“The Chinese do not draw any distinction between food and medicine.”
- Lin Yutang
No one really thinks of the gallbladder till you run into a colleague who says, “hey, I had my gallbladder removed.” This conversation will empower you to have more of an edge the next time this subject comes up.
Why Would Someone Have His or Hers Removed?
When the gallbladder (responsible for the storage of bile) malfunctions and stops doing what it was placed on this Earth to do- the Precise and Timely release of bile into the small intestine during a meal, it functions erratically by continually releasing bile into the GI tract even when it is not needed (read: when I am not eating). When people with a faulty gallbladder want to eat a meal, they end up having too little bile left to help the body during digestion. The removal procedure is called a cholecystectomy.
Gallstones can also form from hardened bile that blocks the release of bile into the stomach. When bile gets thick, heavy, and sticky, they become gallstones!
Pesky, tiny gallstones may also venture out of the gallbladder into another organ- the Pancreas causing inflammation of the Pancreas or Pancreatitis.
How Would I Know My Gallbladder Sucks?
Oh! Trust me, you’ll know!
The gallbladder is placed in the right upper quadrant of your belly, just below the liver! So, if you experience pain after eating a heavy meal, full of fats (because your gallbladder is malfunctioning and bile is possibly not being secreted for digestion), it is best to think of your gallbladder as being Culprit numero uno.
Other signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting, bloating and indigestion. Make sure to call your doctor who will certainly order a diagnostic imaging scan or a GI workup.
People with chronic illnesses often have several 1000's of gall stones congesting the tilde ducts of the liver.
By removing these stones from the afflicted organs through flushes and recommended diet changes the liver and gall bladder can restore their original efficiency.
Are There Any Blood Tests?
The corresponding blood test to check inflammation of the gallbladder can be requested at your next clinic visit if you have any symptoms that concern you.
They are Liver Tests to check for gallbladder disease and blood amylase or Lipase levels, which look for inflammation of an important co-dependent organ, the pancreas.
Raging Alarm Symptom to Check Your Gall-B!
When the gallbladder malfunctions, you may feel spasmodic pain immediately after eating very fatty or heavy foods known as a gallbladder attack!
Ayurvedic Perspective on Cause
According to Maharishi Ayurveda, biliary disease begins with a loss of balance in the body and mind. Toxins (known as ‘Ama' in Ayurveda) due to improper lifestyle and dietary habits disturb the structure of bile acid.
Unhealthy food, stress and repressed anger can develop into potential triggers.
"Many patients with bile inflammation also feel that stress and an unstable nervous system can serve as an amplifier or reoccurring trigger."
Early Treatment
When inflammation of the gallbladder is in the early stages, you may have no symptoms. A proactive blood panel usually detects this on accident! Please see the earlier suggestion.
An increasing number of people see the empowerment in using Western diagnostics to detect issues and Eastern holistic healing to recover. As with any subject, early intervention and diet modification is the best treatment.
An emphasis on eliminating toxins or ‘ama’ takes priority. This can be done through dietary changes, lifestyle and herbs. If you are in the early stages, then your natural occurring healing cells can re-establish the healthy structure of bile.
Ayurvedic Dietary Suggestions
Since Ayurveda is an extremely personalized science depending on the cause of imbalance by your body type, I highly recommend a constitution evaluation and appointment with an Ayurvedic Doctor. You can find more information on my website [Consult an Ayurvedic PhD].
Individual results from diet modification may vary. Bottom line, stay away from fatty, spicy and heavily sticky foods for some time.
Eat: Smaller Portions and More Superfoods that can keep your digestion hydrated. Why? Gallstones form when bile is too thick (2).
Avocado
Beets
Artichoke, Fresh Aloe Vera gel Beets, Radish (raw)
Flaxseed
Black beans
Kale, Collards, Dandelion Leaves, Okra ( bitter greens)
Fenugreek
Dark leafy greens
Fermented foods like Sauerkraut
Lemon and Water
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Sources:
1. https://ayurveda-badems.com/medicine/treatable-diseases/gallstone-and-gallbladder-
inflammation/
2. https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/conditions/superfoods-gallbladder-diet/
5. Timeless Health & Rejuvenation by Andreas Moritz