The gallbladder is a small organ located below the liver where bile is stored and concentrated. It is in the form of a sac and aids in food digestion. Gallstones vary in shape, size, composition, and density and are formed when cholesterol, calcium, and other particles get accumulated in the gallbladder.
Causes
Gallstones are mostly made up of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bilirubin. The causes of gallstones are not known exactly but there are few theories to support this:
1. High Cholesterol
A high content of cholesterol in your bile duct can cause yellow cholesterol stones. The gallstones can be formed if your liver accumulates more cholesterol than what the bile can dissolve.
2. Too much bilirubin in bile
Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced when the liver destroys old red blood cells. Few conditions like liver damage can produce more bilirubin. Gallstones are formed when the gallbladder cannot break down excess bilirubin. These stones are either dark brown or black.
3. Concentrated bile
The gallbladder has to empty out its bile for a healthy functioning. If not, the bile content can turn concentrated causing stones to form.
Other Causes
- Poor diet
- Losing weight rapidly
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Family history of gallstones
- High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
- Lack of physical activity
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
Symptoms
Gallstones can cause pain in upper right abdomen. The gallbladder pain can start when one takes fried foods high in fat. You can experience few of the symptoms mentioned below:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Stomach pain
- Burping
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
Gallbladder Attack Relief
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
What you need?
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- One tsp lemon juice
- Glass of warm water
How to do:
- Mix two tsp of apple cider vinegar and one tsp of lemon juice to a glass of warm water.
- Drink on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
How it works:
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and prevents the liver from developing cholesterol, and thereby forming gallstones. It helps to dissolve gallstones and alleviate pain.
How frequent to use: Repeat this daily for few weeks for dissolving gallstones and prevent pain.
Tip: You can continue to try an apple based recipe even after the gallstones are removed. Mix fresh uncooked applesauce, shredded raw beets, two tsp olive oil, and fresh lime juice. Try this recipe once a week.
Lemon juice can prevent your liver from forming cholesterol. The Vitamin C present in lemon juice allows removing toxins more easily. It contains pectin which is helpful for treating gallbladder pain associated with stones.
How frequent to use: Repeat once a week.
Tip: You can also mix four tsp of lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Drink this solution daily on an empty stomach. Try this remedy for several weeks until the gallstones are removed from body.
3. Peppermint
What you need?
- One tsp dried peppermint leaves
- One cup water
- One tsp honey
How to do:
- Boil water in a vessel.
- Add one tsp of dried peppermint leaves. Allow it to boil for few minutes.
- Remove from heat. Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the leaves.
- Add one tsp of honey for taste (optional).
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How it works:
Peppermint can treat digestive system by allowing easy flow of bile. The presence of a compound known as terpene in peppermint can effectively dissolve gallstones. This can also relax muscle spasms and relieve gallbladder pain.
How frequent to use: Try this peppermint tea twice a day for one or two months.
Tip: Drink this tea after meals for best effect.
4. Vegetable Juice
What you need?
- One beetroot
- One cucumber
- Four medium-sized carrots
How to do:
- Extract out the juice of beetroot, cucumber, and carrots.
- Mix it well.
How it works:
Vegetable juice can help in removing gallstones effectively. Beetroot can cleanse liver and strengthen gallbladder. Cucumber is good for detoxifying gallbladder and liver, while carrots can strengthen the immune system.
How frequent to use: Drink this juice twice a day.
Tip: Try this remedy for two effects to see noticeable results.
5. Psyllium
What you need?
- One tsp psyllium powder
- One glass water
How to do:
- Mix one tsp of psyllium powder in a glass of water.
- Stir well.
How it works:
Psyllium is a great remedy for treating gallstones. It contains soluble fibre which prevents gallstones from forming.
How frequent to use: Drink this solution twice a day. You can repeat this remedy until all the gallstones are removed.
Tip: It is important to drink lots of water when trying out psyllium as it tends to absorb water.
6. Dandelion
What you need?
- 2tsp marshmallow root
- One tsp Oregon grape root
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tsp dried dandelion leaves
- One tsp dried peppermint leaves
How to do:
- Boil water in a vessel in a medium flame.
- Add two tsp of marshmallow root, one tsp of Oregon grape root, to four cups of water.
- Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add two tsp of dried dandelion leaves, and one tsp of dried peppermint leaves.
- Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
How it works:
Dandelion has a compound known as taraxacin that allows bile excretion from liver. It helps detoxify fat that is accumulated in the liver. If the liver starts functioning well, it can aid in gallbladder functioning.
How frequent to use: It is ideal to drink this herbal tea twice a day.
Tip: You can also consume tender dandelion greens by adding them to your salad. But diabetic patients should refrain from consuming dandelion greens in any form.
7. Milk Thistle
What you need?
- One tsp milk thistle seeds
- Mortar and pestle
- Water
- Honey (optional)
How to do:
- Grind one tsp of milk thistle seeds in a mortar and pestle.
- Transfer the crushed seeds to a vessel and add water.
- Put in heat and allow boiling.
- Turn off the flame.
- Steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain tea, and add for taste.
How it works:
Milk thistle is a great treatment for gallstones. This herb contains a substance known as silymarin that acts as a stimulant for bile production. The increase in bile produce can help to flush out gallstones.
How frequent to use: Drink this solution twice or thrice daily for one week.
Tip: You can also take milk thistle seeds in supplement form. Consult your doctor for proper dosage.
8. Castor Oil
What you need?
- One cup castor oil
- Cheesecloth
- Plastic sheet or cloth
- Hot water bag
How to do:
- Heat one cup of pure, cold-pressed castor oil in a pan.
- Soak cheesecloth in the warm oil, and wring out the excess.
- Place the wet cheesecloth over the right side of your stomach.
- Cover the cheesecloth using a plastic sheet or clean cloth.
- Place a hot water bag on the plastic sheet for 30-60 minutes.
How it works:
Castor oil contains medicinal and healing agents that can minimize gallstones. Also its transdermal treatment can neutralize inflammation and reduce abdominal pain.
How frequent to use: Try this remedy at least thrice a week for 30 minutes for best results.
Tip: Try this remedy for two hours thrice a week after dinner if you have an inflamed gallbladder that causes pain.
9. Pears
What you need?
- Pear juice
- Water
- Honey
How to do:
- Mix half a glass of pear juice to half a glass of hot water.
- Add two tsp of honey.
How it works:
Pears can offer relief from gallstone pain. It contains compound pectin allows to soften cholesterol loaded with gallstones, and thereby flush out the gallstones.
How frequent to use: Drink this pear infused juice thrice a week for two weeks.
Tip: Alternatively consume one bowl of boiled pears twice a day for effective results.
10. Wine
What you need?
- Wine
How to do:
- Drink half a glass of wine to relief from gallstone relief.
How it works:
When you have gallstone pain, drink wine to get instant relief. According to research, drinking half a glass daily can reduce gallstone attacks by 40%.
How frequent to use: Drink half a glass daily for best effect.
Tip: Consult your doctor before taking wine for right dosage.
11. Quebra Pedra
What you need?
- Quebra Pedra
- 8 ounces of water
How to do:
- Add two tsp of Quebra Pedra to eight ounces of water to make a drink.
How it works:
Quebra Pedra is a herb that works effectively for gallstones. This herb can be consumed in tea form to make a drink.
How frequent to use: You should try this remedy for at least two months for full effect.
Tip: You should consume the entire solution per consumption.
12. Turmeric
What you need?
- Honey
- Turmeric
How to do:
- Add one tsp of turmeric and two tsp of honey.
- Stir well.
How it works:
Turmeric can help in lowering cholesterol levels and improve antioxidant system in our body to prevent gallstone formation.
How frequent to use: Try this solution daily until you see results.
Tip: Turmeric is safe to use post surgery as it can alleviate pain that comes after gallbladder surgery.
13. Heat Packs
What you need?
- Hot water bottle/ heating pad
How to do:
- Apply hot water bottle or heating pad to abdominal area.
How it works:
Applying heat on abdomen can moderately reduce gallstone pain.
How frequent to use: Apply heat onto stomach for 30-60 minutes. Try this treatment for three days consecutively.
Tip: If your condition is severe, then a doctor can recommend antibiotics or surgical removal of gallbladder.
14. Artichoke Leaves
What you need?
- Artichoke leaves
How to do:
- Consume artichoke leaves or its extract daily to dissolve gallstones naturally.
How it works:
Artichoke leaves can help to dissolve gallstones and provide relief from abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, and bloating symptoms associated with gallbladder pain. It contains cynarin substance that prevents gallstone formation.
How frequent to use: Consume artichoke daily prevent the formation of gallstones in two weeks.
Tip: Additionally consume artichoke supplements to get relief from gallstones. Consult a doctor for proper dosage.
15. Rosemary
What you need?
- Rosemary oil
- Coconut oil
How to do:
- Mix three drops of rosemary oil and a quarter tsp of coconut oil.
- Rub this infused oil over gallbladder.
How it works:
Rosemary is a wondrous herb to treat gallstones. It can enhance bile production and prevent spasms from occurring inside the bile duct. Regular usage of the oil can also help in the breakdown of fat.
How frequent to use: Apply this oil twice daily to reduce inflammation.
Tip: You can also add rosemary oil to bath oil mixed with thyme oil, and lime oil for best relief.
16. Epsom Salts
What you need?
- ½ cup olive oil
- 4 tsp Epsom salt
- ½ cup lime or grapefruit juice
How to do:
- Mix four tsp of Epson in three cups of water and drink.
- After two hours, drink the second dose of Epsom salt drink.
- After an hour, mix half cup of olive oil with ½ cup of lemon or grapefruit juice.
- Drink at a moderate pace.
How it works:
The liver cleansing allows breaking down the gallstones for easier passage. The use of Epsom salts can relax and dilate the gallbladder for releasing the gallstones, while olive oil can stimulate the gallbladder and expel the stones.
How frequent to use: For this procedure, you should not consume anything after 2 pm. Start with the first dose at six pm, and follow the timings until the last dose at 10 pm.
Tip: After consuming the drink sleep on your right side or lay on your back.
17. Fiber
What you need?
- Fruits and vegetables
How to do:
- Include fiber rich fruits like apples, pears, and peaches.
- Include veggies like broccoli, kale, green beans, and peas.
How it works:
Fibre rich food ensures faster digestion. It can also prevent the formation of gallstones in future. Therefore, it is important to include fibre rich foods in diet to ease the digestive tract and support the gallbladder.
How frequent to use: Include all these foods slowly into your diet.
Tip: Do not consume too much of fibre rich foods as it can lead to bloating.
18. Water
What you need?
- 8-10 glasses of water
How to do:
- Drink four glasses of water on an empty stomach.
- Take a glass of water throughout the day.
How it works:
Water acts as a natural cleanser for preventing gallstone formation. It aids in better digestion. It can allow clearing your toxins from your body more easily. Drinking water can also allow one to relive from pain related to gallstone discomfort.
How frequent to use: It is ideal to drink water on a regular basis.
Tip: You can squeeze lime juice or honey to a glass of water for best effects.
19. Salmon
What you need?
- Three ounce cooked salmon
How to do:
- Include fatty fish like salmon in your diet.
- Consume three ounce portion of salmon.
How it works:
A three ounce portion of salmon contains less than two grams of total fat. It allows for easier digestion.
How frequent to use: If your gallstone causes pain or discomfort, then you should limit the intake of salmon.
Tip: Do not cook salmon in butter or tartar sauce.
20. Calcium
What you need?
- Calcium supplement
How to do:
- Women should take 500-700 mg of calcium in supplement form.
- Men should limit calcium intake to 500-600 mg.
How it works:
Taking calcium supplement can bind bile acids and decrease risk of stone formation.
How frequent to use: Calcium supplement can be ideally taken twice a day.
Tip: Check with a doctor first before taking the calcium supplement.
21. Coffee
What you need?
- Coffee
How to do:
- Drink a cup of coffee daily to reduce the risk of developing gallstones.
How it works:
The effects of coffee can differ from person to person depending on the severity of their gallbladder problem progression. Few studies have revealed that drinking coffee daily reduces the symptoms of symptomatic gallstones.
How frequent to use: Drink one cup of coffee once or twice a day.
Tip: If your gallbladder is inflamed then drinking coffee might worsen the symptoms of gallstones.
22. Alfalfa
What you need?
- 1000 mg of alfalfa supplements
How to do:
- Get alfalfa supplements from a medical store.
- Consume 1,000 mg of alfalfa supplement.
How it works:
Alfalfa herb is an effective treatment for gallbladder as it cleanses our liver while providing our organ with the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Your pain will lessen right after the first dosage.
How frequent to use: Have this supplement twice a day for two days.
Tip: Take a glass of lukewarm water after taking the supplement.
23. Red Bell Peppers
What you need?
- Red bell pepper
How to do:
- Include at least one red bell pepper in diet to prevent gallstones formation.
How it works:
One red bell pepper contains about 95 mg of Vitamin C to aid in gallstone formation.
How frequent to use: Include once or twice a week in your diet.
Tip: Do not over indulge in red bell peppers as it can lead to other side effects.
24. Aloe Vera
What you need?
- Aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel
How to do:
- Taking aloe vera juice daily can provide relief from gallstones.
- Or consume two tsp of aloe vera gel after meals to treat certain symptoms of gallstones.
How it works:
Daily intake of aloe vera juice or gel can provide relief from gallstones. If your gallstones are small then consume aloe vera juice for gentle detoxification to prevent the problem from occurring.
How frequent to use: Consume the aloe vera gel twice a day after meals for best use.
Tip: Consume aloe vera juice daily on an empty stomach.
25. Black seeds
What you need?
- 2 tsp black seeds
- 2 tsp honey
- Warm water
How to do:
- Mix 2 tsp of black and two tsp of honey in a glass of warm water.
- Drink daily on an empty stomach.
How it works:
Black seeds are an effective herb to strengthen your body and speed up healing process. This oil is considered a herbal treatment for removing gallstones.
How frequent to use: Take two tsp of black seeds daily and increase the dosage to one and half teaspoon. Continue the same process for one or two months.
Tip: Alternatively, mix one tsp of black seeds in a glass of water for effective results.
26. Chamomile tea
What you need?
- 3-4 tsp of chamomile dried flowers
- Mint sprig
- 8 oz water
How to do:
- Boil 8 oz of water in a vessel.
- Add chamomile flowers and mint, and allow it to cool.
- Remove from flame and allow it to steep for five minutes.
How it works:
Chamomile is an herb that plays an effective role in preventing gallstones. It can activate bile production. Chamomile contains antispasmodic properties for treating gallstone problem.
How frequent to use: Take a cup of chamomile tea twice a day daily.
Tip: Chamomile is also available in tea, oil, and capsule form. Using a combination of all these options can relive one from pain.
Foods to Avoid
- Fried foods– Fried foods are one of the most common causes of gallstones formation. You should stay away from fried foods that are high in calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol. When your body is unable to breakdown cholesterol levels, then it can form gallstones.
- Eggs– Eggs are to be taken in moderation. Do not consume more than three eggs in a week as they are rich in calories, cholesterol, and fat.
- Dairy Products– Avoid certain food products such as whole milk, butter, whole milk cheese, sour cream, chocolate milk, and ice cream as they are rich in saturated fat. These foods can add to gallstones formation or trigger gallbladder pain.
- Sweets and Desserts– You should cut down on sweets and desserts like cakes, pies, chocolate, puddings, and ice-cream. These food options are high in fat and therefore increase gallstone pain.
- Fatty Meat– Limit the intake of meats that is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This can help to prevent gallbladder disease and prevent gallbladder attacks.
Prevention and Precautions:
- Exercise daily to reduce cholesterol levels in the body tissues and to prevent gallbladder symptoms.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains.
- You should take extra supplements to prevent gallbladder disease. If you are not having a fibre-rich food, then you can take a fibre supplement daily.
- Avoid dairy products, sugar food items, fried food, and processed food. Consuming foods that are high in fat content can cause gallstones.
- Drink one or two cups of coffee to prevent chances of developing gallstones.
- Alcohol consumption in moderation can reduce gallbladder symptoms.
- Include peanuts in your diet for preventative effect.
- Taking raw vegetables and fruit juices can reduce gallbladder pain to a great extent.
- Certain hormonal and birth control pills can increase a woman’s risk for gallstones. If you are experiencing such hormones, then you should seek help from your doctor.
- Stay close to a healthy weight.
When to consult a doctor?
Pain in your abdomen can be an indication of a serious condition, especially if you are a heart patient or above 60 years old. If you are experiencing sudden or sever pain, then you should seek out for medical treatment immediately.
You should consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:
- The pain associated with gallstones can be moderate or severe pain. It can occur in upper right abdomen with a fever of 100.4 degree F or chills.
- If you notice a yellow tint in your skin, white part of your eyes, dark-yellow urine, and light-colored stools, then you should be alarmed.
You should consult a doctor even if your symptoms do not come without fever, chills, and skin yellowing.
