Gallstones: Diet and Supplements
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that sits next to the liver. It’s main function is to store and concentrate the bile that is produced in the liver. When fat is consumed in the diet the gallbladder contracts to release bile back into the digestive tract for fat digestion.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are accumulations of crystals that join together to form stones. The stones can be composed of cholesterol (the most common), calcium salts, bilirubin or other bile pigments. They can vary in size from very small (grains of sand or gravel) to as large as a golf ball. A person can have gallstones and never know they are there. Other people develop symptoms known as biliary colic or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
Gallstones are more common in women, people who are overweight, over 40 years of age, during pregnancy, after sudden weight loss or in people who consume a high-fat, high-sugar, low-fiber diet.
What are the symptoms of biliary colic or cholecystitis?
The symptoms of gallstone attacks vary but typically include some or all of the following:
- Abdominal pain (often right sided)
- Back pain or shoulder pain (often right sided)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain that begins after consuming a fatty meal
- Pain that gets steadily worse
- Pain lasting from 30 minutes to several hours
- No symptoms between attacks
- Fever (can indicate serious blockage – see a doctor immediately)
What is the recommended diet for people with gallstones?
Certain foods are better tolerated by people with gallstones. In general a low-fat, high vegetable and fruit diet is the best for managing symptoms of gallstones. A vegetarian diet is associated with a low incidence of gallstones but needs to be managed carefully if digestive issues are also present
.
Foods that are recommended for people with gallstones:
- Beets (very good for supporting the liver and gallbladder)
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocado
- Artichoke
- Tomatoes and tomato sauce
- Okra
- Cold water fish (salmon, trout, herring, mackerel) and fish oils
- Grapes and organic grape juice
- Apples and organic apple juice
- Apricots
- Blue and blackberries
- Currants
- Figs
- Guava
- Lemons
- Pears
- Papaya
- Prunes
- Coconut
- Flax seed oil
- Vinegar
- Vegetable juices
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Onions (may aggravate sensitive individuals)
- WATER – incredibly important. Drink 2 litres per day.
- Peppermint tea
- Herbal teas
- Deep fried foods
- Eggs (cause symptoms in up to 95% of patients)
- Pork
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Beef, fatty cuts
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Full Fat Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, cream, ice cream) Quark is 0 fat, plus low fat options are fine occasionally.
- Gluten grains (wheat, barley, spelt, rye, kamut)
- Corn
- Coffee (can decrease the risk of developing gallstones, but can aggravate existing gallstones)
- Black tea
- Oranges, grapefruit
- Margarine
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Carbonated beverages
- Food allergens
While weight loss is often desirable for people with gallstones it is important not to lose weight too quickly – this can lead to a gallbladder crisis. Instead focus on slow, steady weight loss and regular aerobic exercise (which also supports gallbladder health).
Are there naturopathic treatments for gallstones?
Yes. In addition to a healthy diet there are several supplements that can support the function of the gallbladder and decrease symptoms of gallstones.
Omega 3 fish oils – Fish oils reduce the formation of gallstones by enhancing bile flow and blocking cholesterol formation in the bile. A combined EPA-DHA fish oil supplement should be taken by anyone with gallstones, or risk factors for the development of gallstones.
Increase dietary fiber – Diets high in water-soluble fiber (from fruits, vegetables, oat bran and guar gum) decrease cholesterol levels – a primary goal of gallstone treatment. A good source of fiber is to mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed into one serving (8oz or ½ cup) of organic applesauce and consume daily.
Vitamin C – Low levels are associated with the development of gallstones.
Lecithin – a phospholipid that reduces the saturation of cholesterol in bile that leads to stone formation. Oral supplementation results in higher concentrations of lecithin in the bile. This results in improved bile flow.
Enteric-coated peppermint oil – peppermint has been shown to have ‘anti-lithic’ activities. It may be able to breakup small stones, but is unlikely to dissolve large stones. Peppermint also has anti-spasmodic effects and can help manage the pain of gallstone attacks. Non-enteric-coated forms can cause heartburn and should be avoided.
Other botanicals with liver and gallbladder specific actions can be used in some individuals. These include dandelion root, milk thistle, artichoke, curcumin, celandine, wild yam, blackroot, boldo, and others.
Another popular natural remedy for gallstones is the “Olive Oil Flush”. Stories abound of individuals passing large gallstones after following this protocol. Studies examining these ‘stones’ have demonstrated them to be saponified olive oil and not gallstones. Olive oil flushes are NOT recommended for individuals with gallstones.
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