indeed after gallbladder removal the following things may still happen –
- Stones and gravel may form in the bile ducts inside and outside the liver.
- The liver may develop fatty changes.
- Thus it is important to take extra care of your liver if you have gallbladder problems, or if you have had your gallbladder removed.
Diet
- The best eating principles are outlined in the book "Save Your Gallbladder Naturally and what to do if you've already lost it".
- Try to maintain a normal body weight. Include often - high fiber foods like raw vegetables and fruits, especially apples and pears, fish, chicken and grass fed meat.
- Avoid all dairy products and gluten.
- Avoid foods that contain high counts of bacteria, fungi and viruses – these are preserved meats, delicatessen meats, hamburger meats, smoked meats, and processed or junk foods. This is because these foods may trigger or exacerbate gallbladder infections.
- Avoid refined sugars and refined carbohydrates.
- Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day – 8 to 10 glasses at least.
- Modest amounts of good fats, like hemp, avocado, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil to ensure the gallbladder removes stored bile to allow new bile to enter the gallbladder.
Remember: Dairy products, margarine and deep fried foods are not suggested for those with gallbladder and liver problems!
Raw juicing
Raw juicing is vitally important. Drink raw vegetable juice every day. Recommended juice recipes found in "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book are:
Gallbladder Juice
Ingredients
- 2 fresh dandelion or 2 cabbage or 2 kale leaves
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) slice beetroot with top
- 1 medium apple
- 2 Brussels Sprouts
- 2 turnip leaves - optional
- 1/2 inch (1.5cm) fresh ginger
- 1 large ripe tomato
Method
- Wash, trim and chop and process all in juicer. For variety you may add a grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, watercress or a red radish. You may dilute with water or cold herbal tea.
Liver Cleansing Juice
Ingredients
- 2 dandelion leaves or 2 spinach leaves or 2 large cabbage leaves
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cauliflower or 2 large Brussels sprouts
- 1 clove garlic or 1 small radish (optional)
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 green apple, whole
- 1 lime or 1 lemon
Method
- Wash, trim and chop produce and process through juicer. This juice is high in Vitamin C and sulfur compounds to cleanse the liver.
This is a very strong mixture and may be diluted 1 part juice to 1 part water or you can dilute it with cold herbal or fruit flavored tea. - Drink 8 to 16oz (250 to 500 ml) daily.
Options
- You may sweeten this juice by adding the following - strawberries, carrot and a small amount of beetroot.
Juices made freshly from raw fruits and or vegetables have unique healing and rejuvenating properties.
Common questions about the gallbladder
Can I still do the Liver Cleansing Diet or follow Liver Cleansing principles even though my gallbladder has been removed?
Yes – in fact it is highly recommended, as even after the gallbladder is removed there may still be problems in the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. This is because the underlying problem of toxic bile has not been corrected.
I have been diagnosed or believe I have gall stones – should I do a gallbladder/liver flush?
No – this is not recommended as a first step.
These flushes using olive oil, lemon juice or apple juice etc. work by shrinking the stones and causing the gallbladder to contract forcefully to hopefully expel the stones to be passed in the feces. Alternatively, a teaspoon of good quality apple cider vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of honey in a small glass of warm water and sipped slowly during every meal can be taken to help dissolve the stones.
These flushes are best done after at least 6 months of following the principles in the book "Save Your Gallbladder Naturally" book and taking the recommended supplements to shrink and soften the stones before flushing. Once this has been done – the shrunken softened stones and remaining sludge may then be safely flushed out.
It is recommended to have an ultrasound of the gallbladder before undertaking the flush to make sure. The reason being that if the gallbladder is full of silent gall stones and a flush is undertaken – these stones may become impacted in the narrow bile ducts as they are flushed out. This may cause a tear in the duct.
Orthodox medical treatment
Gallstones which are not causing any symptoms require no treatment. Acute cholecystitis is commonly managed conservatively with bed rest, nil by mouth and intravenous fluids, plus an antibiotic. Strong analgesia (pain relief) is also usually needed. As repeat attacks are likely, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is recommended at some future date. This is also the preferred option for any gallstones which are causing symptoms.
These days, the operation is frequently done via a laparoscope (operating telescope) requiring only a very small incision ("keyhole surgery"). This means a much shorter hospital stay and much faster recovery. Other possible treatments for gallstones include the administration of bile acid preparations which can be used to dissolve certain types of stones. This takes anything from six months to two years, and after the treatment is stopped 50 percent of the gallstones recur, especially if you don't follow our dietary recommendations. For these reasons it is rarely advocated.
Shock-wave treatment (lithotripsy) can be used in some cases to break up the stones, followed up by bile acid therapy. The role of this approach is still being evaluated. In our experience, by using these dietary and natural therapy measures, surgery can often be avoided.
Recommended supplements for gallbladder conditions
- MSM with Vitamin C
Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in raw juices or water. MSM is an organic sulfur which assists in improving function of the liver, gallbladder and biliary system, and helps to reduce inflammation. - Livatone Plus Powder or Capsules
Take 1 teaspoon twice daily in juices or 2 capsules twice daily with food - Improvement of liver function is vital. A good formula containing dandelion, St Mary’s thistle, globe artichoke, lecithin and taurine should be taken daily. Lecithin is helpful as it aids in fat digestion and increases the phospholipid concentration in the gallbladder. Patients with gallstones have an abnormally low phospholipid : cholesterol ratio in their bile. Increasing the phospholipid concentration may therefore inhibit the development of gallstones and possibly decrease the size of pre-existent stones. Dandelion will not only help to prevent gallstones but can actually help to dissolve them. Dandelion increases bile production and causes the gallbladder to contract to expel any small stones and gravel. It also increases the amount of cheneoxycholic acid, which over time dissolve the stones. - NAC
NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) has been shown to dissolve gallstones - start with 1 capsule twice daily with a whole large glass of water in between meals; after 2 weeks increase dose to 2 capsules twice daily. Always take NAC with a whole glass of water. Do not take NAC last thing at night before retiring to sleep as it can be strong on the stomach. We encourage you to watch Dr Cabot's videos on the gallbladder HERE. - Ox Bile
Take 1 capsule with each meal. This will help to thin the bile and can help dissolve stones. It improves digestion in those who don't have a gallbladder. - Fibertone
Take 1 to 2 teaspoons with breakfast to assist in removing excess fats and cholesterol from the body.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
References:
Addition of NAC accelerates Dissolution of cholesterol gall stones.
Gastroenterology,1990;98:454-463
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Please check out Dr Cabot's liver and gallbladder videos here:https://www.youtube.com/@drsandracabot/videos
Do you know if you have gallstones?
We recommend an anti-inflammatory/ liver friendly diet, so remove processed foods, all gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley and oats), dairy foods, sugars – including all cane sugars, high fructose corn syrup and agave, palm sugar, sodas, all artificial sweeteners except for stevia, damaged fats like margarines and most refined oils, and deep-fried foods.
Replace these with lots of highly coloured vegetables, 2 – 3 portions of protein and some good fats like nuts, avocado, cold pressed virgin olive and nut oils, oily fish, nuts, coconut oil, coconut milk/cream.
Protein sources are best to be varied and we recommend moderate servings of animal protein or low starch vegetarian protein, like pea, rice or hemp protein.
Begin each day with the juice of ½ a lemon in warm to hot water and drink at least 1½ litres of fresh water daily.
To boost liver health and your vitality, Dr Cabot prescribes
Selenomune Designer Energy - 1 capsule daily for 4 months and then 1 capsule on alternate days, to increase your selenium levels to shrink your hemangiomas and any cystic tissue in your body.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC 600mg) – 1 cap twice daily for 2 weeks and then increase to 2 capsules twice daily well away from food, if any upset occurs take at the beginning of your meals. NAC should be taken with a whole glass of water away from food. Do not take just before retiring to bed. NAC can be strong on the stomach, and this is why you need to take it with a whole glass of water. This supplement works well with Livatone Plus to get your liver better faster. This supplement is the precursor nutrient of glutathione; the body’s strongest anti-oxidant
Kind regards,
Jessah Shaw
Nutritionist
Please check out Dr Cabot's recent videos on the gallbladder here:https://www.liverdoctor.com/category/videos/page/2/
You are advised to avoid all dairy food and gluten containing foods, processed foods and damaged/hydrogenated fats.
Supplementation is recommended, and Dr Cabot prescribes
Selenomune Designer Energy - 1 capsule daily to shrink the polyp and boost your immune system to inhibit the processes if your polyp is precancerous.
To boost liver health and your vitality, Dr Cabot prescribes
Livatone Plus – 1 cap twice daily for 2 weeks and then increase to 2 capsules twice daily, to improve liver function.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC 600mg) – 1 cap twice daily for 2 weeks and then increase to 2 capsules twice daily well away from food, if any upset occurs take at the beginning of your meals. NAC should be taken with a whole glass of water away from food. Do not take just before retiring to bed. NAC can be strong on the stomach, and this is why you need to take it with a whole glass of water.This supplement works well with Livatone Plus to get your liver better faster. This supplement is the precursor nutrient of glutathione; the body’s strongest anti-oxidant.
These can be purchased here:https://www.liverdoctor.com/products/supplements.html
Alternatively, you can purchase Dr Cabot's book 'Save Your Gallbladder Naturally and what to do if you've already lost it' here:https://www.liverdoctor.com/products/books/save-your-gallbladder.html
Kind regards,
Jessah Shaw
Nutritionist
Pity you had your gallbladder out
all I can think of is that during surgery your vagus nerve was damaged and that nerve controls the stomach and digestive secretions. Also because of vagus nerve dysfunction the feedback from the gut to the appetite centre in the hypothalamus is not working. this may have also caused some gastroparesis on which I have done a video on you tube. Check out this video.
Take the supplements in the middle of meals; eat small meals. The video will tell you how to eat if you have gastroparesis
The drug Ondansetron is excellent for nausea and is safe to take
Dr Sandra Cabot
Please tell me examples of modest amounts of fats, I do have my gallbladder but it’s irritated. US says multiple stones. Should I take bile salts? I can eat but fats are uncomfortable. thanks
Please check out Dr Cabot's videos on the gallbladder here:https://www.liverdoctor.com/category/videos/
You may also find this article helpful:https://www.liverdoctor.com/natural-remedies-for-gallstones/
Eating some good fats every day is very important and it is best to have small amounts regularly throughout each day to stimulate the flow of bile from your gallbladder.
To dissolve gall stones, boost liver health and your vitality, Dr Cabot prescribes
‘Raw Juices Can Save Your Life’ contains therapeutic juices to stimulate liver function and, with it, bile production.
Livatone Plus – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily, to improve liver function.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC 600mg) – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily well away from food, if any upset occurs take at the beginning of your meals. As you will see from the attached pamphlet this supplement works well with Livatone Plus to get your liver better faster.
MSM + Vitamin C – ½ to 1 teaspoon twice daily in vegetable juice or water to reduce oxidation, inflammation and boost liver health.
You may purchase these supplements and Dr Cabot’s books athttps://shop.liverdoctor.com/
Kind regards,
Jessah Shaw
Nutritionist
Please check out Dr Cabot's video on gallstones here:https://www.liverdoctor.com/gallbladder-series-part-4-gallstones-in-the-gallbladder-cholelithiasis/
You may find this article helpful:https://www.liverdoctor.com/natural-remedies-for-gallstones/
A gallstone this size is not likely to become trapped because it is too large to leave the gallbladder. Having a gallstone indicates your liver is not producing sufficient bile, so we recommend a liver friendly/anti-inflammatory diet to encourage best bile production.
Dr Cabot has released her 15 Day Cleanse - Two weeks to begin your journey toward improved overall health and function, utilising both supplements and a tasty, easy to prepare dietary regimen. Please go to www.drcabotcleanse.com to place an order.
After completing the Cleanse, we recommend you remain on this style of eating and you can then begin the Maintenance plan that is available at the same website.
To be able to dissolve your gallstones it is important to increase your bile production and you may benefit from supplementary ox-bile and Dr Cabot prescribes
Ox Bile capsules – 1 - 2 capsules during each meal to ensure there is sufficient bile in your digestive system.
Remember to have small servings of good fats often during the day to ensure the bile in your gallbladder is fresh and thereby assist dissolving your gallstones.
To hasten liver healing, boost liver health and your vitality, Dr Cabot prescribes
Livatone Plus – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily, to improve liver function.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC 600mg) – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily well away from food, if any upset occurs take at the beginning of your meals. This supplement works well with Livatone Plus to get your liver better faster. This supplement is the precursor nutrient of glutathione; the body’s strongest anti-oxidant.
You may purchase these supplements and Dr Cabot’s books athttps://shop.liverdoctor.com/
Kind regards,
Jessah Shaw
Nutritionist
Dr Cabot’s instructive book ‘Save Your Gallbladder Naturally – and what to do if you’ve already lost it’ offers much advice for those who have had their Gallbladder removed.
We recommend you begin taking Ox Bile capsules during meals to increase absorption of healthy dietary fats and the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Most people who have had their Gallbladder removed also have a congested or Fatty Liver, and for this we recommend Livatone Plus - 2 capsules twice daily, and NAC – 2 capsules twice daily, well away from food with a large glass of water to avoid stomach irritation.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
I ve just been diagnosed with gallbladder polyps ( small sizes) & a very mild fatty liver. I do also have gastritis cause of high stress.
Pls advise how to dissolve the polyps?
Thank you
Growths within the body often result from high insulin output.
Insulin is stimulated when blood sugar rises, and to keep blood sugars stable we recommend you embark on a low carbohydrate diet and increase exercise to further ensure insulin is kept low.
Dairy is high in Insulin Like Growth Factor 1, which can also stimulate growths within the body so remove all dairy from the diet as well.
Although your liver is only mildly fatty, the above dietary changes will help to reverse this as well. To hasten the healing Dr Cabot recommends Livatone Plus – 2capsules twice daily, NAC – 2 capsules twice daily, well away from food with a large glass of water to avoid stomach irritation, Ox Bile – 1 to 2 capsules with meals twice daily.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Thank you for letting us know about the broken link, and we have replaced the link with the replacement product that is also a Vitamin C-MSM rich supplement.
The best dose of Collagen Food is ½ to 1 teaspoon twice daily, depending on your requirements.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
A calcified gallbladder is also known as a porcelain Gallbladder and may be able to be reversed.
The first thing that needs to be achieved is to have the calcium removed from the Gallbladder and anywhere else it may have deposited and back into the bones where most of it is supposed to be.
The most efficient way to achieve this is to embark on a low carb diet and take both Vitamin D - 1 capsule daily before lunch and Super Vitamin K - 1 capsule daily.
The length of time to remove all calcium depends on the density of the calcium deposits and how closely your daughter follows the dietary protocol.
When the Gallbladder is free of calcium, then is the time to begin taking Vitamin E to soften the scar tissue and Serrapeptase to resolve as much scar tissue as possible.
If your daughter returns to her previous dietary patterns the problem is very likely to return.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Cervical Spondylosis tends to be an aged related spinal problem and responds well to Magnesium Powder or tablets, Vitamin D, Vitamin K for her dizziness and Serrapeptase and fish oil for her shoulder pain.
Please tell your mother I have answered her question here.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Calcified gallstones are an indication that you may be losing calcium from your bones and it is very important to increase the movement of the calcium in the stones and perhaps your blood vessels or your heart back to your bones.
Three essential supplements for this are Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Magnesium powder or tablets.
Your Gallstones can still be shrunk because most of their bulk is still cholesterol and to encourage your liver to function well you may benefit from a liver friendly plan as in Dr Cabot’s 15 Day Cleanse and Maintenance Plan.
Dr Cabot prescribes Livatone Plus, NAC and Ox Bile to hasten the Liver and Gallbladder healing.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
It’s great that you have had such a positive response so quickly.
To have your liver humming as quickly as possible so you don’t ever need an ultrasound Dr Cabot prescribes Ox Bile, Livatone Plus, and NAC.
To reduce the chances of another Fatty Liver we recommend a Keto style diet and modest alcohol intake.
It was my pleasure to be of assistance to you.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
The dosages for both MSM and vitamin C are almost conservative so this is very unlikely to have caused your concerns.
The least invasive way to determine if you have a gallstone lodged and to determine the architectural integrity of your liver and gallbladder is by having an ultrasound.
Let us know what it shows and we can offer you further advice.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Would you recommend that I follow all of the supplements listed as recommended supplements?
I have bloating and occasional gas but no other symptoms.
All the supplements recommended to treat and shrink your gallstones are very well indicated and are beneficial, but your picture is complicated because you also have food sensitivities.
Begin all supplements with low doses and follow the dietary style found in ‘Save Your Gallbladder’ book, while avoiding all foods that may trigger sensitivity reactions.
To further help to heal your Leaky Gut we recommend you add Dr Cabot’s Ultimate Gut Health to the list of supplements and take 1 scoop in water just before bed each night.
Kind regards
Victoria
You have many digestive concerns and poor digestion may well be assisted with the use of Dr Cabot’s Super Digestive Enzymes, https://www.liverdoctor.com/digestive-enzymes-super-100-capsules.html. Begin with 1 capsule with the main meal of each day to determine if you can tolerate these.
This supplement contains Ox Bile, but not in sufficient amounts for a person who no longer has a Gallbladder.
We would expect your exposure to Agent Orange to have left you with a considerable toxin load, which explains why your liver cannot cope with any cleanses at the moment.
Dr Cabot prescribes you to begin taking
Ox Bile capsules – 1 capsule during each meal to replace the bile that can no longer be delivered from your gallbladder to help essential fat and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.https://www.liverdoctor.com/ox-bile-500mg-100-capsules.html.
This supply of concentrated bile we anticipate will assist the slow release of these stored toxins, and if 1 capsule with your three meals is too high a dose you may find it better to reduce the dose to 1 or 2 capsules daily.
Fibertone – to be taken as directed on container. Begin with 1 to 2 scoops twice daily to absorb released toxins to ensure they are not reabsorbed into your bloodstream.https://www.liverdoctor.com//fibertone-powder-300g.html.
Kind regards
Victoria Taylor
Naturopath at Liver Doctor