Gallstones

Symptoms

In many cases, gallstones produce no symptoms. However, symptoms can arise when gallstones block the bile ducts (tubes that transport bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine for use in digestion). These symptoms, collectively referred to as biliary colic or a "gallbladder attack," may develop suddenly. They may include:

• Pain in the right upper abdomen that builds rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
• Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
• Pain under the right shoulder
• Since blockage in bile ducts can be complicated by a serious infection or rupture in the gallbladder, you should contact your doctor if you think you've suffered a gallbladder attack. If your symptoms are accompanied by prolonged pain (lasting for hours), nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, yellowish coloring in the skin or whites of the eyes, and/or clay-colored stools, seek immediate medical attention.

Causes of gallstones

The following conditions increase your risk of developing gallstones:

• Use of hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills
• A family history of gallstones
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber
• Rapid weight loss
• Being over age 60
• Use of cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Diabetes

Home remedies

• a three day process wherein you drink apple juice for two days. On the second night drink a mixture of 3 ounces of fresh squeezed lemon and three ounces of dark olive oil. Drink this concoction every 15 - 20 minutes till its over. Third day would be the D-day when you would be able to pass the stones.
• Having apple and citrus food are very helpful as it contains pectin which fight this problem.
• You can use a herb called Quebra Pedra in the form of a tea to get relief from gallstones. Take two teaspoons of this herb in 500ml of water. Complete this concoction within a day and should be continued for a month or two.
• The herb called Jin Qian Cao or "Golden Coin Grass" is capable to disolve gallstones. Herbalists later found that Coin Grass will dissolve kidney stones just as proficiently. More recently, herbalists have found that adding Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum ) to Jin Qian Cao can work a bit better on kidney Stones (Renal Calculi) than Jin Qian Cao can by itself.
• Shilajit can be used as treatment for diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones, heart disease, anemia, anxiety, ulcers, asthma, arthritis, epilepsy and jaundice.
• coffee is helpful to fight diabetes, parkinsons disease, heart disease, gallstone disease, liver cancer and cirrhosis.
• An anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is necessary to inhibit gallstone formation. This diet consists of phytonutrient rich organic fruits & vegetables, grass-fed animal products and healthy fat sources such as avocados, coconut & olive oil.
• Raw cheese from grass-fed cows and goats is an important food due to its rich content of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin K2 & D3. The synergy between vitamin K2 & D3 helps regulate calcium metabolism to inhibit the formation of gallstones.
• Foods that are rich in organic acids and natural enzymes are especially important for the entire digestive system including the liver and gall bladder. These foods include apple cider vinegar (ACV), fresh squeezed lemon/lime, kombucha, kimchi and red cabbage sauerkraut. Probiotic enriched, raw dairy products such fermented whey, kefir & amasai are extremely beneficial.
• Milk Thistle : Silibinin (a compound found in the herb milk thistle) has been found to reduce cholesterol levels in bile, which may in turn keep gallstones from forming. However, the data on this is very limited.
• a regular fasting cycle to effectively cleanse and detoxify. A 12-hour fast between dinner and breakfast is a great daily habit
• Vitamin C : In a study of 13,130 adults published in 2000, researchers found that women with higher levels of vitamin C were less likely to develop gallstones. Vitamin C, which is essential for converting cholesterol to bile acids, is available in a number of fruits and vegetables (including citrus, berries, broccoli, and kale), as well as in supplement form.
• Fiber : Research suggests that following a diet rich in fiber may help prevent gallstone formation. Fiber sources include whole grains, legumes, psyllium seeds, and flaxseeds.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.