Living Well Without a Gallbladder

The main function of your gallbladder is to store and concentrate a digestive enzyme called bile. Bile is created in your liver, and allows your body to break down and absorb fat from the foods you eat. During meals, the bile flows into your small intestine. Between meals, it is stored in your gallbladder. When you eat fatty food, your gallbladder releases bile to break down larger fat particles into smaller fat droplets. The fat is further broken down by digestive enzymes that come from your pancreas. If you've had your gallbladder removed, it is important to remember that your liver is still producing bile. Here are some things you can do to live healthy and well, without a gallbladder.

Detox

To create a healthy gut environment and optimize your digestion, it is a good idea to detoxify your liver and bile ducts. Milk thistle is one the most popular herbs for repairing the liver due to the flavonoid called silymarin, that is found in it's seeds. Dandelion root, ginger, and beetroot are other powerful liver detoxifiers. It's also important to stay hydrated so that the liver can cleanse. Drinking warm lemon water or herbal teas can help you do this. Regular exercise and infrared saunas also support detoxification through sweating.

Healthy Foods

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet is important for everyone's overall wellness, but it is especially important if you've had your gallbladder removed. This means avoiding refined sugar and carbs, refined oils, heavily processed food, processed meat, and artificial ingredients. Healthy foods that support production of bile and healthy bile flow include artichokes, lemon, lime, mint, parsley, radishes, cucumber, celery, cilantro, radishes, dandelion greens, and turmeric are great for bile flow support.

Castor Oil Packs

Applying castor oil packs to the liver area can help to dilate the bile ducts and improve bowel function. A great option is the castor oil pack from Queen of Thrones because Dr. Marisol is an expert in castor oil therapy. Her clever pack is easy to use and she includes the castor oil pack with organic castor oil in a glass jar. It is important to get organic castor oil in a glass jar because pesticide residue contained in conventional castor oil and the plastic residue from a non-glass container, can be absorbed through the skin.

Optimize Stomach Acid Production

Stomach acid plays an important role in stimulating bile secretion into your small intestine. Stomach acid is also important because it helps you break down the food you eat so that it can be utilized by the body. Low stomach acid can lead to increased inflammation which can deplete minerals and anti-oxidants throughout your body. Your stomach will begin producing stomach acid when you begin eating, especially when you are consuming protein. For this reason, it is better to eat your protein with your salad or veggies, instead of eating it after you eat your salad. Another way to make sure you have enough stomach acid to property digest a meal is to minimize consumption of liquids immediately before and after a meal.

Supplements

Betaine hydrochloride (HCI) can be taken to make sure you have enough stomach acid so that you can get the most out of your food. Always take it either half-way through the meal or right at the end of the meal. Never take it before the meal because you will turn off your natural stomach acid production. If you notice a mild burning sensation in your stomach or chest area, it is a sign that you are making enough stomach acid and don't need to keep taking the Betaine HCL.

Supporting and opening your bile ducts are critical for optimal bile flow and digestive health. Tudca (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) is a is a water soluble bile acid. It can help thin the bile and dilate your bile ducts. It also helps to break down fats and can be helpful for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Did this help you? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.