Conditions

Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder is a three- to four-inch-long pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the body, directly under the liver. One of the functions of the liver is to remove poisonous substances from the blood so that they can be expelled from the body. The liver excretes all these gathered toxins in a digestive agent called bile. The bile-about one pint of it every day-goes first to the gallbladder, which holds it until food arrives in the small intestine. The gallbladder then releases the bile, which passes through the cystic and bile ducts into the small intestine. Ultimately, the toxins are passed out of the body through the feces.

Abnormal concentration of bile acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids in the bile can cause the formation of gallstones. The presence of gallstones is known as cholelithiasis. However, if a stone is pushed out of the gallbladder and lodges in the bile duct, this can cause nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right abdominal region.

Gallstones can range from the size of a tiny grain of sand to larger than a pea-sized mass. Seventy-five percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones, with the remaining 25 percent being pigment stones. Pigment stones are composed of calcium salts. Although the cause of pigment stones is unknown, factors such as intestinal surgery, cirrhosis of the liver and blood disorders can increase the rate of risk.

The presence of gallstones creates a possibility that inflammation of the gallbladder may develop. Inflammation of the gallbladder requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can be life threatening.

Signs and Symptoms:

Generally, symptoms only occur once the inflammation of the gallbladder has occurred.

• Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
• Severe pain across the chest
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constant pain below the breastbone that shoots into the right or left shoulder area and radiates into the back
• Tea or coffee colored urine
• Shaking
• Chills
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes)

A gallbladder attack may mimic a heart attack, with severe pain in the chest area.

Diagnosis:

The most common diagnostic procedure is the ultra-sound. This, along with analysis of symptoms and medical history, usually comprises the diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

Only patients with symptomatic stones are treated.

Traditional Treatments:

• If the gallbladder is unable to expel the stones and send them into the small intestine, the stones can be fragmented with sound waves or surgically removed. However, conventional therapy for most problems with the gallbladder remains cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder. With the advent of laparoscopic surgical techniques, this operation has become less traumatic and less disfiguring than in the past, requiring a small incision only an inch or so in length. About 20 percent of people with gallstones have symptoms so serious that this is the best option. The digestive system can function without the gallbladder, so removing it seldom causes serious adverse after effects.
• If the gallbladder or pancreas becomes inflamed as a result of gallstone blockage (the pancreas is located nearby and can become affected), this acute problem must be dealt with first before the gallbladder can be removed. Stopping eating and resorting to intravenous feeding, using general antibiotics, and controlling symptoms with appropriate medication are usually sufficient to calm the situation.
• For cancer of the gallbladder, surgery can effect a complete cure if the tumor is fully contained within the gallbladder itself.
• Occasionally, removal of the gallbladder can result in scarring of the remaining bile duct, which may require dilation and replacement of a tube to keep the duct open.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Imaging is imperative before beginning any alternative treatment. Herbs that are stimulating to the gallbladder may induce contraction triggering acute cholecystitis with a stone too large to pass. Follow dietary guidelines and consider herbs if indicated.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Carnitine improves the digestion of fats and helps lower elevated cholesterol, which is common in people with gallbladder problems.
• Take 500 mg of L-carnitine twice daily.
• As an aid to complete digestion, take a full-spectrum digestive-enzyme supplement. Be aware, however, that many digestive enzyme supplements contain HCI, which can irritate the stomach, and should be avoided if you have a peptic ulcer or a tendency to stomach inflammation.
  Warning: Long-term supplementation with pancreatin is not advised, as it can cause your pancreas to reduce its own production of this enzyme.
• Lecithin helps improve digestion and aids the transport of fats. Take 1,200 mg in capsule form or 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid with each meal.
• Magnesium helps relax the bile duct, eases stress, and is important for the entire central nervous system. Take 350 mg of chelated magnesium twice daily.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals. Choose a product containing mixed tocopherols and begin by taking 100 to 200 IU of bedtime, then gradually increase the dosage until you are taking 400 IU daily.
  Warning: If you are taking, blood thinners consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E.
• L-Glycine is an essential for the biosynthesis of nucleic and bile acids. Take 500 mg daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk.
• Multi-enzyme complex, with ox bile, aids in digestion if too little bile is secreted from the gallbladder. Ox bile is needed especially if you have had gallbladder removal surgery. Warning: Do not give multi-enzyme complex supplements to children.

Alternative Therapies:

• Alfalfa cleanses the liver and supplies necessary vitamins and minerals. Twice a day for two days, take 1,000 mg in tablet or capsule form with a glass of warm water.
• Peppermint oil capsules are used in Europe to cleanse the gallbladder.
• If you have gallstones, or are prone to developing them, turmeric can reduce your risk of further problems.
• Other beneficial herbs include barberry root bark, catnip, cramp bark, dandelion, fennel, ginger root, horsetail, parsley and wild yam.
  Warning: Do not use barberry during pregnancy.
• Artichoke leaf helps to improve bile production and decrease stone formation. Take 250 to 500 mg of standardized extract two or three times daily.
• Milk thistle contains silymarin, which helps to rejuvenate and repair liver function. Choose an extract standardized to contain 80 percent flavonoids and take 100 to 200 mg three times daily for one month. Stop for one month, then repeat.
• Berberis vulgaris, Chelidonium, and Taraxacum are homeopathic remedies that may help with gallbladder disease. See a homeopathic practitioner for more information or other constitutional remedies.

General Recommendations:

• To encourage gallstones to pass, take three tablespoons of olive oil with the juice of one lemon before bed and before breakfast.
• As much as possible, avoid stress. Stress adds to the distress experienced by those with gallbladder problems.
• If you have an attack, drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider in a glass of apple juice. This should relieve the pain quickly. If the pain does not subside, go to the emergency room to rule out other disorders.
• To relieve acute pain, try using hot castor oil packs on the gallbladder area.
• To cleanse the system, consume as much pure apple juice as possible for five days. Add pear juice occasionally.
• Avoid sugar and products that contain sugar. People who consume an excessive amount of sugar are much more likely to form gallstones.
• Avoid all animal fat and meat, saturated fats (found primarily in meat), full-fat dairy products, fried foods, spicy foods, margarine, soft drinks, commercial oils, chocolate, and refined carbohydrates.
• A detoxification program for the liver and colon is important for improved gallbladder function. Use cleansing enemas if you have chronic problems.
• Do not overeat. Obesity and gallbladder disease are related. Females age forty and over who are overweight and who have had children are more likely than most people to suffer from disorders of the gallbladder.

Warnings:

• Inflammation of the gallbladder requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, it can be life threatening.
• Do not give multi-enzyme complex supplements to children.
• Do not use barberry during pregnancy.
• If you are taking blood thinners consult your doctor before taking supplemental
  vitamin E.
• Long-term supplementation with pancreatin is not advised, as it can cause your pancreas to reduce its own production of this enzyme.