You Need Your Gallbladder
There are almost 900,000 cholecystectomies per year in the United States. A NY Times article from the 1990s noticed how increasingly common this surgery was now that there was a laparoscopic option and said that “Gallbladder surgery is now about as common as hysterectomy, which is second only to Caesarean sections.” It does seem that the United States is quicker to cut than to try to preserve function of an organ. Many times it is quite easy to get a cholecystectomy performed if ultrasound shows sludge or gallstones present. One study found that gallbladder removal has increased by 35% since 1990. But conventional medicine does not consider the function of the gallbladder and how that effects the rest of the body. They see the gallbladder as nonessential. There was a study comparing delayed cholecystectomy versus early cholecystectomy and found no improvement with delay, but what were they doing when they delayed? A low fat diet for the patient? Conventional medicine has no other tools they use if there isn’t a medication or surgery to solve the problem they will say “watchful waiting” delayed cholecystectomy will include antibiotics and fluids but is that doing anything to address why the sludge was there to begin with? What happens when the gallbladder is removed and there is no place for the sludge to go? Does the body stop making it just because there is no organ for bile storage anymore (the function of the gallbladder)? No. The problem is not fixed and is thus passed onto other organs to deal with in the future. In fact, there is a diagnosis for that…post-cholecystectomy syndrome. This is the persistence of biliary colic despite gallbladder removal. As well, we see protein and fat digestive problems, fatty acid malabsorption, diarrhea, increase in food intolerances, and more. Have they looked at the rate of keratosis pilaris post gallbladder removal? Or the rate of elevated liver enzymes post gallbladder removal? Or how the increased burden on the liver might lead to poor estrogen metabolism thus eventually leading to worsening hormonal issues, cysts, fibroids, etc. leading to increased incidence of hysterectomy?
It is all connected. Your gallbladder is important and conventional medicine being quick to remove this organ is not benefiting the health of our people, especially women. There are times when a gallbladder does need to be removed such as if a gallstone is blocking the common bile duct or if the organ is septic. But the vast majority of cholecystectomies are not done for this purpose.
The gallbladder’s main purpose is to store cholesterol rich bile that is secreted by the liver, this is needed to help the body digest fats in the diet. Gallstones can form with the presence of excess cholesterol. This can be diet related, but it can also be related to liver congestion. If your gallbladder is not working you are not able to remove toxins from the body as well. This might lead to weight gain, IBS type symptoms, fatigue, acid reflux, increase in headaches/migraines, hormone imbalances, gas and bloating. This will not go away if gallbladder is removed and will just hasten the timeline of worsening symptoms and the body will express itself elsewhere.
Toxins that impact gallbladder function:
Environmental Toxins
Pesticides and Herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture and gardening can accumulate in the body and contribute to inflammation, which affects the liver and gallbladder.
Heavy Metals (e.g., Mercury, Lead, Cadmium): Heavy metals are stored in the liver and may lead to bile stagnation, contributing to the formation of gallstones.
Endocrine Disruptors (e.g., BPA, phthalates): These synthetic chemicals found in plastics can interfere with hormone regulation, potentially impacting bile production and gallbladder function.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):** VOCs from paints, solvents, and other industrial chemicals can be toxic to the liver, indirectly affecting the gallbladder.
Dietary and Metabolic Toxins:
Trans Fats: Processed and hydrogenated fats can lead to inflammation in the body, inflammation increases cholesterol which will increase gallstone formation.
Emulsifiers like polysorbates and carboxymethylcellulose, commonly used in processed foods, can disturb the gut microbiome.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Excessive consumption of HFCS can increase insulin resistance, increase inflammatiion, which will lead to higher cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for gallstone formation. Increased cholesterol levels in bile can lead to the crystallization and formation of stones in the gallbladder.
Preservatives and Chemicals: Some preservatives, such as nitrates and nitrites, have been linked to chronic inflammation. This can aggravate the biliary system and potentially contribute to conditions like cholecystitis.
Refined Sugars and Processed Foods: These can lead to insulin resistance and inflammation, contributing to poor bile production and gallstone formation.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can overload the liver, resulting in poor bile quality and function, affecting gallbladder health.
Medications and Pharmaceuticals
Hormonal Birth Control Pills and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): These can increase estrogen levels, cause fungal overgrowth and liver stagnation which further hurts the gallbladder due to it’s close proximity to the liver and its function.
Certain Antibiotics: Long-term use of antibiotics can disrupt gut microbiota, impacting liver detoxification and gallbladder function.
Statins and Other Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: These can alter cholesterol metabolism and affect bile composition.
Mold Toxins (Mycotoxins): Mold toxins, particularly mycotoxins, are processed by the liver. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause liver stress and dysfunction, which may reduce bile production. This can result in sluggish bile flow, which in turn affects the gallbladder's ability to release bile efficiently. - When bile is not flowing properly, it can lead to bile stasis, which increases the risk of gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), or sluggish gallbladder function. Over time, this can impair fat digestion and overall detoxification processes.
There are ways to support the gallbladder and prevent the need for gallbladder removal. Gallbladder flushes are quite common, but I am not convinced they are helpful long term or that taking in that much fat in the form of olive oil is actually producing gallstones instead of just clumps of oil. At any rate, there is no quick fix for gallbladder issues, but there are solutions that with time and care can reverse gallbladder issues and lead to improved health overall. You might find once this function has been restored, better and more frequent bowel movements, more energy, blood sugar stability, better hormone balance, and more.
1 | SUPPORT THE GALLBLADDER AND LIVER. Supporting the gallbladder/liver with dandelion root tea, coffee enemas (as long as no large gallstones present), milk thistle, digestive enzymes, better mealtime practices such as slowly chewing your food allowing for more digestive juices to be present and better digestion overall, castor oil packs over liver/ gallbladder, etc. One supplement that is helpful for stimulating bile flow (thus better movement through gallbladder and less sludge) is artichoke extract. This one is from Amazon but is shipped by a small business so is not like typical amazon supplements where there is a third party supplier. This supplement could be very helpful for someone with gallbladder issues, hormone imbalances like painful periods, PMS, etc. It is best to start slow with it at 1 capsule per day, can increase to 3 capsules per day but listening to the body is important. Typically it is just needed for 2-3 months. TUDCA would be a good alternative to artichoke stimulate bile flow. BodyBio makes a good one and is available on Fullscript. Next, castor oil packs are a wonderful way to support the liver. These are not to be used during pregnancy or immediately postpartum (would wait until baby is older) but are very helpful. I would start slowly at 20 minutes a few times per week then can move up to daily then even overnight. You might find better bowel movements as well as deeper sleep. My favorite digestive enzymes are Vervita Gastrodigest. If you feel better on these, take with meals. If it makes you fell worse, you may have an ulcer and I would get that checked out. Most tolerate fine and find them extremely helpful for bloating, constipation, reflux, etc. I also like Smidge HCL + Enzymes or their plain digestive enzymes without HCL. Both are available on Fullscript.
Often times, there are deep rooted infections clogging the gallbladder. Fungal issues are common with this organ due to birth control and antibiotics. Consider herbs that are anti fungal and/or antimicrobial. Herbs that come to mind are Goldenthread Supreme, Melia Supreme, and Olive Leaf Supreme. Read about each one and see which one resonates with you. Better yet, find a muscle tester
2 | HYDRATION. Hydration is important for there to be good flow of bile. Many are walking around chronically dehydrated, tired, dry skin, and slow bowel movements. Adequate hydration with minerals is crucial for many things, including gallbladder function.
Favorite minerals to ensure hydration: Quinton minerals, Jigsaw electrolyte powders (both can be found on my Fullscript, pinch of Redmond salt in water, sole water add 1 teaspoon per day to water, herbal infusions etc.
3 | GALLSTONES. If gallstones are present, BodyGuard Supreme or chance piedra is very helpful. This herb has been used for a long time in South and Central America and is a potent liver detoxifier, anti-oxidant, and is helpful for gallstones and kidney stones, as well as helping patients with EMF sensitivity. This herb shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or those on blood pressure medicine or who struggle with low blood sugar. Otherwise it can be very helpful to break up gallstones and improve biliary sludge.
4 | DIET. Eating more beets, dandelion greens. Including healthy fats in your diet like coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter, etc. Avoid inflammatory oils such as vegetable and canola oil as this will increase liver congestion and has been implicated in insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and heart disease. Avoid fried and processed foods. Certain foods can promote bile production and flow, which is essential for preventing bile stagnation and potential gallstone formation. Bitter greens (e.g., arugula, dandelion greens, and kale) stimulate bile production. Beets and beet juice can help thin bile, improving its flow. Fiber Intake - A high-fiber diet helps with regular bowel movements, which can prevent bile from becoming too concentrated, reducing the risk of gallbladder issues.
5 | During an acute attack, Super Phospho-zyme liquid (1-2 droppers) has been shown to improve abdominal pain and cramping.
6 | Phosphtidylcholine is a fat emulsifier and an essential component of bile. Body Bio PC is the brand of choice, the soft gels are preferred as the liquid can be a potent detoxifier and would want to start very slow. Make sure to eat protein of some sort when taking your supplements, especially PC as it helps your body produce more enzymes to break down the supplements.
7 | OX BILE. This can “take the place of” bile in your body to get things moving and prevent sludge. This is helpful if you have already had your gallbladder out or if your gallbladder is starting to act up. I use Seeking Health 125 and would take with meals and before bed but starting very slow. If you choose to take Vervita Gastrodigest as a digestive enzyme, it also contains ox bile so you would not need this supplement.
Overall, changing diet and limiting processed food, eating organic foods to limit pesticide exposure, increasing movement (not strenuous exercise but walking as often as possible) will be foundational to healing. It is important to note that there are gallbladder emergencies and if you are concerned, severe abdominal pain especially along with fever can mean a septic gallbladder, seek medical evaluation right away.
If you have already had your gallbladder out consider ox bile and digestive enzymes with every meal. You will need to simulate gallbladder function and this will be very helpful along with the other liver supporting things such as castor oil packs, coffee enemas, dandelion, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. These things are supportive in nature. This is not meant to be medical advice, this is meant to be educational. Please speak to your healthcare provider before changing anything in your healthcare routine.