Signs and
symptoms of impending gallbladder problems (If you answered yes to
the first four (with an asterisk) go to your health-care
professional for a more accurate diagnosis.)
o Pain or tenderness under the rib cage on the right side, could be
central too*
o Pain between shoulder blades, central but could be under the
shoulder blades*
o Stools light or chalky colored*
o Indigestion after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods*
o History of gallstones or gallbladder removal in your family
o Weight gain after recent digestive troubles or after gallbladder
removal
o Frequent use of antacids
o Nausea
o Dizziness
o Bloating
o Farting
o Burping or belching up gas easily after meals
o Feeling of fullness or food not digesting
o Diarrhea (or alternating from soft to firm)
o Constipation (or simply skipping a day here or there)
o Headache over eyes, especially right
o Bitter fluid comes up after eating, could be a slight reflux and
very subtle
o Frequent use of laxatives
Being big is actually in itself a big risk factor in gallbladder
problems, and women with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater
are more than double at risk than women who have a BMI of 25 or
less. Although a decrease in weight reduces the risk of gallstone
formation, there is a 15 to 25 percent increase in gallstone
formation during or immediately following weight loss! I have seen
this with several patients over the years; they have lost weight and
are proud of if only to experience digestive problems and then a bad
bout of pain within twelve to eighteen months after the weight loss.
A major heart study in America discovered that women with Type 2
Diabetes were almost twice as likely (41.8 percent versus 23.1
percent) that non diabetics to have gallstones, and the risk was
highest amongst the 30 to 59yr old group.
//www.balancedhealthtoday.com/xeneplex.html
I always ask a person these standard questions when they come in
with a (suspected) gallbladder dysfunction - "Did you loose weight
recently, say in the past two years?" "Have you been on a fat free
diet lately?" "What kind of foods/drinks do you like to habitually
have?" By asking the right questions, you would be surprised how
many will actually tell you what is wrong with them, and their
answers can point right to the heart of the problem.
In my observation, the main factors leading to gallbladder attacks
and dysfunction are obesity (and rapid weight loss (for example1
pound a week); "fat-free" diets are especially bad. Poor dietary
habits - especially too many fatty and fried foods, alcohol, too
much dairy food like cheeses and full cream milk, refined sugars and
starches, high protein foods (in excess), food allergies, parasites,
long-term use of birth control pills, and a sedentary (couch potato)
lifestyle. The Atkins diet craze caused a lot of gallbladder
problems, for example. Once these factors are operating, bile
produced in the liver and flowing through the biliary ducts into the
gallbladder becomes too thick, the bile ducts may then become
obstructed, gravel and stones may form (90% of all gallstones are
cholesterol), and the whole biliary system may become clogged. Other
causative factors include insufficient water consumption, a weak
immune system (increases likelihood of infection in the
gallbladder), as well as diabetes and various liver diseases.
Prevention of gallbladder problems lies in controlling obesity, diet
and adequate intake of consuming water, and the use of appropriate
physical exercise. Louise Hay, an interesting lady who wrote the
famous book "Heal Your Life" way back in 1976 with regard to how
emotions can trigger physical problems, mentions that anger,
aggressiveness, and bitterness can result in gallbladder problems.
Keeping the immune system strong and the liver and small intestine
healthy is very important too. Let's look now at some non-medical
alternatives once gallbladder problems are evident, and also how to
prevent this problem in the first instance.
Food allergies
Often finding and eliminating food allergies can stop frequent
attacks of gallbladder pain and prevent unnecessary surgical
removal. In one study, avoidance of allergens relieved symptoms in
100% of 69 patients with symptomatic gallstones or post-cholecystectomy
(after the operation) syndrome (uncontrolled trial commented on by
Dr. Alan Gaby, USA). I'm not convinced just testing for antibodies
in terms of food allergies is the way to go, try also: muscle
testing, you may know somebody who does do electro-dermal testing.
Either way, try going on an elimination or allergy diet, it may be
the answer to your problems.
For recurring gallbladder pain - suspect food allergies in just
about 100% of patients. On average I find that they are reactive to
4 or 5 foods, and according to Dr. Jonathon Wright, one of America's
most experienced natural medicine doctors, egg is generally always
one of the prime food allergens involved. There are over 800,000
cholecystectomies (gallbladder operations) performed in USA per
annum, they cost $5,000 US to perform. If you do the math here,
effective preventative natural medicine treatment could spare 4
billion US dollars with gallbladder conditions alone. I can imagine
how many of the operations are performed needlessly in NZ each year,
and it is truely amazing how many people I have seen who have their
gallbladder out only to find that it did not fix up the problem they
originally went to the doctor for in the first place.
Other medical methods of handling gallstones in the gallbladder
include attempts to fragment them with sonic shock waves
(lithotripsy). Of course there are other times when surgery may
become necessary, such as in perforation of the gallbladder (often
from gangrene) or where for example non-benign tumours and cancers
are present. All this is what I call "crisis medicine," so common in
the orthodox medical procedures used in the hospital system. Does it
not make sense to prevent a gallbladder condition in the first place
rather than waiting for disaster to strike and then to take action?
How is your back? See your Chiropractor; you may have mid-thoracic
vertebral subluxations. If you have back issues, your fourth
thoracic vertebrae may a bit "dodgey", you could be looking at a
subluxations which means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or
biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (the bones of the
spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and the blood
vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the
vertebrae, and if this is what is happening around the middle of
your back it could be affecting your gallbladder.
Gallbladder removed? - take bile salts
I always recommend that a patient who has had their gallbladder
removed take bile salts (digestive enzymes) because fats & oils are
not properly digested and absorbed by these folk. I always give bile
salts when I give them fish-oil, or Vitamin A. Digestive enzymes are
essential for those who have had their gallbladder removed, they
will feel a lot better for taking them regularly. Their digestion
will improve, their bowels will work better and they will feel less
full and bloated. For patients who do not improve their diet
following surgical removal of the gallbladder the removal leaves the
person with an increased risk of colon cancer. Although fast relief
of some symptoms can follow this surgery, the relief is often
short-lived and the basic causes are still present.
If you have lost your gallbladder, the regular use of bile salts at
the start of meals can help substantially, including better
processing of the fat-soluble essential nutrients such as essential
fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Probably the best way to
tell if you are using enough bile salts is to monitor the colour of
the stool. If the colour is lighter than the normal brown colour, or
is even a light beige or yellow, this implies insufficient bile
flow; with it's under absorption of essential nutrients, and a need
for more bile salts. Such a need for more bile salts will be greater
after a meal with greater amounts of fats and oils. Talk to your
Naturopath more here, he or she can recommend a product which should
work well. I generally find that the digestive enzymes prescribed by
your Naturopath to be stronger and much more effective than the
retail (health-food shop) products. That is why they are classified
as "practitioner-only" products.
Useful herbal supplements with liver & gallbladder complaints:
Swedish bitters, milk thistle, chamomile, peppermint, greater
celandine, gymnema, gravel root, dandelion leaf & root, chicory,
rhubarb, burdock, cramp bark, ginger root, fennel, and turmeric.
Homeopathic medicine: one of the most specific homeopathic medicines
is Chelidonium 30C, and I recommend this remedy for patients who
complain of right-sided pains radiating through the back, pains
radiating to the right shoulder blade region. It is mainly thought
of as a liver remedy, but I find it fantastic for gallbladder
disorders as well.
Diet
Eliminate refined sugar and other refined carbohydrates, because it
is these foods which in particular increases the cholesterol
saturation of bile. Gallbladder problems don't generally happen in
under developed countries, they are a phenomenon of the Western
developed world. We call these sorts of health problems the
"diseases of modern civilisation". You will find that our Western
diet is the highly refined one, most people eat foods from the
supermarket and our diets are the ones high in the refined sugars,
starches and flours.
Foods and drinks to strictly avoid One of the worst beverages to
drink with gallbladder issues is coffee whether decaffeinated or
not, it aggravates symptoms by causing the gallbladder to contract
along with sugar. So, sugar and coffee is not a good idea! I also
tell patients to avoid chocolate, deep fried foods and saturated
animal fats in general. Most tell me that they cannot tolerate these
foods anyway, so listen to your body and avoid what makes you feel
unwell or sick.
Gallbladder foods which have a particular favourable effect include
beetroot, Brussels sprouts, fennel, sauerkraut, parsley, artichokes,
pears, granny smith apples and the bitter foods such as rocket,
endive, chicory, and capers.
Consume a little olive oil daily One way to prevent build-up of
gallstones is to eat some oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil,
daily; this encourages the gallbladder to contract and to daily
"sand dump" its contents into the small intestine, preventing sludge
from accumulating and forming gallstones.
Treatments
Warm castor oil packs. All you need is 200ml castor oil (try the
chemist or supermarket), and old saucepan, an old cloth, and an old
towel. Just warm the old cloth in the pot of oil until it is quite
warm, squeeze it out and apply it over the region of the gallbladder
- central a little to the right just near where your ribcage
finishes. Cover with the old towel, place a hot water bottle on top
for added warmth and lie down for fifteen to twenty minutes, then
rub the area for 2 minutes with an ice cube in a cloth-repeat 3
times once daily for a week can sometimes dislodge gallstones, and
is especially a powerful treatment if used in conjunction with the
flush and dietary approach. Careful with castor oil, it can stain.
Liver and gallbladder flush: there are many different gallbladder
and liver flushes that will work if you have had recurrent
gallbladder problems and your diet has been typically Kiwi. You
really need to work in with your health-care professional like your
naturopath here. I have guided many patients through this procedure
the past twenty years and have never experienced a problem, and to
be honest have very rarely found somebody with a "gallstone too big
to pass" as some may fear.
For a gallbladder "attack" try these recipes
Here are a couple of tips to try with acute pain, if the pain
doesn't subside, seek medical opinion.
o Drink 1 tbsp of apple cider in a glass of apple juice (warmed).
This should relieve the pain quickly.
o In a small glass add ¼ tsp turmeric, ¼ tsp cumin, and ½ tsp Manuka
honey - top with boiling water, stir to dissolve and mix together,
drink when warm. Take: 3 times a day.
o Citrus tea: have 3 glasses daily of tea made by boiling for 20
minutes in water the rind of a grapefruit.
Recommendations stopping future gallbladder attacks
1. Each morning, drink a "gallbladder attack flush"; 300mls Apple
juice (or dilute with water), 3 cloves of raw finely chopped garlic,
1-2 inches of raw finely chopped ginger root, mix well in blender.
This drink helps soften sludge and helps prepare your gallbladder to
dump rubbish.
2. Liver & gallbladder flush. One simple flush is to drink 3 Tbs of
extra-virgin olive oil with the juice of a lemon before retiring and
on awakening for at least 3 days, or until no more stones pass. I
have other flushes but tend to use them in a consultation with the
patient only. This is one procedure in my opinion you are best not
to do yourself at home without any guidance, but get the advice from
a qualified Naturopath, preferably one with experience in this area.
3. Eat a well balanced diet of 50% raw or partially steamed foods
and fresh juices, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and
nuts/seeds. This low saturated fat, high fiber diet is a must for
healing gallbladder disorders. Flaxseed and olive oil are great
additions to your diet for repair and prevention of gallstones.
Bitter foods (see below) are a great addition, and will help prevent
a build up in future. The two top foods to consume? - Lemon juice
and olive oil.
4. Increased your intake of Vitamin C can help with gallbladder
ailments. Replenish your vitamin C stores by eating plenty of
vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources
include capsicums (red/green/yellow), berries, lemons, and
broccoli/green leafy veg. I recommend a high grade Vitamin C powder
daily for the prevention and maintenance of many conditions in the
body.
5. Herbal
detoxification products may be helpful in stopping and reversing a
gallbladder attack. I suggest using formulas that use organic, whole
herbs. There are some excellent products available, just ask your
herbalist or naturopath.
3 tips for after the gallstones have passed
o Dr. Dick Versendaal, a Chiropractor from America recommends his
"carotid-umbilicus technique". For the best results, it is to used
every 15 minutes for 1-3 hours as follows (it's easier if someone
else does it on you than you try to do it yourself ): using the
index finger, apply a steady pressure into the belly button for 5
minutes, such as to depress the belly button 1-1 ½ inches (but
avoiding pain). Do this once a day for up to 12 weeks after the
stones are passed, it will help your gallbladder a lot.
o Firm rubbing
for at least 30 seconds1-2 times a day of the neuro-lymphatic
reflexes (these points may feel quite tender if you have gallbladder
issues) between ribs 3 and 4, and ribs 4 and 5, just to each side of
the breastbone, and between ribs 5 and 6 just under the nipple of
the right breast can be quite helpful.
Also softly holding (not pressing or rubbing) for at least one
minute the neurovascular reflexes at the anterior fontanel (front of
head the baby's soft spot near crown of head- locate at tip of
middle finger when the wrist crease of either hand is placed on the
eye brows and the middle finger extended onto the midline of the
skull) and at the hairline on the forehead directly above the outer
corner of each eye. Look for the "tender spots", you will find them.
//www.balancedhealthtoday.com/glytamins.html
