Gastrointestinal Health: Gallstones

Question 1

Q: What are gallstones?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Q: What factors contribute to cholelithiasis (gallstones)?

Answer 2

A: Cholelithiasis results from the supersaturation of bile with cholesterol, bile stasis, and delayed gallbladder emptying due to reduced motility.

Question 3

Q: What are the key risk factors for gallstones?

Answer 3

A: Risk factors include obesity, Type 2 diabetes, use of oral contraceptives (OCP), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a typical Western diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and high alcohol intake.

Question 4

Q: What is the natural approach to managing gallstones?

Answer 4

A: Increase fiber intake, reduce refined sugar, trans fats, saturated fats, and alcohol, consume choleretic and cholagogue-rich foods (e.g., apple cider vinegar, bitter greens, globe artichoke), lose weight if overweight, increase polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and use peppermint to help dissolve stones.

Question 5

Q: What supplements can help with gallstones?

Answer 5

A: Vitamin C (500-2000 mg/day), lecithin (to keep cholesterol in solution), and purified bile salts (ox bile) can help manage gallstones.

Question 6

Q: What is the traditional naturopathic gallbladder flush?

Answer 6

A:

Perform a liver flush routine for 10 days.
On the 10th evening, mix ½ pint of lemon juice with ½ pint of olive oil.
Lie on your right side and sip the mixture until finished.
Apply a castor oil pack over the liver and go to bed with a hot pack on top.
In the morning, check the first bowel motion for stones.
Note: Do not perform this flush if there is active cholecystitis.