Gallstones are a common problem among people, and in many cases, doctors recommend the removal of the gallbladder to eliminate the issue. However, most people are unaware of what causes gallstones in the first place. In this video, Dr. Berg sheds light on the real cause of gallstones and offers insights into how to prevent and treat the issue.
- Gallbladder Anatomy
- What is the gallbladder?
- What is Bile?
- The Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
- The Possible Causes of Low Bile and How to Address them.
- What are Gallstones?
- The Real Cause of Gallstones
- How to Stop Gallbladder Pain
- Best Supplements and Foods to Help with Gallstones
- 5 Tips for Dissolving Gallstones and Cleansing Gallbladder
- Liver and Gallbladder Flushing with Acupressure
- 9 Important Benefits of Purified Bile Salts
- 12 Complications After Gallbladder Removal
What are Gallstones?
Before we delve into the real cause of gallstones, let us understand what they are. Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located below the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, which is produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats in the food we eat. When there is an excess amount of cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, it can form solid particles that eventually turn into gallstones.
Huge Gallbladder with multiple stones #gallstones
The Real Cause of Gallstones
Contrary to popular belief, consuming too much cholesterol does not cause gallstones. Instead, the real cause of gallstones is a deficiency of bile in the body. Bile is essential to dissolve the cholesterol and other substances in the bile to prevent the formation of gallstones.
The liver produces bile, and it is stored in the gallbladder. The gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine as needed to aid in the digestion of fats. When there is insufficient bile production or when the bile is thick and sluggish, it can cause the formation of gallstones.
Dr. Berg illustrates the importance of bile in the digestion of fats by demonstrating a little container of oil and detergent in the video. The detergent represents bile, and the oil represents fats in the diet. When the detergent is mixed with the oil, it dissolves the oil into small particles called micelles, allowing it to be easily absorbed in the intestines. This process is how the gallbladder breaks down fats in the body.
Factors that Contribute to Low Bile Production
Several factors can cause low bile production, leading to the formation of gallstones. These include:
- Excess Estrogen: Women who are pregnant or have high levels of estrogen can develop gallstones.
- Birth Control Pills: Taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can also lead to the formation of gallstones.
- Excessive Cortisol: Stress and high levels of cortisol can cause the formation of gallstones.
- Excessive Insulin: Low bile reserve can also result from excessive insulin, making diabetics more prone to gallstones.
- Low-Fat Diets: Diets that are low in saturated fats can cause a deficiency in bile production.
- Constipation: When the colon is constipated, it can back up the entire digestive system, leading to a decrease in bile production.
Simple Solutions to Increase Bile Production
The good news is that there are several simple solutions to increase bile production in the body and prevent the formation of gallstones. These include:
- Correcting Hormonal Imbalances: If the cause of low bile production is due to excess estrogen, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy, addressing the hormonal imbalance is essential.
- Reducing Stress: Reducing stress levels can help increase bile production, preventing the formation of gallstones.
- Reducing Sugar Intake: Excessive sugar intake can lead to a decrease in bile production. Hence, reducing sugar intake is necessary to maintain healthy bile production.
- Increasing Saturated Fat Intake: Consuming foods that are rich in saturated fats can help trigger the release of bile, promoting healthy digestion.
- Correcting Constipation: Correcting constipation can help prevent the formation of gallstones by ensuring the digestive system is functioning correctly.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Symptoms of gallstones can vary from person to person, but some common signs and symptoms include:
Bloating, indigestion, and burping: Gallstones can cause digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and excessive burping or belching. These symptoms can be a result of the gallstones blocking the bile duct, which can cause food to be poorly digested.
Constipation or diarrhea: Gallstones can also cause bowel irregularities such as constipation or diarrhea. This can occur when the gallstones interfere with the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Pain or cramping underneath the right ribcage: This is one of the most common symptoms of gallstones. The pain or cramping is typically felt on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the ribcage. This pain can radiate to the upper back, right shoulder, and even up to the neck and face.
Scapular pain: Gallstones can cause pain in the back, specifically on the scapula bone. The pain can be felt on the inside of the scapula bone, right underneath the tip. This pain can also radiate up into the upper back and neck.
Chest pain: In some cases, gallstones can cause chest pain. This is because the gallbladder can become swollen and back up, putting pressure on the liver, which then puts pressure on the heart.
Nausea and vomiting: Gallstones can cause nausea and vomiting, especially after eating fatty or greasy foods.
Stools that float or are lighter in color: When the liver is unable to properly digest fat due to the obstruction of the bile duct, the stools may float or become lighter in color, indicating the presence of gallstones.
It's important to note that not all people with gallstones experience symptoms. Some individuals may have gallstones but never know it because they do not cause any discomfort or pain. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Dissolving Gallstones with Bile Salt and Gallbladder Formula
To dissolve gallstones, Dr. Berg recommends taking a concentrate of bile salt and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Two Natural Remedies for Gallstones
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to decrease bile saturation of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bile ducts, omega-3s can help decrease the risk of gallstone formation.
One of the best sources of omega-3s is fish oil. However, if you're looking for an even more potent remedy, try cod liver oil. Cod liver oil contains the same omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil, plus two additional benefits. First, it's high in vitamin A, which can help support liver health. Second, it's a natural source of vitamin D, which has been shown to reduce gallbladder sludge.
Purified Bile Salts
As mentioned earlier, bile salts are crucial for preventing gallstone formation. They help break down cholesterol and prevent it from crystallizing into stones. While your body naturally produces bile salts, you can also take them in supplement form to help dissolve existing stones.
One supplement that contains purified bile salts is the Gallbladder Formula. This supplement also includes an herb called stone root, which has been traditionally used to dissolve gallstones. Additionally, it contains enzymes and acidifiers to help stimulate bile production in the stomach.
Best Supplements and Foods to Help with Gallstones
Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. They can cause discomfort and pain, and in some cases, may require surgery to remove. However, there are several supplements and foods that can help reduce the risk of developing gallstones or dissolve existing stones. In this article, we will explore some of these options and how they work.
1. Increasing Bile Production with Choline
One supplement that can help reduce the risk of gallstones is choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in liver function and bile production. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats during digestion. A deficiency in choline can lead to decreased bile production, which can increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Choline can be obtained through supplements or food sources, such as grass-fed butter. Grass-fed butter is a rich source of choline and other essential nutrients. Additionally, the saturated fat in butter can stimulate the liver to produce more bile. Studies have shown that people on low-fat diets are at higher risk for developing gallstones, likely due to their decreased bile production.
2. Purified Bile Salts for Dissolving Gallstones
As we discussed in previous chapter, Another option for treating gallstones is purified bile salts. Bile salts are naturally occurring substances in bile that help break down fats. Purified bile salts can help dissolve gallstones and are often used by the medical community for this purpose.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Reducing Gallstone Risk
As we discussed in previous chapter, Omega-3 fatty acids are another supplement that may help reduce the risk of gallstones. These essential fatty acids are found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the body and may help prevent gallstone formation.
4. Bitter Vegetables for Increasing Bile Production
Certain bitter vegetables can help increase bile production and reduce the risk of gallstones. Artichokes are at the top of this list, as they contain compounds that stimulate bile production. Other bitter vegetables that can be beneficial include okra and beet tops. These vegetables also contain choline, which is important for liver and bile function.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables and Dandelion Greens for Liver Health
In addition to bitter vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and dandelion greens can help support liver health and bile production. These vegetables are high in nutrients and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote liver regeneration.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion and Bile Release
Apple cider vinegar is another food that can be beneficial for gallstone prevention. It helps with digestion and can stimulate the release of bile from the liver. Low stomach acid can contribute to poor bile release, so apple cider vinegar may be especially helpful for those with digestive issues.
7. Lemon and Lime for Increasing Bile Production
Lemon and lime are also beneficial for increasing bile production. They contain citric acid, which can stimulate the liver to produce more bile. Adding lemon or lime juice to your water or meals can be a simple way to incorporate this food into your diet.
Gallstone Causes to Avoid
While certain supplements and foods can help reduce the risk of gallstones, there are also lifestyle factors to consider. High levels of cortisol from stress or medication, high levels of insulin from frequent eating or a high-carbohydrate diet, and high levels of estrogen from birth control or hormone therapy can all increase the risk of gallstone formation. Additionally, a low-fat, high-protein diet that includes powdered protein products can be hard on the liver and increase the risk of gallstones.
Another factor to consider is the type of oil you use in cooking. Vegetable oils, such as corn, soy, canola
Dr. Berg cautions that it's important to address the underlying cause of gallstones to prevent future problems. Even if the gallbladder is removed, the cause of the gallstones may still be present and can lead to the formation of liver stones. Therefore, understanding the root cause of gallstones is critical for preventing further health issues.