-IBIS-1.7.6-
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digestive system
Cholecystitis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
The most common disease of the gall bladder is a chronic inflammation that comes about from stones or thickened bile. Symptoms are abdominal pain and bloating, especially after eating fatty meals. The pain may be felt on the upper right shoulder blade. Stools may be light colored. Usually, an ultrasound will show if stones are present.
The major causes for thickening of the bile and stone formation are high levels of cholesterol and low amounts of fiber in the diet.
Gall stones are easy to prevent, and many gall stone operations could be avoided by lifestyle and dietary changes.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR GALLBLADDER DISEASE, AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
Vitamins A and E are fat soluble vitamins, which may not be well absorbed in cases of gall bladder disease, so it may be necessary to supplement them.
1. Vitamin A 10,000 to 25,000 Units per day (preferably taken in combination with vitamin D). Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 10,000 Units of vitamin A per day.
2. Vitamin E 400 Units per day.
3. Choline 1,000 milligrams per day. Choline stimulates bile production.
4. Lecithin 1 to 2 capsules with each meal. This helps in the breakdown of cholesterol.
5. Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams 2 to 3 times a day. Reduce the amount if diarrhea occurs.
6. Bile salts They can be found in some health food stores. Taken according to the manufacturer's instruction.
THE PROPER DIET FOR GALL BLADDER DISEASE WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day to help in thinning the bile and preventing stone formation. This may be in the form of water, herbal teas, and fruit and vegetable juices.
2. Beets either eaten as a vegetable or juice or taken in tablets and used on a daily basis.
3. Reduce fatty foods, especially animal fats (such as in meat and dairy products). Pork, eggs, and onions can specifically aggravate gall bladder disease.
4. Avoid all fried foods.
5. It is very important to eat a high fiber diet. To achieve this:
Eat at least 1 cup of raw vegetables or salad each day.
1/2 cup to 1 cup of whole grains per day.
2 pieces of fruit a day.
Oat bran is particularly useful in helping eliminate cholesterol from the body 1 tablespoon a day.
HERBS FOR GALL BLADDER DISEASE:
The following herbs are used in combination for gall bladder disease. These are used in equal parts:
Dandelion Root
Fringe Tree
Wild Yam Root
Boldo
As a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract 40 to 60 drops of the mixture, taken directly after each meal 3 times a day.
As a tea 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes, steep 15 minutes, cool, and drink 3 times a day after each meal.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, the one that best matches the symptoms is chosen. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
Chelidonium 6c: Especially for pain that radiates to the right shoulder blade. Taken every 15 minutes until pain subsides.
Mag. phos. 6c: For pain that feels better when rubbing or applying pressure to the abdomen or with heat. Taken every 15 minutes until the pain subsides.
Colocynth 12c: For abdominal pain that makes a person double over. This is often associated with diarrhea. Taken every 15 minutes until the pain subsides.
Calcarea carbonica 30c: For the long-term tendency toward gall bladder problems. Taken once a day for 10 days.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with gall bladder disease. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.