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Natural herbal &
homeopathic help for strengthening Gall Bladder functioning
Gallstones
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - GALLSTONES
Gall bladder is an organ, of the size and shape of a small sized
pear, and is placed around the liver. It is attached to the bile
duct that joins the intestine via the duodenum. The basic and only
function of the gall bladder is to store the bile being produced by
the liver and release it into the duodenum when we eat a fatty meal
in order to help the intestine in digesting the meal. This action is
triggered by our digestive hormones.
Gallstones are pebble like particles that get collected in the gall
bladder. They are either thickened bile that consist of calcium or bilirubin (bile pigment), or as in most cases, made up of
cholesterol. It is basically the crystallization of these substances
that causes the gallstones. These tiny crystals then latch on to a
protein fragment and gradually layer after layer gets build up on
them. They may at times get as big as a walnut. The condition of
having gallstones (lithiasis) is known as cholelithiasis.
You may have some symptoms which point towards you having gallstones
but their presence can only be proved by either x-ray or ultrasound
imaging. CT scan helps in case of confusion. Gallstones actually are
symptom less in majority of the cases, as high as 60% in women and
25% in men.
When any of these stones blocks the bile duct, preventing the gall
bladder from emptying the bile into the small intestine, the gall
bladder becomes inflamed and tender, causing a condition called
cholecystitis. This acute condition, which is accompanied by an
infection in the bladder, brings an attack (biliary colic), which
causes an acute pain in the right side of the abdomen, and calls for
immediate medical assistance.
As stated above, majority of the gallstone cases show no symptoms.
But, in cases where they do make their presence felt, especially
when the sufferer develops cholecystitis, the symptoms are:
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Intermittent pain on the right side of the abdomen
under the ribs. It spreads through the back as far
as between the shoulder blades |
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Nausea and possible vomiting |
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Slight fever (around 100.4 °F) along with shivering |
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Painful abdominal contractions |
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Feeling of weakness (fatigue) following loss of appetite |
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In cholecystitis, usually there is a partial or
complete blockage of the bile duct due to an
obstructing gallstone. As this obstructs the flow of
bile into the intestine, fatty substances like eggs,
meat, milk, nuts and chocolate become difficult to
digest |
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For the same reason as above, stools become light
colored and fatty (as fat remains undigested). The
skin and whites of the eye become yellow due to the
increased bilirubin (constituent of bile) level in the
blood as the bile gets assimilated in the blood instead
of getting into the intestine |
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There are other symptoms that suggest inflammation of
the gall bladder |
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In cholecystitis, a gallstone usually obstructs the bile
duct thereby trapping the bile in the gall bladder.
Hence the bile becomes concentrated and subsequently
irritates the walls of the bladder, finally infecting it
with bacteria. This may eventually lead to perforation
of the bladder involving peritonitis which is a serious
disorder, and should therefore be taken very seriously. |
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As the main cause of formation of gallstones is
inefficient functioning of the bladder and emptying of
bile ducts, excess thickening of the bile is attributed
as the prime reason for the formation of stones. Bile
could be thickened due to excess amount of calcium, bilirubin or cholesterol in it. |
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Obese people are seen to be more prone to gallbladder
disorders than normal weight people although cases are
found in all kinds of people. This may be attributed to
both, and somewhat contradictory, eating habits as
discussed above (see also below - Point 1 in dos and don’ts). |
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A high cholesterol level
in the blood and bile is
supposed to be the main contributing factor towards the
formation of gallstones. Some doctors have a strong
belief that there is no direct relation between the high
levels of cholesterol, or even the fatty food intake
of a person and gallstones. But they do feel that sudden
changes in eating habits, e.g. dieting followed by wait
gain and back to dieting, definitely have a bearing on
the likelihood of gallstones formation. |
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Estrogen levels in women seem to be a big cause and
probably that is the prime reason of women being more
susceptible to gallstones than men. |
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A structural flaw in the gall bladder may also be the
reason of its malfunctioning and consequent gallstone
formation. |
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Oral contraceptives have also been seen in connection
with gallstone formation. They are supposed to increase
the susceptibility, albeit modestly. |
Most people who have gallstones without any symptoms do not require
treatment. However, if you experience frequent attacks of pain, it
may be necessary to have your gallbladder removed. This type of
surgery is called a cholecystectomy. Sound wave therapy is another
treatment option used for people who may have a risk in surgery –
they may suffer from heart problems, lung disease or be elderly.
Medication may be used to dissolve gallstones, but this treatment is
very expensive.
Natural and holistic treatments have been used for thousands of
years to promote liver health and functioning. Herbal remedies
are gentle to use and improve the natural ability of the body to
detox and cleanse the system. Herbs such as Silybum
marianus (Milk Thistle) are an excellent liver tonic with powerful
antioxidant properties. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) improves
gall bladder functioning and bile flow. In addition, Verbena
officinalis (Vervain or Wild Hyssop) is highly recommended as a
hepatic (liver) tonic but is also beneficial for overall health.
Choleretic is the term used for herbs that enhance the production of
bile and cholagogic is the term used for plants that stimulate the
gall bladder functioning by helping it in contracting and expelling
the bile.
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Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) - This herb has
been used since ancient times for treating a wide
variety of ailments but particularly liver problems.
Milk Thistle is widely prescribed for preventing and
treating liver disorders including viral hepatitis and
liver disease associated with long-term alcohol usage.
Studies suggest that this herb protects the liver from
damage by viruses and toxins including alcohol and drugs
and is widely used for treating Hepatitis C. Milk
Thistle is also a potent antioxidant and laboratory
studies indicate it may have useful anti-cancer
properties. |
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Taraxacum officinale - More commonly known as
Dandelion, this herbal ingredient contains bitter
principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver
and digestive system. It is considered a very effective
general tonic and is known to improve bile flow and
reduce inflammation associated with hepatitis and
cirrhosis. Dandelion also improves gall bladder
functioning and helps to dissipate gallstones. Dandelion
is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including
Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin,
silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. |
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Verbena officinalis - Also known as Vervain or
Wild Hyssop, this herb is native to the Mediterranean
region. Used as a hepatic (liver) remedy, it will treat
inflammation of the gallbladder and is also used for
jaundice. It is well-known for its ability to relieve
tension and stress and relieve mild depression. |
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Liver Dr.
Improve liver health and functioning
naturally.
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As
expelling of smaller stones through the gut is possible if proper
diet and medications are taken, the following have seen to be
extremely helpful in both, restricting the growth of the stones and
excreting the smaller ones.
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Fiber – A high intake of soluble fiber will certainly
help in reducing the cholesterol levels and preventing
stone development. It is abundantly found in oat bran,
pulses, apples, pears and most other fruits and
vegetables. Other good resources are dates, barley, rye
and brown rice.
Fiber also takes care of another problem, constipation
which is also associated with gall bladder dysfunction. |
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No to refined foods – You have to cut down on processed and
denatured foods, fried and refined carbohydrates like
white sugar and flour, along with other fatty foods as
they may precipitate an attack along with increasing the
chances of formation of stones. |
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Equal quantities of fresh juice of cucumber, carrot and
beet (beetroot) mixed together and taken twice daily has
always been recommended for cleansing of gall bladder. |
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No fasting – Avoid fasting or general, very long
delaying of the meals as these have also be seen as
attack triggering causes. |
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Moderate caffeine – Moderate consumption of caffeine
(coffee, tea, soft drinks) is curiously seen to be
beneficial in case of gallstones. But don’t overdo it as
it causes other disturbing side effects. 3-4 cups of
coffee should be sufficient and has actually proven to
reduce the risk by more than 50%. Even better is to mix
some dried endive (chicory) root powder in the coffee.
Endive is excellent in promoting secretion of bile
juice. |
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Drink in moderation – Moderate alcohol consumption is
again seen in the light of having some beneficial action
on the formation of gallstones. Again, don’t overdo it
as it also has many side effects. Moderate
amount of alcohol combined with decent intake of vitamin
C is supposed to bring down gallstone formation chances
to very low percentage as vitamin C is known to bring
down cholesterol levels. Strangely, non- drinkers do not
benefit from vitamin C alone. Vitamin C is richly found
in citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli,
potatoes), red capsicums and chillies, strawberry,
kiwifruit and rockmelon. |
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Food should be well cooked and meals must be taken at
smaller intervals while their quantity should be
reduced. |
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Walk after meals – Some physical activity, specifically
walking helps tremendously if you take it some time
after the meals. |
A whole
lot of confusion persists about what has to be done when gallstones
are diagnosed but have till now, not posed any problem. Although lot
of people are advised to remove these ‘silent’ gallstones or the
gall bladder itself (which is usually the norm as gallstones tend to
re-occur) because if cholelithiacis leads to cholecystitis, it will
very generally give a lot of trouble to the patient which otherwise
could have been avoided by gall bladder removal.
So, in spite of giving all kinds of information on the plausible
herbal treatments and dietary controls that you can take to reduce
your trouble and risk of gall bladder disorders, we recommend that
if you have been diagnosed with gallstones, you better talk to your
doctor and see if surgical removal of gall bladder is what he
recommends. Depending upon the size and numbers of gall stones and
the general condition of your bladder, he might be in a better
position to take a decision. Remember, we our fortunate that we can
lead a normal life without our gall bladder.
One thing you have to bear in mind that as age increases, your body
will suffer more, during and after the operation, and in effect, if
you also suffer from other diseases like blood pressure, diabetes
etc., chances are that then, the doctor won’t be able to perform the
surgery itself. In effect, this is where the above treatment of
herbs and dietary measures is most useful as you are not left
with surgery as an alternative.
Other important things to remember are:
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Try and reduce your weight if you are obese, as this
will definitely reduce the risk of formation of
gallstones. But remember, if you slim yourself up and
again increase your weight, as most people do, chances
of this trouble brewing up increase. In effect, this is
one big reason why obese people have more gall bladder
disorders. Fat alone is not responsible, but trimming
down or reducing blood cholesterol levels and again
increasing them definitely ruins the whole idea of
improving one’s health. |
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Mild physical exercises are extremely important in not
only helping you out in reducing weight but also keeping
your digestion and gall bladder functioning normal. They
also help in normal fecal elimination. These exercises
are known to reduce the need of surgery by as much as
25%. |
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Warm water enema is suitable for people suffering from
constipation as well as having gallstones. |
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Apply hot water packs or fomentation on the abdominal
area where the pain is the most. Lie down instead of
sitting when the pain attack comes. Rest is necessary at
times of extreme pain. |
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Liver Dr.
Improve liver health and functioning
naturally.
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