What are Gallstones?
The most common of all problems of the gallbladder is gallstones which is a condition doctors refer to as cholelithiasis. Gallstones can be caused by a concentration of bile acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids in the bile. It is estimated that 20 million Americans have gallstones and that one in ten people have gallstones without even knowing it. It is also estimated that one in five Americans over the age of 65 have gallstones.
Symptoms of Gallstones

- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Belching
- Food intolerance
- Sharp pain under the ribs on the right side
- Pain below breastbone that shoots into the right or left shoulder area
- Urine may be coffee or tea colored
- Shaking
- Chills
- Jaundice
Gallbladder Flush
Directions for a Gallbladder Flush
On Monday through Saturday, be sure to drink as much natural apple juice as possible (go for organic if possible). You can continue to eat your normal diet and take your usual medication or supplements. On Saturday, eat a normal lunch at noon. By 3:00 P.M., dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in 1/4 cup of warm water and drink it. This will have a laxative effect and will help to move the stones through your digestive system. Be forewarned, this will taste pretty bad so you may want to chase it with some orange or grapefruit juice.
Two hours later at 5:00 P.M. repeat the Emsom salts in water with an orange juice or grapefruit juice chaser.
At bedtime, drink 1/2 cup of warm extra virgin olive oil blended with 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Then, go to bed right away and lie on you rright side with your knees pulled up as close to your chest you can comfortably for a 1/2 an hour.
On Sunday morning, take 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in 1/4 cup of warm water an hour before breakfast. If you do have gallstones, you are going to find some light to dark green stones in your bowel movement on Sunday morning. They will be oddly shaped and will vary from the shape of a small kiwi seed to a large cherry pit.
If you suffer from chronic gallbladder problems, it may be wise to repeat this process again in two weeks. This flush can be repeated every three to six months if you continue to form gallstones.
Natural Treatments of Gallstones
One of the first things recommended is to support, detoxify, and strengthen the liver.
Metabolic cleansing and other forms of detoxification can be a critical first step in the treatment of gallstones.
Identifying food sensitivities is also paramount as most patients with gallbladder disease have them and they need to be identified.
Lecithin
Triple strength Lecithin is an effective fat emulsifier that aids in the digestion of fats. EB Digestives, High Potency Digestive Enzymes
EB Digestives are a high potency digestive enzyme complex that aids in digestion if too little bile is secreted from the gallbladder. The added bromelain and papain also aid in inflammation and discomfort associated with gallstones. Silymarin, Milk Thistle Extract
Silymarin, or Milk Thistle Extract is a great idea for anyone with a liver or gallbladder problem as milk thistle helps the liver by cleansing toxins and helping to regenerate healthy new cells. Milk thistle also helps to keep things moving by encouraging the healthy production of bile which can help to break up gallstones. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has demonstrated to be effective in preventing the formation of gallstones. Vitamin C is required for the enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to bile salts. Studies also show that people with gallstones have low vitamin C levels. A therapeutic dose of vitamin C for those who are prone to gallstones is 1-3 grams or 1,000-3,000 milligrams a day. The Gallstone Remedy Report
The Gallstone Remedy Report will show you exactly how you can safely and naturally rid your discomfort and avoid costly gallbladder surgery!
Natural Healing Options For Gallstones
- Eat a Low Fat Diet: Eating a low fat diet can help to prevent gallstones as well as reduce the inflammation and pain that is associated with gallstones. Remember that a low fat diet is important, but essential fatty acids are still needed such as fish or flax oils
- Eat a Low Sugar Diet: Numoerous studies indicate that those who eat a small amount of sweets are far less likely to develop gallstones.
- Cut Back On Coffee: It seems that coffee can trigger gallbladder attacks in people with weakened digestive systems or those with weak gallbladders. If you suffer from gallstones, cut back or eliminate your coffee intake and see if the symptoms gradually lessen, if they do continue your decrease in consumption of both regular and decaf coffee.
- Go Vegetarian: It has been shown that following a vegetarian diet can have a significant reduction in the incidence of gallbladder disease.
Books on Gallstones and Gallbladder Health
The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse: An All-Natural, At-Home Flush to Purify and Rejuvenate Your Body
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $14.95
Coping With Gallstones (Overcoming Common Problems Series)
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $12.95
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Gallstones: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $28.95
The Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush
Amazon Price: $22.45 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $24.95
Diseases of the Gallbladder and Bile Ducts: Diagnosis and Treatment
Amazon Price: $239.95 (as of 07/25/2008)
List Price: $239.95
Medical Treatment of Gallstones
Share your story about gallstones or gallbladder health
Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!
Blog Posts on Gallstones
- Gallstones - hormone link
- After my feature on self-help for gallstones, the British Medical Journal ran a story that women should know of, writes Michael van Straten.
- The gall of gallstones
- Tests show you've been having gallbladder attacks due to gallstones. Gallstones are common, affecting one in 12 persons in countries such as the United States. They're also more common as you age. In the Philippines, thousands of new ...
- Gastric Bypass Surgery and Gallstones
- Up to one third of gastric bypass patients will develop gallstones within the first year after surgery. What does a gall bladder attack feel like? And if your gall bladder must be removed, how will it affect your post-gastric-bypass ...
- What to do about gallstones
- The five F's: fair, fat, female, forty and flatulent - such women may get gallstones, writes Michael van Straten.


