Gallbladder Conditions

Gallbladder conditions have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. In fact, about 700,000 people per year undergo gallbladder removal due to gallbladder diseases and conditions! That’s actually around 500,000 more per year since laparoscopic procedures became an alternative to open gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) several years ago.  Once this procedure is performed, you are also required to follow a specific gallbladder diet to avoid further digestive problems from the operation. While there are certainly dire circumstances where these gallbladder removals may become necessary, there are absolutely things that can be done in many cases to resolve gallbladder problems before reaching this point.

Gallbladder symptoms

Symptoms related to this issue are typically gas or bloating with fatty foods, indigestion, cramping in the upper right abdomen, and nausea to name a few. One major area that individuals with gallbladder problems can feel pain or discomfort is a deep ache under the shoulder blade. I have helped many people with “a shoulder problem” when the cause of the pain was the gallbladder. The referred pain diagram below demonstrates areas in which you may experience referred pain due to organ issues such as with the gallbladder.

                                                       source: humanpysiology.academy

The best way to tell the difference is to ask the question: when does the pain feel better? If the answer is it never feels better no matter if I am moving or resting, then more than likely you are having a gallbladder issue that needs to be addressed.

Stomach issue or gallbladder problem?

It is important to make the distinction between having problems with the stomach, and gallbladder problems, because treatments are immensely different. However, you can have a gallbladder problem because the stomach is not working properly. This occurs when the stomach does not produce enough acid. It is due to the release of acid (low pH) out of the stomach into the upper small intestine that requires the release of the bile in the gallbladder (high in pH). This combination of high and low pH will balance near a pH of 7 (based on the individual and their diet).

Now, if the stomach does not produce the acid needed, then the body does not need to release much or any bile. This is opposite of what people tend to think. People tend to believe too much acid is the problem, and they try to remedy the situation by taking antacids; which actually just amplifies the situation. It is this lack of release that can cause bile to become thick and sludge-like. If this is the case, then the stomach needs to be fixed first.

So how do you fix the stomach problem?

That is accomplished by using enzyme therapy to help heal the lining of the stomach. Furthermore, it is paramount that you find a provider proficient in enzyme therapy procedures, such as 1st Step Family Wellness in St. Louis.

What needs to be done if the stomach is working well and you still have a gallbladder issue?

You need to examine the cause of the gallbladder’s issue. If you suspect that the bile has become thick and sludge-like, then you can easily thin the bile. There are several good protocols for that. The two that I enjoy using are beet juice and enzyme therapy. I have had great results bringing back the function of the gallbladder with these two procedures. Now, if you suspect gallstones could be your issue, DO NOT TRY TO THIN THE BILE, please seek medical treatment for this issue. The primary reason behind this is if you stimulated the flow of bile and there is a blockage you can make the pain much worse and surgery may be needed. This is not the case most times, but you need to be aware of what might happen if these procedures are done without the supervision of a proficient provider.