6 Signs of Gallbladder Dysfunction (And 6 Ways to Avoid It)

Chances are, you know you have a gallbladder – but do you know what it does or where it is, for that matter? Although the gallbladder may not be the most glamorous organ, it plays an essential role in promoting your digestive health.

The Basics: What Does Your Gallbladder Do?

Located under the liver, the pear-shaped organ acts as a storage unit for leftover bile, which helps your body digest and break down fats. Unlike some of the more well-known digestive organs, like the kidneys – the gallbladder’s role is more easily unnoticed. Until something goes wrong, that is.

Gallbladder disease and gallstones have become increasingly common and are directly linked to a typical American’s diet full of sugar and processed foods.³  As a result, gallbladder surgery has become one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. But the truth is–it’s not always necessary.¹

Even surgeons will admit that gallbladder surgeries are sometimes seen by the medical industry as money-making opportunities. And if you’ve ever read the online discussion boards or talked to people who’ve had their gallbladders removed, you will likely hear that they are still suffering from pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and other symptoms that are supposed to be “cured” with gallbladder surgery.

While gallbladder surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it is far too often prescribed as a ‘mandatory’ solution, when in reality – you can alleviate many of the symptoms of a congested liver and gallbladder with a few gut-healthy dietary changes. For example, taking an all-natural supplement like LivAmend can instantly help cleanse your liver, increase bile flow, and improve bowel elimination (to make it easier when you ‘go’).

Are You At Risk of Gallbladder Disease?

Are You At Risk of Gallbladder Disease?

The answer could be “yes,” if you fall into any of the following categories:

Age. People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop gallbladder disease.

Gender. Overweight women over 40 undergo gallbladder surgeries more frequently than any other population.

Hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen stimulates the production of gallstones, so women on hormone replacement therapy or those who have taken birth control pills for many years sometimes have gallbladder disease.

Diet. A link has been discovered between diets high in saturated fats and processed sugars and gallbladder disease. This is the diet adopted by most Americans today.

Obesity. People dealing with obesity are at higher risk of developing gallstones due to bile that is saturated with cholesterol.

Slow transit time and constipation. Constipation and slow intestinal transit time are linked to the formation of gallstones.⁴

What Symptoms Should You Look For?

If you can relate to any of the at-risk categories above, here are some of the tell-tale signs to look for below. Note–this is not the full list of potential side effects, which can vary greatly from person-to-person).

Symptoms of gallbladder dysfunction can include:⁵

• Pain in the abdomen or the right shoulder.
• Pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting.
• Pain that is triggered by eating fatty foods.
• Pain and tenderness under the ribs on the right side, sometimes with a fever.
• Pain that gets worse with coughing.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).

In many cases, these ailments can be mistaken for other conditions like kidney stones, heart attack, and hepatitis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is best to consult a doctor to discuss your condition and determine the next steps.

But remember: there are other ways to address underlying issues with your gallbladder before resorting to an expensive operation, so it’s crucial to explore the options first, and we promise–your wallet will thank you.

Want to start seeing results? Give your gallbladder the love it deserves with LivAmend, made with all-natural ingredients like milk thistle, wasabi powder, and artichoke extract to soothe digestion, replenish your body and help you feel like “you” again.

Healthier Gallbladder, Happier Life

Cultivating a thriving inner ecosystem starts with improving the health of your digestive system. You can do this by reducing stress (since stress affects your ability to digest your food), exercising regularly and changing or modifying the foods you eat.

That said, here are the top six foods you should have in your kitchen to help heal your liver and gallbladder: 

1. Healthy, unrefined fats and oils. Your liver cannot digest fats when it’s impaired. In order to heal your gut, you should reduce your intake of saturated fats and focus on consuming healthy fatty acids instead. Expert tip: get more creative with seasoned salts and spices to bring low-fat meals to life.
2. Fermented foods and cultured vegetables. Packed with probiotics (good bacteria and yeast), cultured vegetables are a mainstay of the Body Ecology system and heal your body with every bite. Try some of our delicious recipes for Korean Kim Chi or make up your own!
3. Plant proteins (like nourishing grains and seeds) and the right amount of high-quality animal protein. So what exactly is the “right” amount? This depends on your own individual needs. Blood types O and B may need more animal protein, while As and ABs benefit more from plant proteins.
4. Probiotic liquids like InnergyBiotic. Probiotic liquids are a quick, delicious way to add probiotics to your system, boost your energy and strengthen your immunity. One of the best probiotic liquids for liver health is our popular CocoBiotic.
5. Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids may help stop cholesterol formation in bile.6 If you think you might be at risk for developing gallstones, then ingesting more omega-3 fatty acids could be a gamechanger. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil supplements, cold water fish like salmon, hemp and flax seed oil.
6. Natural digestive supplements like LivAmend. LivAmend helps improve liver function and increase bile flow with three natural ingredients: artichoke extract, sarsaparilla extract, and wasabi powder. This dynamic formula promotes regular, healthy bowel movements to eliminate harmful toxins and make room for good bacteria to grow.

It’s never too late to ‘go with your gut’ and empower your digestive system. So what are you waiting for? BE good to your liver and gallbladder and start your journey to a healthier inner ecosystem today. Not sure where to start? Order your first supply of LivAmend here to experience the difference.

Sources:

1. Laparoscopic gallbladder removal, Sages.org. http://www.sages.org/sagespublication.php?doc=pi11
2. Hoffman, Ronald, “Gallbladder disease,” Dr.Hoffman.com, Jan 1999. http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/140
3. ibid.
4. “A Stone-free and Happy Gallbladder, “NealHendrickson.com. http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall020400pustonefreehappygallbladder.htm
5. Diggory, Dr. Robert, “Gall bladder disease,” NetDoctor.Co.UK.http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/gallbladderdisease.htmGall bladder removal, NLM.NIH.gov.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002930.htmhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002930.htm