How to Heal Gallbladder Disease

Back in 1968 a doctor by the name of J.C. Brenemen published a paper in the journal Annals of Allergy. He was able to relieve symptoms associated with gallstones (cholelithiasis) in 100% of his subjects by doing an Elimination Diet for 1 week. Most symptoms improved within only 3-5 days. When certain foods were added back in the diet, the symptoms would return. Three common foods accounted for the vast majority of reactions. Egg was problematic in 93% of people, pork in 64%, and onion in 52%. Other foods included fowl, milk, coffee, oranges, corn, beans, nuts, apples, and tomatoes. By simply removing the foods, these patients were able to eliminate their symptoms.

Over my ten years in clinical practice I have noticed that those clients who went on an Elimination Diet would often heal their gallbladder symptoms, and avoid gallbladder surgery. By observing my clients, I found that there was one additional food reaction contributing to gallstone disease that Brenemen was missing in his 1968 study—gluten.

What does a healthy gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small four inch sac located just below the liver. It accumulates a liquid mixture known as bile that contains 97% water, 0.7% bile salts (cholesterol that interacts with hydroxylation/CYP450 enzymes and has either glycine or taurine attached to it), 0.51% fats (i.e. cholesterol, phospholipids), 0.2% bilirubin (derived from heme- the substance in red blood cells), and a trace amount of inorganic salts (i.e. potassium, sodium bicarbonate). As food travels out of the stomach and in to the small intestines (duodenum), cells that line the intestinal walls “sense” the fats and amino acids in the food and release a hormone called CCK (cholecystokinin/Chole= bile, Cysto= sac, Kinin= mover). This bile sac-moving hormone signals the gallbladder to squeeze forcing the bile into the upper intestines where it helps to digest fats found in foods. Simultaneously, CCK also signals digestive enzymes to be released from the pancreas. 

Lack of gallbladder stimulation as a factor in forming gallstones.  

Problems can arise when the gallbladder never receives the signal to squeeze. This leads to a condition known as stasis where bile sits in the gallbladder for long periods of time. If the gallbladder is filled with bile that is laden with high levels of cholesterol, and low levels of phospholipids and bile salts, it can form a supersaturated sludge. This stagnant sludge allows for the perfect environment for crystal-like structures to form that precipitate out of solution. These structures are known as gallstones and they can cause irritation in the gallbladder. If the stones are large enough, they may get lodged in the cystic duct or common bile duct. This leads to the symptoms of what is known as gallbladder attacks. 

Symptoms of gallbladder disease:

• Upper right quadrant pain in abdomen (may radiate to right shoulder of mid-back)
• Feeling of fullness in the abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills/sweating
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Research indicates that both gluten and cow's milk proteins can cause damage in the intestinal tract that leads to gallbladder stasis. Both foods contain proteins that are capable of exciting immune cells in the intestinal tract that can interfere with CCK signaling by disrupting the intestinal lining. If the intestines are damaged, and CCK secretion is interrupted, the gallbladder never fully contracts to squeeze out all of the bile.

The difference between subjects with calm intestines and those who have damage from consuming gluten can be profound. In one study, subjects who had intestinal damage from gluten consumption (villous atrophy) took over 7 times longer to empty out their gallbladder than the normal subjects (154 minutes vs. 20 minutes). A gluten-free diet normalized the emptying time of the gallbladder.

Other studies have demonstrated that pancreatic enzymes are reduced when the upper intestinal tract is damaged by either gluten or cow's milk protein. When those foods are removed from the diet and the intestines heal, the pancreatic enzyme function returns to normal.

5 Things You Can Do Now To Heal Your Gallbladder:

1. Do an Elimination Diet.

This is by far the most effective therapy for gallbladder issues I have seen. Our book, The Elimination Diet, details how to follow one safely and effectively. If you are ready to begin the healing process right now, and need guidance in following an Elimination Diet, then register today for our online Elimination Diet Support Program! 

2. Consider a high quality digestive enzyme supplement.

If you have loose stools and more than four bowel movements a day, research indicates a pancreatic enzyme supplement may help. 

3. Eating more vegetables and fruits helps to prevent gallstones.

Shoot for 6 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day. Our book, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, has hundreds of recipes for incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet in a delicious way! 

4. Start consuming broccoli sprouts.

Eating 1/4 cup per day can decrease bilirubin deposits in the gallbladder thus reducing the likelihood of gallstone formation. Watch my video and learn how to easily grow your own broccoli sprouts!

5. Consider a curcumin supplement.

Curcumin extracts from turmeric have been shown to stimulate bile formation and gallbladder emptying. Meriva, a supplement of complexed phophatidylcholine and curcumin, has helped many of my clients with gallbladder issues.