Gallstones
Gallstones are rocklike clumps of cholesterol or other digestive substances
that form in the gallbladder, the pear-shaped organ that sits in the upper
right section of the abdomen, just under the liver. The gallbladder stores
and concentrates bile-a thick greenish yellow fluid that's produced by
the liver-and eventually releases it through the bile duct into the small
intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. Gallstones can develop if the bile
contains very high levels of cholesterol, bile acids, pigments, or other
substances. Whether they're as tiny as the head of a pin or as big as a
golf ball, gallstones often produce no symptoms and need no special
care. Sometimes, though, they can block the bile duct or inflame the
gallbladder, causing intense abdominal pain and requiring prompt treatment.
Though the exact cause of gallstones is not known, several factors may
contribute to their formation, including a low-fiber, high-fat and refined sugar
diet; intestinal surgery; inflammatory bowel disease; or other disorders of the
digestive tract. Gallstones tend to occur in people over age 40 and are three
times more common in women. Obesity is also
strongly linked to gallstones, as is rapid weight loss.
Supplements and herbs
The supplements recommended below may all aid in preventing or
dissolving gallstones. Three months of treatment may be effective in
dissolving small existing stones, though those supplements in blue (except
taurine) can also be used long term to help prevent gallstone attacks.
Extra vitamin C is important
because it lowers bile cholesterol levels, decreasing the chance that
cholesterol-laden bile will clump to form stones. Vitamin C should be combined
with various other supplements. A good general choice is a lipotropic
("fat-metabolizing") combination, containing
milk thistle, choline, inositol, and
methionine, which bolsters liver
function and promotes a healthy flow of fats and bile from the liver and
gallbladder. The herb milk thistle, for example, alters bile composition,
helping to dissolve gallstones and eliminate stones that may have formed. Choline and inositol (related to the B vitamins)
and the amino acid methionine aid in fat and cholesterol metabolism as well.
They also strengthen liver and gallbladder function. Methionine may increase
levels of another amino acid, taurine, which improves bile flow and helps
dissolve existing stones. Choline and inositol are also vital to the fatty bile
component lecithin (inadequate levels may precipitate gallstones).
Other supplements may be worth adding to the mix, either singly or
together. Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids that may be useful
in preventing or even dissolving gallstones.
Peppermint oil, taken in
enteric-coated capsules, also has gallstone-dissolving effects. And daily
doses of psyllium can promote bowel movements, which may be of
value in blocking the formation of gallstones.
Homeopathy
Remedies below have been helpful to some
people with gallstones. They are mentioned here to
introduce a few of the possibilities homeopathy can offer,
and not as recommendations for self-treatment. A
constitutional remedy chosen by an experienced
prescriber is a more appropriate way to treat deep-seated,
serious, or chronic conditions.
- Berberis
This remedy may be indicated when stitching pains
extend from the gallbladder region to the stomach
and sometimes to the shoulder. Sharp twinges
radiating outward can be felt in the groin and pelvic bones
and may seem to come from the lower back. Pain can
be worse when the person is standing up, and from
changing position. The person may be constipated
and have a tendency toward gout or joint pains.
Rapidly changing states (sudden thirst, then lack of
thirst; hunger, then loss of appetite) can point to this
remedy.
- Calcarea carb.
When a person needing this remedy has gallbladder
problems, the abdomen may feel swollen on the right
and be very sensitive to pressure, with cutting pains
that extend to the chest and are worse from stooping.
The person feels worse from standing, worse from
exertion, and better from lying on the painful side.
Calcarea carbonica is often indicated for people who
tire easily, feel cold and sluggish with clammy hands
and feet, crave sweets, and tend to feel anxious and
overwhelmed when ill.
- Chelidonium
This remedy is often indicated when pain extends to
the back, tight, shoulder, and shoulder blade. The
abdomen is distended, with a constricting feeling as if
a string were pulled across it. Pain is worse from
motion, and lying on the left with the legs drawn up
may help. The person may feel nauseous, especially
after eating fat or drinking something cold (warm
drinks stay down more easily). The person may feel
tired, worse from being cold, and worse in the early morning.
- Colocynthis
Cutting, cramping pains that make a person double
over, or want to lie down and put hard pressure on the
abdomen may indicate a need for this remedy. Pain in
the upper right abdomen, extending to the shoulder,
may also be seen. A person needing this remedy may
have aggravated physical symptoms after feeling
angry or emotional, especially after suppressing those
feelings.
- Lycopodium
This remedy is often indicated for people who have
chronic digestive problems with abdominal bloating,
flatulence, and discomfort. Problems are worse from
eating, and the pains may extend from the right side
to the left. A person who needs this remedy typically
craves sweets, prefers warm drinks, and may feel
worse in the late afternoon and evening.
- Nux vomica
Constricting pains that travel upward, stitching pains,
and a swollen feeling in the upper right part of the
abdomen suggest a need for this remedy. Digestive
cramps and nausea, along with a general feeling of
chilliness, are likely. The person may crave fats, strong
spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other stimulants, and
feel worse from having them. Irritability and
impatience are usually pronounced when this remedy is
needed.
What else you can do
- Eat a diet high in fiber and low in refined
carbohydrates, sugar, and fat.
Fruits and vegetables, oat bran, and pectin (found in
cabbage, carrots,
oranges, peas, and okra) may be especially important in
preventing and dissolving gallstones.
- Keep your weight down and drink plenty of water daily.
- Exercise, it reduces the risk of gallstone formation.
How much to take
-
- Vitamin C
- 1,000 mg 3 times a day.
Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.
- Lipotropic combination
- 1 or 2 pills twice a day.
Need 250 mg milk thistle (take extra if needed); may
also include choline, inositol, methionine, and dandelion.
- Taurine
- 1,000 mg L -taurine twice a day for up to 3 months.
After 6 weeks, add a mixed amino acid complex.
- Lecithin
- 2 capsules of 19 grains (1,200 mg) each twice a day.
Or 2 tsp granular form twice a day before meals.
- Flaxseed oil
- 1 tbsp (14 grams) a day in liquid or pill form.
Can be mixed with food; take in the morning.
- Peppermint oil
- 2 capsules (containing 0.2 ml of oil each) twice a day.
Buy enteric-coated capsules. Take between meals.
- Psyllium
- 1 tbsp powder dissolved in water or juice twice a day.
Be sure to drink extra water throughout the day.
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