Gallstones

Question 1

Gallstones

Answer 1

Gallstones = crystalline calculi formed within the gallbladder from a build up of bile components. 80% of gallstones contain cholesterol.

Question 2

Cholelithiasis: Causes

Answer 2

• Supersaturation of bile with cholesterol.

– Cholesterol supersaturation can result from excessive cholesterol concentration in bile or a deficiency of substances that keep cholesterol in solution (i.e., bile salts and phospholipids).

• Bile stasis or delayed gallbladder emptying due to ↓ gallbladder motility.

Question 3

Cholelithiasis: Key risk factors

Answer 3

Obesity, Type 2 diabetes, OCP, HRT, typical Western diet, sedentary, high alcohol.

Question 4

Natural approach to gallstones

Answer 4

• ↑ fibre; ↓ refined sugar, trans-fats, saturated fats and alcohol.
• Consume choleretic and cholagogue-rich foods and herbs to support bile flow (e.g., ACV, bitter greens, globe artichoke).
• Weight loss may reduce gallstones in overweight individuals.
• Increase polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as found in oily fish.
• Peppermint (its terpenes help to dissolve stones).

Supplement:
* Vitamin C (500–2000 mg / day).
* Lecithin (high phospholipid content; keeps cholesterol in solution).
* Purified bile salts (ox bile).

Question 5

The traditional naturopathic ‘gall bladder flush’

Answer 5

1. Perform the liver flush routine for 10 days (review Nutrition 2, ‘Superfoods’).
2. On the evening of the 10 th day, mix ½ pint of lemon juice (230 ml) with ½ pint olive oil (230 ml). The cycloartenol content of olive oil is thought to aid bile flow.
3. Lying on your sofa on your right side, drink this mixture in small sips until it is finished.
4. Prepare a castor oil pack and place over the liver region.
5. Go to bed with a hot pack over the castor oil pack.
6. In the morning, sift your first bowel motion and look for stones