Gallbladder stones

Nearly one million gallbladder surgeries are performed each year in this country. With the frequency you hear about people having their gallbladders removed, you might think that gallbladders do not serve any great purpose, but of course, this is not true.

The gallbladder is required to emulsify fats. It stores bile and bile acids, which break down the fat you eat so it can be properly transported through the rest of the digestive system. The bile duct of the gallbladder acts like a valve that opens to release the correct amount of bile, enzymes, and secretions in response to the food we eat. Without it, the liver and pancreas will continuously make and dump bile without any inhibition or feedback loop. This interferes with the digestive process as a whole.

A common form of gallstones are made when cholesterol, calcium and other particles bind to each other and become lodged in the gallbladder, causing pain and other problems, such as indigestion and back pain. Normally, the gallbladder only stores liquid material, so when solid stones accumulate it can become serious and noticeable in terms of symptoms.

Several factors can make people more susceptible to developing gallstones, including poor diet (high in sugar, bad fats and refined carbohydrates), age (over 40), gender (more frequent in women), body composition (overweight or obese) and genetics. Lack of physical activity, diabetes, a poor cholesterol panel, and excess estrogen also increase the risk of gallstones.

Changing lifestyle habits has a positive effect on preventing gallstones. Studies suggest that obese people have higher levels of cholesterol in the liver, as well as more inflammation and swelling in the gallbladder. So, maintaining or achieving a healthy weight is important. On the other hand, rapid weight loss (greater than 3 pounds per week) can also increase the odds for gallstones by triggering deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances and other issues. People who are more active tend to have better protection against gallstones. It not only helps you achieve a healthy weight, but it also helps improve digestive function.

There are food choices that reduce the risk of gallstone formation. First, eat meals that contain good fats, like nuts and grass fed/pasture raised animal products, while cutting out bad fats like conventionally raised animal and dairy products, hydrogenated oils, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as canola, sunflower, safflower, and corn oils. Each time you eat fat, your gallbladder releases bile to break it down. When the bile is flowing regularly, the chances of crystals forming are greatly reduced. Also limit sugar and processed foods. Focus on adding more fresh produce and vegetable juices, organic and potassium-rich foods like avocado, leafy greens, tomato, and sweet potato. Beets and beet greens are considered a superfood for the gallbladder.

Additionally, apple cider vinegar not only aids with digestion but studies show that it helps break down fats that could crystallize into gallstones.

If you have had your gallbladder removed, you need to take some form of bile salts with every meal for the rest of your life, if you wish to prevent a good percentage of the good fats you eat from being flushed down the toilet. If you are simply avoiding all fat in your diet, your entire physiology will be disrupted, especially the ability to make hormones.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.