Gallbladder problems can cause nothing but misery so let’s see if we can find someway of relieving the discomfort whilst understanding the problem.
Firstly, your morning cup of coffee may increase your risk of developing or worsening gallbladder problems. Naturopaths will often suggest switching to herbal tea or a coffee substitute such as Raja’s Cup, Yannoh or Cafix.
Well that was simple enough now let’s look at the fats that are consumed. Basically cut saturated fat.
Olive Oil
If you are experiencing gallbladder pain then nutritionists will recommend cutting back on foods such as steak and fries but they should also tout the virtues of olive oil.
Olive oil actually promotes the passage of gallstones.
So having cut the fat from your diet and you are faced with a plate of greens enhance them with a few tablespoons of olive oil.
Remember in general gallbladder pain usually flares after fatty meals.
A simple biology lesson
Bile is stored in the gallbladder and aids in digesting fat. Now let’s take a look at the reality:
The typical American diet tends to be heavy on cholesterol and fats from animal protein and hydrogenated oils; both of these have a tendency to saturate bile.
As time goes on the excess cholesterol starts to calcify and form gallstones. Gallstones can become painful when they move through the small bile ducts going from the gallbladder.
So, should you start to show signs of gallbladder disease then the first step is to cut the fat from fried food and animal protein in your diet. Start eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit.
You do need to make sure that you are getting enough protein from other sources as protein aids in bile production and we need bile to help with the digestion of fat.
Lecithin for Better Bile
Lecithin is a natural fatlike substance and can aid in gallbladder health.
It is believed that Lecithin is effective at breaking down the fats that stress bile production.
Lecithin can be purchased as granules or you can boost your intake of lecithin by natural sources such as eating or drinking soy products and beet juice.
Note Consult your doctor before taking lecithin as it can raise your triglyceride level.
Peppermint Purifier
It has been known for a long time that peppermint can aid digestion and help increase bile production. That is why many use peppermint as a soothing after dinner drink.
You can drink peppermint tea or add a few drops of peppermint oil to water.
Dandelion
Yes, dandelion is a weed but herbalists believe that this bitter herb is effective in cleansing the liver and gallbladder.
Young dandelion greens can be added to your salad or you can drink two or three cups of dandelion tea a day.
You can also steam the greens and serve them in a bowl similar to spinach.
Crunchy Food
Chinese medical doctors believe that consuming crunchy vegetables and fruit helps to cleanse or flush out the gallbladder.
It is also believed to be useful to eat radishes between meals.
Breakfast
Should you be experiencing gallbladder pain after meals then try spreading your caloric intake out over the course of the day.
There have been studies that have shown that gallstones are more prevalent amongst those who skip breakfast.
Eating three or for lighter meals throughout the day is less stressful on the gallbladder.
Acupuncture
Chinese research has shown that acupuncture may enable those who have gallstones to pass them into the intestines therefore making surgery unnecessary.
