This is a topic I’ve wanted to talk about for years. And I wish someone would have told me 17 years ago that there was a way to dissolve gallstones naturally, that I didn’t have to have my gallbladder taken out, I could cool the inflammation and avoid surgery.
I was nineteen when I had my first gallbladder attack. I remember going to the hospital because I had never had so much pain and the doctor dismissing it as gas. I remember thinking, GAS!? I’ve had gas before and Sweet Mary Francis there’s no way gas could be THAT painful. But, whatever. Whatever you say, Doc.
A week or so later that same radiating pain rose up and I made an appt to see my primary care physician. There he found that I had cholelithiasis and was told I needed my gallbladder removed. We set the surgery date and I had a cholecystectomy. Never once did anyone give me alternate options other than surgery or did they explain that the gallbladder is important and it’s best to keep it if you can. Yes you can live without it, the liver continues to make bile but now I have impaired fat metabolism whereas I could have avoided this altogether. But, alas, under the knife I go…
**If you’ve had your gallbladder removed already – check out my other video about what you must know after surgery!
CAUTION: Before we go any further, when bile components enlarge, become stones and block the common bile duct or cystic bile duct, it can become life threatening. This is not the protocol for those times. That is an emergency situation and one should take emergency measures. If your doctor has told you that your condition is not life threatening, then you can consider more of a holistic and natural approach to dissolve the gallstones.
The Gallstone Dissolving Diet
Vegetarian diets have been shown to be the most effective. The diet needs to be low in fat, no sugar and abstain from coffee or other forms of caffeine. Dandelion greens, beet greens, black radish greens should be added as they increase the flow of bile needed to break down fat.
Gallbladder Flush
It’s easier to prevent gallstones than it is to treat them but when they’re present sometimes a gallbladder flush (aka. a liver flush) can get rid of the problem. A gallbladder flush consists of a 3 day fast of olive oil and lemon juice followed by six days of olive oil, lemon, carrot, beet, and cucumber juice as well as a potassium broth containing carrots, spinach, celery and parsley. The liquids should be taken 4-5x/day and with plenty of water. This combined with enemas using coffee, garlic, or wheatgrass can further enhance the cleansing process.
Following the flush it’s recommended to continue a plant based alkaline diet with lots of sea vegetables and concentrated green juices, such as chlorella, barley grass, spirulina and wheatgrass to boost the liver and gallbladder.
Supplemental Support
Those with gallstones should have their hydrochloric acid levels checked, which would indicate a need to add HCl as a supplement. Lipotropic supplements such as omega-3, choline, and flaxseed oil are good to take up to 3x/day after the gallbladder flush. Also the plant enzymes: bromelain and papain help digest protein and are anti-inflammatory.
Since it’s the liver that makes the bile, taking bitter herbs that support and help normalize liver function should be taken. Milk Thistle is one of the best herbs to support gallbladder and liver health. Other good herbs to take are goldenseal, cardamom, and Oregan grape for their active ingredient berberine. Dandelion and tumeric are excellent for their anti-inflammatory properties. Taking gravel root or sipping on chamomile tea daily will help dissolve gallstones.
What to Avoid
There are some foods that have been found to aggravate gallbladder disease. The most common offenders are eggs, onions, pork and dairy products. Sugar, even natural sugar like in dates can be problematic for some and therefore should be avoided. Also, being overweight places a person at high risk for gallstones. Certain prescription drugs do as well, so check with your physician or pharmacist if this is a concern.
Bottomline: for most people gallstones can dissolve naturally and surgery can be avoided. I cannot stress enough that one should try to avoid removing organs unless absolutely necessary. The gallbladder is there for a reason, and it helps us break down and digest fat properly.
If you’re considering or are ready to work with an Registered Dietitian to help you reach your goals – contact me here!
References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Gallstones.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
