Occasional abdominal discomfort is not uncommon, but reoccurring severe discomfort in the abdominal, back and throughout the entire body could all be signs that you are dealing with gallstones or gallbladder issues.
The gallbladder is an organ shaped like a small pouch just beneath our liver. Our gallbladder serves a purpose in helping to break down fats that we consume. This process happens when our gallbladder stores the bile that our liver produces and this stored bile helps our digestive system to break down fats.
Let’s take a closer look at Gallbladder issues and what measures you can take that don’t involve surgery or harmful medications.
What Are the Issues Associated With the Gallbladder?
Over time our gallbladders can develop gallstones that cause many issues. Gallstones are small, hard substances that form in the gallbladder. They can vary in size and quantity. Some gallstones can go unnoticed while some cause severe discomfort, in what is known as a gallbladder attack. While some gallstones go unnoticed, others require treatment.
Untreated gallstones or gallbladder issues can be life-threatening causing pancreatitis and other complications.
What Causes Gallbladder Issues?
Knowing the root cause of your gastrointestinal issues can help you deal with the issue head on. Risk factors for gallbladder issues or gallstones are various:
- Women who have more estrogen due to pregnancy, hormone therapies, or birth control
- Mature age
- Obesity and visceral fat forming around vital organs
- Lack of physical activity
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, low HDL, sickle cell anemia, Crohn’s
- Poor lifestyle choices in general
Gallstones are typically diagnosed with ultrasound and/or testing.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Issues
Untreated gallstones or gallbladder issues can be life-threatening. Complications of untreated gallbladder issues include causing pancreatitis.
Before any of these life-threatening conditions occur, someone with gallbladder issues may experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Back discomfort
- Severe shooting discomfort throughout their body
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing
- Symptoms of a fever
Not to worry, Gallbladder and gallstone issues are common so whether you want to avoid surgically removing an organ or you’ve already had it removed, we’re going to break down 5 ways that you can protect it or heal any damage done.
Natural Treatments and Remedies
There are many natural ways to support your Gallbladder.
Herbs and Foods to Support Gallbladder
Ox Bile
Ox bile is derived from bovine and contains the digestive salts and enzymes that we need to properly digest our food. For someone without a gallbladder, this is the perfect supplement to help them break down fats! It is also useful in supporting other symptoms of digestive or gastrointestinal issues.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive Enzymes are proteins found in humans, fruit, veggies, and fermented foods that assist our body in turning nutrients into something that our digestive system can break down and absorb. Digestive disorders such as gallstones can hinder our body from making these digestive enzymes which is why it’s important to add them back in.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a type of bacteria that is actually good for you! They are live bacteria and yeasts found in fermented foods and created by our own bodies. These good bacteria assist your body in balancing and reducing the bad bacteria that contribute to infections and digestive issues.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fat is vital to gut health because they are the building block of the cells and hormones in our body. They help increase the gut bacteria all while being soothing. Healthy fats are also crucial for brain health which is also connected to gut health! Oils such as MCT oil and coconut oil are healthy and light on the digestive system.
What to Avoid
There are many foods that can be harsh on our system, destroying the lining of our gut and the environment that it’s in. Poor diet, NSAIDS, overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol are major contributors to digestive issues.
Rancid oils such as peanut oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are congestive and hard to break down, requiring our liver and gallbladder to work extra hard.
Coconut and MCT Oils are better choices because they are light and don’t require a lot of your liver and gallbladder.
NSAIDS are another major contributor to gallstone issues. They work by blocking inhibitors that cause discomfort, but they also increase your risk of clotting and digestive tract issues. Studies show that taking 1,600 to 2,400 milligrams of omega-3 will have the same effect as an NSAID at reducing discomfort. Omegas and Turmeric together are a powerhouse in reducing discomfort and discomfort.
Summary
Overall, it can be said that while gallstones can cause severe discomfort, you don’t necessarily have to resort to surgery and if you’ve already had your Gallbladder removed, there are natural ways you can support your Gallbladder by improving your lifestyle, avoiding certain foods, and including digestive helpers in your diet!
