Just In
- 55 min ago Good Friday 2024 Date: Why Are Chruch Bells Not Rung On Good Friday?
- 1 hr ago What Is iPhone Finger? Here's Why You Need To Worry About Its Negative Effects
- 4 hrs ago Meet Rumy Alqahtani: Saudi Arabia's First Miss Universe Contestant And Her Style Statements
- 6 hrs ago Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2024: Karan Johar, Ananya Panday, Shraddha Kapoor, Others Flaunt Influential Style
Don't Miss
- Sports Highest T20 Totals in History: Top 10 Highest Team Scores Updated after SRH vs MI Match
- Movies Crew First Review: Kareena-Kriti-Tabu’s Film Is An Entertaining Watch; Buckle Up For A Wild Ride Of Laughter
- News Lok Sabha Pre-Poll Survey: Is NDA Government Preferred Over INDIA Alliance? Check This Latest Survey
- Finance Unicommerce Introduces UniGPT: AI Tool to Revolutionise E-commerce Support
- Automobiles Citroen Basalt SUV Revealed In India – Launch Details & More
- Education IGNOU June TEE 2024 registration schedule out; Check out for more details
- Travel Explore Tamil Nadu's Diverse Wedding Venues
- Technology Poco F6 Leaks Surface: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 50MP Sony Sensor, OLED Display, & More – Check Price, Full Specs
Gallstones: Natural Remedies, Foods To Eat & Avoid
The heart, liver and kidneys perform various functions that work towards the smooth functioning of the body. Another organ that goes unnoticed is the gallbladder, until and unless you suffer from gallstones. In this article, we will be writing about the natural remedies and foods to eat and avoid for gallstones.
What Is The Function Of The Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located just under the liver and on the right side of the abdomen. It collects and stores bile produced by the liver. The gallbladder, after collecting and storing the bile, adds the bile to the food as it enters the small intestine. The bile then helps to break down the fats into fatty acids during digestion[1] .
So, it's essential to keep the gallbladder healthy to maintain proper digestion and prevent conditions like cancer and gallstones with the help of a proper diet and natural remedies.
What Causes Gallstones?
When excess cholesterol is stored in the gallbladder, gallstones form. It is mainly the result of a poor diet [2] , [3] .
Bile consists of dissolved cholesterol, but too much cholesterol leads to the formation of small, hard stones in the gallbladder known as cholesterol gallstones [4] . Also, stones in the gallbladder are formed by excess bilirubin or calcium salt build-up which is referred to as pigment stones [5] .
People who are obese or overweight tend to have a higher risk of developing gallstones [6] .
What Are The Symptoms Of Gallstones?
•
Pain
in
the
right
shoulder
•
Nausea
and
vomiting
•
Back
pain
between
your
shoulder
blades
•
Sudden
intense
pain
in
the
upper
right
portion
of
your
abdomen
Natural Remedies For Gallstones
1. Castor oil
Castor oil is used as a gallbladder cleanse. It works by eliminating the cholesterol from the body [7] . Castor oil possesses healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain, a common symptom associated with gallstones [8] .
•
Heat
a
cup
of
castor
oil
and
soak
a
cheesecloth
in
it.
Remove
the
excess
oil
from
the
cheesecloth
and
place
it
on
the
right
side
of
your
abdomen.
•
Hold
the
cloth
and
wrap
a
plastic
sheet
around
the
stomach.
Place
a
hot
water
compress
bag
over
it
for
30
minutes.
•
Do
this
thrice
a
week.
2. Peppermint tea
Peppermint contains a natural compound called terpene that has the ability to dilute gallstones and aids in digestion by triggering the flow of bile and other digestive juices in the digestive tract [9] .
•
Add
a
few
peppermint
leaves
to
a
cup
of
boiled
water.
•
Allow
it
to
steep
for
a
few
minutes
and
strain
the
water.
•
Drink
it
daily
between
meals.
3. Turmeric and pepper
Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin which is known to have anti-inflammatory, healing, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This compound can reduce the incidence of gallstone formation. Piperine, an active compound in black pepper, when combined with curcumin, can significantly enhance the effect of curcumin, thus preventing the development of gallbladder stones [10] .
•
Steam
a
glass
of
water,
add
a
teaspoon
of
turmeric
and
a
pinch
of
black
pepper.
•
Stir
it
and
drink
it
daily.
4. Wild-crafted Chanca Piedra
Many healthcare practitioners suggest their patients wild-crafted chanca piedra for the treatment of gallstones and maintaining gallbladder, kidney and liver health. Consumption of wild-crafted chanca piedra prevents the stone formation in its early stages [11] .
•
Add
the
dried
leaves
to
a
cup
of
boiling
water.
•
Steep
it
for
10
minutes.
•
Strain
the
drink
and
have
it
daily.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps in dissolving gallbladder stones. It also aids in easing gallstone pain by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes and vitamins [12] .
•
In
a
glass
of
warm
water,
add
2
teaspoons
of
apple
cider
vinegar.
•
Drink
this
in
the
morning
on
an
empty
stomach.
Individuals with gallstones may experience various gastrointestinal symptoms and are also at risk of developing acute or chronic cholecystitis. So, here are some foods to eat and avoid for the prevention and treatment of gallstones [13] .
Foods To Eat To Prevent Gallstones
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, etc., are packed with vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant prevents the gallstones from occurring in the first place. The reason is vitamin C breaks down the stored cholesterol in the bile [14] . Consume vitamin C-rich fruits regularly.
2. Pectin-rich fruits and vegetables
Pectin is a water-soluble fibre found in fruits like apples, pears, berries, plums, guavas, etc., and vegetables like carrots, beetroot, parsnips, green beans, etc. This fibre binds with excess cholesterol in the gut and removes it from the body through stool [15] . Have pectin-rich fruits and vegetables every day.
3. Garlic and onion
According to a study, consumption of garlic and onion could reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by 40 per cent. Researchers found that garlic and onion increased the activity of two enzymes in cholesterol metabolism - cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and sterol 27-hydroxylase [16] .
4. Foods rich in magnesium
A study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that an increase in magnesium consumption from foods may decrease a man's risk of developing gallstones. A high intake of magnesium reduced the risk of gallstones by 28 per cent[17] . Consume magnesium-rich foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, green leafy veggies, etc.
5. Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, flaxseed, fish, soybean oil, sunflower oil, etc., are beneficial in preventing the formation of gallstones. This healthy fat removes high cholesterol from the bile and reduces the risk of gallstones [18] .
6. Psyllium
Psyllium is a type of soluble fibre found usually in the form of husk, granules or powder in breakfast cereals and baked goods. It has the ability to bind with excess fat in the bile duct which promotes their excretion from the body. This prevents the formation of gallstones [19] . Furthermore, psyllium increases good cholesterol levels and decreases bad cholesterol.
7. Lecithin
Lecithin is a fat found in foods like soybeans, egg yolks, oatmeal, cabbage, chocolate and peanuts. The study shows that lecithin may help prevent gallstone formation by keeping cholesterol from solidifying in the gallbladder [20] . Another study found that consuming soybean rich lecithin for 6 months reduced the stones in size [21] .
8. Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee could significantly lower the risk of gallstone disease by stimulating gallbladder contraction and lower cholesterol concentrations in bile [22] . Many other studies have also shown the effectiveness of caffeine in preventing cholesterol gallstone formation[23] , [24] .
Foods To Avoid For Gallstones
1. Refined carbohydrates
Foods high in refined carbs like sugar, flour, refined grains, fried foods, soft drinks and starches increase the risk of gallbladder dysfunction by increasing bile cholesterol saturation and doubling the risk of cholesterol gallstone formation [25] .
2. Saturated fats
Saturated fats found in processed foods allows the cholesterol to accumulate in the bile. A study showed that dietary fats rich in saturated fatty acids enhanced gallstone formation [26] . Also, fatty red meat contains saturated fat. So, limit the consumption of saturated fats.
3. Whole-milk dairy products
Whole-milk dairy products have a high amount of fat which may increase the risk of gallstone formation. So, switch to skimmed milk or low-fat milk to ensure that your gallbladder is not affected.
- [1] Marteau, C., Sastre, B., Iconomidis, N., Portugal, H., Pauli, A. M., & Gérolami, A. (1990). pH regulation in human gallbladder bile: study in patients with and without gallstones.Hepatology,11(6), 997-1002.
- [2] Stinton, L. M., Myers, R. P., & Shaffer, E. A. (2010).Epidemiology of Gallstones. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 39(2), 157–169.
- [3] Park, Y., Kim, D., Lee, J. S., Kim, Y. N., Jeong, Y. K., Lee, K. G., & Choi, D. (2017).Association between diet and gallstones of cholesterol and pigment among patients with cholecystectomy: a case-control study in Korea. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 36(1).
- [4] Sedaghat, A., & Grundy, S. M. (1980). Cholesterol crystals and the formation of cholesterol gallstones.New England Journal of Medicine,302(23), 1274-1277.
- [5] Soloway, R. D., Trotman, B. W., & Ostrow, J. D. (1977). Pigment gallstones.Gastroenterology,72(1), 167-182.
- [6] Radmard, A. R., Merat, S., Kooraki, S., Ashrafi, M., Keshtkar, A., Sharafkhah, M., ... & Poustchi, H. (2015). Gallstone disease and obesity: a population-based study on abdominal fat distribution and gender differences.Annals of hepatology,14(5), 702-709.
- [7] Hisatsugu, T., Igimi, H., & Nishimura, M. (1972).Dissolution of human gallstone. The Japanese Journal of Surgery, 2(2), 62-72.
- [8] Iqbal, J., Zaib, S., Farooq, U., Khan, A., Bibi, I., & Suleman, S. (2012).Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Aerial Parts of Periploca aphylla and Ricinus communis. ISRN Pharmacology, 2012, 1-6.
- [9] Ellis, W. R., Somerville, K. W., Whitten, B. H., & Bell, G. D. (1984). Pilot study of combination treatment for gall stones with medium dose chenodeoxycholic acid and a terpene preparation.Br Med J (Clin Res Ed),289(6438), 153-156.
- [10] Li, Y., Li, M., Wu, S., & Tian, Y. (2015).Combination of curcumin and piperine prevents formation of gallstones in C57BL6 mice fed on lithogenic diet: whether NPC1L1/SREBP2 participates in this process? Lipids in Health and Disease, 14(1).
- [11] Barros, M. E., Schor, N., & Boim, M. A. (2003). Effects of an aqueous extract from Phyllantus niruri on calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro.Urological research,30(6), 374-379.
- [12] Nazıroğlu, M., Güler, M., Özgül, C., Saydam, G., Küçükayaz, M., & Sözbir, E. (2014). Apple cider vinegar modulates serum lipid profile, erythrocyte, kidney, and liver membrane oxidative stress in ovariectomized mice fed high cholesterol.The Journal of Membrane Biology,247(8), 667-673.
- [13] Gaby, A. R. (2009). Nutritional approaches to prevention and treatment of gallstones.Alternative medicine review,14(3), 258.
- [14] Walcher, T., Haenle, M. M., Kron, M., Hay, B., Mason, R. A., … Kratzer, W. (2009).Vitamin C supplement use may protect against gallstones: an observational study on a randomly selected population. BMC Gastroenterology, 9(1).
- [15] Kritchevsky, D., Tepper, S. A., & Klurfeld, D. M. (1984). Effect of pectin and cellulose on formation and regression of gallstones in hamsters.Experientia,40(4), 350-351.
- [16] Vidyashankar, S., Sambaiah, K., & Srinivasan, K. (2008).Dietary garlic and onion reduce the incidence of atherogenic diet-induced cholesterol gallstones in experimental mice. British Journal of Nutrition, 101(11), 1621.
- [17] Ko, C. W. (2008).Magnesium: Does a Mineral Prevent Gallstones? The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 103(2), 383–385.
- [18] Kim, J. K., Cho, S. M., Kang, S. H., Kim, E., Yi, H., Yun, E. S., … Lee, D. K. (2012).N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid attenuates cholesterol gallstones by suppressing mucin production with a high cholesterol diet in mice. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 27(11), 1745–1751.
- [19] Schwesinger, W. H., Kurtin, W. E., Page, C. P., Stewart, R. M., & Johnson, R. (1999).Soluble dietary fiber protects against cholesterol gallstone formation. The American Journal of Surgery, 177(4), 307–310.
- [20] Angelico, M., Mogavero, L., Baiocchi, L., Nistri, A., & Gandin, C. (1995). Dissolution of human cholesterol gallstones in bile salt/lecithin mixtures: effect of bile salt hydrophobicity and various pHs.Scandinavian Journal Of Gastroenterology,30(12), 1178-1185.
- [21] Toouli, J., Jablonski, P., & Watts, J. M. (1975).GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION IN MAN USING CHOLIC ACID AND LECITHIN. The Lancet, 306(7945), 1124–1126.
- [22] Zhang, Y.-P., Li, W.-Q., Sun, Y.-L., Zhu, R.-T., & Wang, W.-J. (2015).Systematic review with meta-analysis: coffee consumption and the risk of gallstone disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(6), 637–648.
- [23] Lillemoe, K. D., Magnuson, T. H., High, R. C., Peoples, G. E., & Pitt, H. A. (1989). Caffeine prevents cholesterol gallstone formation.Surgery,106(2), 400-407.
- [24] Gottlieb, S. (1999). More coffee, fewer gallstones.BMJ: British Medical Journal,318(7199), 1646.
- [25] Thornton, J. R., Emmett, P. M., & Heaton, K. W. (1983). Diet and gall stones: effects of refined and unrefined carbohydrate diets on bile cholesterol saturation and bile acid metabolism.Gut,24(1), 2-6.
- [26] Jonnalagadda, S. S., Trautwein, E. A., & Hayes, K. C. (1995). Dietary fats rich in saturated fatty acids (12∶ 0, 14∶ 0, and 16∶ 0) enhance gallstone formation relative to monounsaturated fat (18∶ 1) in cholesterol‐fed hamsters.Lipids,30(5), 415-424.
- disorders cureWhat Are Gallstones Or Cholelithiasis? Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Complications And Treatments
- prenatalWhy Is Bile Acid Test Important During Pregnancy?
- healthExclusive: New Year 2024: Let's Understand The Value Of Nutrition Resolution And Set Realistic Goals!
- healthChristmas 2023: Healthy Christmas Feast To Enjoy Without Derailing Your Diet
- healthWhat Would Happen To Your Body If You Give Up Non-vegetarian Food For A Month?
- healthFrom Seeds to Nuts: The Must-Have Foods in a Fertility-Enhancing Diet for Men
- pregnancy parentingWhat Are The 4 Must Have Vitamins For Kids With Diabetes?
- wellness5 Reasons Why You Might Want To Think Twice Before Embracing A Juice Cleanse
- insyncCulinary Surprises: 4 Indian Dishes That Aren't Actually Indian!
- healthDid You Know These 4 Foods Taste Exactly Like Cola?!
- healthDoes This Everyday Cooking Ingredient Trigger Diabetes?
- healthPesticides In Food Reducing Sperm Count: Is Your Food Pesticide-Ridden?