Gallbladder Pain
Gallbladder pain often manifests as persistent stomach discomfort, especially after eating, due to a dysfunctional gallbladder or following gallbladder removal. The gallbladder’s role is to store and release the bile produced in the liver to aid in the breakdown of dietary fats. When there is liver insufficiency or gallbladder dysfunction, pain can occur as gallstones form leading to fat absorption issues in the GI tract. This may present as a diffuse ache or referred pain to the right shoulder blade or under the ribs- commonly mistaken for back pain or a musculoskeletal condition. Symptoms may also include bloating and irregular bowel movements- like increased diarrhea or loose stools. This can be caused by an increase in fecal fat from the improper breakdown of ingested fats. The Wellness Way utilizes Genova Labs Comprehensive Stool Testing to evaluate our patient’s digestive health and bacterial balance to help support the GI tract. Upon review of this testing, often we find an increase in triglycerides, fecal fat and/or cholesterol in the stool. This is a strong indicator of poor fat breakdown.
Gallbladder Supplements We Recommend
We recommend patients to start a supplement rich in ox bile to support healthy bile production. The Wellness Way’s Gallbladder Complex (GC) is formulated specifically to provide the necessary support to both the gallbladder and liver to proliferate healthy bile production and release. If the gallbladder is removed, Gallbladder Complex (GC) is beneficial because without it, the liver still produces bile, but it may not release it at the right time during digestion, leading to reduced nutrient absorption.
Best Diet for Gallbladder Health
Focusing on eating healthy fats is an important step in the process of supporting and restoring gallbladder health. We advise patients to avoid processed foods that are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Avoiding seed oils, vegetable oils and other unhealthy fats (fatty meats, excessive dairy- ice cream, cheese, foods high in trans-fats, etc) are key to controlling fat absorption and avoiding excess fat retention. Supporting a healthy level of cholesterol is also very important to the process of fat breakdown. Fats that help to build good HDLs and lower bad LDLs are important, like coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil -to name a few.
Liver Function & The Gallbladder
How does liver function affect this process? The liver is a giant filter and must be functioning at its best to filter all the toxins, waste and nutrients from the blood. This includes fat and sugar- excess sugar is stored in the liver as fat and can lead to fatty liver. Fatty liver can slow down liver function and make losing weight more difficult. When the gallbladder is struggling to break down fat, bile can back up into the liver and produce inflammation. Long term inflammation of the liver can lead to chronic liver disease, like Cirrhosis.
Our approach to health is to be your all-natural, whole-person focused tour guide to get you on the road to wellness and reach your health goals. By naturally supporting and initiating healing of the gallbladder through a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle habits, and supplementation, we can help you get back to better digestive health. Optimal wellness for a vibrant, healthy life for you and your family is within sight. Let us help you improve your overall health and wellbeing and add life to your years…The Wellness Way!
