Naturopathic Treatments For Gallbladder Stones

If you’ve ever had gallbladder stones, you know how painful they can be.

Although they are sometimes a symptom of another disease or condition, gallbladder stones are most commonly the result of lifestyle issues.

Therefore, lifestyle improvements are one of the most effective treatments.

As a result, gallstones often react well to naturopathic medicine.

If you’ve found that you’re prone to them, finding a naturopathic doctor who can help you with simple at home remedies can be the difference between pain and relief.

Last week, we talked about gallstones and how you can make some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing them.

Today, we’ll go into the specific naturopathic solutions available for gallstones.

But first, let’s quickly recap what gallstones are.

Recap: What Is A Gallstone?

A gallstone is a lump of hardened tissue and fluids – such as cholesterol, calcium and bile – which clog ducts in the gallbladder.

The gallbladder plays an important role in your health.

It supports good liver function by storing bile for fat digestion.

So when your liver is stressed or unwell, your gallbladder is sometimes also compromised.

There are two types of gallstones – cholesterol stones and pigment stones.

Cholesterol stones are the more common type.

As the name suggests, they are yellowish-green stones primarily made of cholesterol.

Pigment stones are considerably less common.

They are smaller and darker than cholesterol stones and made of bilirubin, a naturally occurring substance in your gallbladder.

Bilirubin originates from the breakdown of red blood cells.

Gallstones are linked with several lifestyle concerns, such as poor nutrition and obesity.

For instance, a 2015 study by Jesseri and Rashidkhani found that people who primarily ate foods such as processed meats, soft drinks, refined grains, and sugar were more likely to experience gallstones.

Other potential causes of gallstones include:

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Genetic influences
• Rapid weight loss
• Certain medications, such as statins

Naturopathic Treatments For Gallstones

Now that you’ve had a refresher on the basics of gallstones, let’s take a look at some naturopathic treatments.

Everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Additionally, each of the below treatment options may have a different effect depending on your unique condition.

Before you begin any treatment options, it’s a good idea to come to my office and see me for a consultation.

I can help guide you in your gallstone treatment and help ensure you’re receiving the best possible remedy for your unique needs.

I also offer virtual naturopathic consultations for convenience.

Below are some of the remedies I commonly recommend for gallstones.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective natural remedy for many different health concerns.

Examples include:

• Digestive disorders
• Weight loss
• High blood sugar
• High cholesterol

It’s also beneficial for people living with gallstones.

Apple cider vinegar can help break down gallstones, and subsequently provide pain relief.

Due to its strong taste, some people find drinking it on its own difficult.

If this is the case, you can dilute it with water.

2. Dandelion

You’ve probably yanked your share of dandelions out of your lawn over the years.

But did you know that this wildflower has an abundance of medicinal properties?

People have historically used dandelion as an effective liver cleansing agent.

It’s also very effective in gallbladder and bile duct treatment.

The leaves are easily incorporated into salads, or dried and incorporated into a surprisingly soothing tea.

Additionally, dandelion roots (dried, roasted, and ground) are particularly effective and delicious as a natural coffee.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is arguably the oldest form of medicine still performed today.

It originated in China approximately 3000 years ago and is still going strong.

It has many medicinal properties, including helping alleviate your gallstones.

Inflammation commonly contributes to gallstone formation.

Acupuncture is an excellent remedy for all types of inflammation.

Thus, acupuncture is an effective treatment for gallstone related inflammation.

It may also help alleviate other gallstone associated symptoms, such as back pain and nausea.

4. Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husks are commonly used for cholesterol gallstone prevention.

It also provides additional benefits, such as the protection of your cardiovascular and pancreatic systems.

Additionally, its high soluble fiber content makes it a great gentle laxative.

RELATED: Naturopathic Treatments For Constipation

If you’ve never heard of psyllium husks before, you’re not alone.

They are a dietary supplement commonly found in breakfast cereals and baked goods.

They come in a variety of forms, including husks, granules, capsules, or powders.

Psyllium husks are made using the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant.

5. Artichokes

Artichokes aren’t just a delicious addition to your meal.

They are also an amazing help for your gallbladder and liver function.

Additionally, they can help stimulate bile production.

Of course, it’s always beneficial to include lots of vegetables, such as artichokes, in your diet.

I also commonly recommend a more concentrated dose to my clients with gallstones.

However, it’s very important that you speak with me before taking them.

Excessive artichoke intake can contribute to a gallbladder attack in people with obstructed bile ducks.

Together, we can ensure that your gallbladder is in good working order.

6. Lysimachiae Herba

Lysimachiae herba is a traditional Chinese gallstone remedy.

It’s also commonly referred to as “gold coin grass”.

Lysimachiae herba can help with both the treatment and prevention of cholesterol gallstones.

It’s also an effective solution for:

• Kidney stone prevention
• Inflammation
• Liver health
• Bladder health
• Skin health
• And much more

It’s widely available in both powder and liquid form.

7. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is another “ancient” remedy that can help with liver detoxification.

It’s commonly available in capsule, tablet, or tonic form.

Healthy liver function is an essential part of gallstone prevention.

Thus, including milk thistle in your treatment plan makes plenty of sense.

Milk thistle provides many benefits, including:

• Diabetes symptom relief
• Relief of ragweed allergies
• Prevention of hormone sensitive cancers

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

Not every solution we’ve discussed is guaranteed to work for you.

Some of the solutions will be better for you than others.

So how do you know which solution to use without plenty of research and experience?

That’s where I come in.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have a great deal of expertise helping people with this common ailment.

That includes determining the underlying cause, recommending lifestyle changes, and discussing naturopathic treatments such as the ones above.

Not every solution we’ve discussed is guaranteed to work for you.

Some of the solutions will be better for you than others.

So how do you know which solution to use without plenty of research and experience?

That’s where I come in.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have a great deal of expertise helping people with this common ailment.

That includes determining the underlying cause, recommending lifestyle changes, and discussing naturopathic treatments such as the ones above.

Book your appointment with me, Dr. JJ, today.