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Gallstones

The gall bladder is a pear shaped digestive storage organ that is situated under the liver on the upper right side of the human abdomen. Sometimes stones from mineral accretions and rocklike clumps of cholesterol or other digestive substances form within the gallbladder and are collectively known as gallstones. The main physiological function of the gall bladder is the storage and concentration of a digestive liquid called bile produced in the liver. Bile is a thick greenish yellow fluid, which is excreted into the gall bladder. The gall bladder in turn sends out the bile via the bile duct into the small intestine to help with the digestion and emulsification of fats and fatty substances. The constitution and chemical composition of the bile content in the gall bladder determines to a large extent the chances of the formation of gallstones. These gallstones develop readily when the bile contains very high levels of cholesterol, other bile acids, organic pigments bilirubin and biliverdin, and other substances like minerals in excess. Gallstones typically do not induce symptoms of any sort and require no special care; they can range in size from miniscule sizes like the head of a pin or grow as big as a golf ball. However, if the size increases the gallstones can cause the blockage of the bile duct and bring about inflammation in the tissues of the gallbladder. This brings about acute and intense abdominal pain. A medical examination and surgery to remove the gallbladder is then usually carried out.

A diet rich in sugars and fats as well as one having a low-fiber content, is the most likely contributing factor to the formation of gallstones in humans, the specific underlying reasons or causes of the gallstones remains unknown and there could be other underlying reasons for the formation of gallstones. Other contributory conditions to gallstones could be the presence of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, and other digestive tract disorders. Women are at a greater risk of developing gallstones compared to men and are three times more likely to have it on average, people over the age of forty are also a high risk group. Physiological factors such as obesity is also a very real contributor to the presence of gallstones in the body, at the same time rapid weight loss can also result in the formation of gallstones in the body.

Supplements and herbs

The preventive and dissolving power of the supplements given below will all be useful in dealing with gallstones. Time periods may vary from treating one type of stone to the next; small existing stones may be dissolved in about three months of treatment with the supplements. However some of the supplements can also be used in a preventative role and those supplements high lighted in blue (except taurine) can all be used in the long term to reduce the possibility of gallstone formation in the gall bladder also be used in the long term to help prevent gallstone attacks.

Because of its ability to lower the levels of the cholesterol in the bile, supplements of extra vitamin C are effective and important in dealing with gallstone problems. The vitamin reduces the chances of gallstones and has a preventive role in that cholesterol-laden bile is prevented from clumping to form stones in the bladder. Other supplements can be combined with the vitamin C during supplementation for treating or preventing the occurrence of gallstones. A fat metabolizing or lipotropic supplement combination, containing herbs like the milk thistle, compounds like choline and inositol, and essential amino acids such as methionine, are the best supplements. These actively promote a healthy and regular flow of bile and fats from the gallbladder and the liver and boost the performance of the liver. The dissolution and elimination of gallstones that have formed is carried out by the milk thistle herb, for example, by altering the chemical composition of the bile in the gallbladder. The metabolism of fats and cholesterol is carried out by the compounds such as the choline and inositol, which are chemically related to the B vitamins, along with the essential amino acid methionine. Liver and gallbladder functioning is also bolstered and strengthened at the same time by these compounds. Existing stones are dissolved and the flow of bile is improved through the indirect action of the essential amino acid methionine on another amino acid taurine, methionine may increase levels of taurine, which carries out the beneficial actions on the gallbladder. Inadequate levels of the compound lecithin-a fatty acid bile component- may lead to the development of gallstones, supplements of the compounds choline and inositol are vital to formation of lecithin.

Many other substances can be co-supplemented to the combination, this can be added one supplement at a time or by combining several of them at once. The oil of the flaxseed is abundant in essential fatty acids. These acids may play a very important role in the prevention and dissolution of gallstones in the gallbladder; therefore it is advisable to add some flaxseed oil to the combination supplements for effectiveness. Another great gallstone remover is supplements containing the oil of the peppermint herb, consumed in capsule form and enteric-coated form. Bowel movements can be restored and promoted through the daily use of the psyllium herb, the formation of gallstones may be positively blocked and prevented if the bowel movements are normal and elimination of waste takes place regularly.

Homeopathy

Certain gallstone-affected individuals have gained benefits from the remedies given below. These homeopathic remedies given below are not intended for self-prescription and are simply mentioned here to denote the great gallstone removal properties of some homeopathic medications and treatment methods. You need an experienced homeopath to prescribe the remedies given below. The best way to go about using these homeopathic remedies is through the examination and guidance of an experienced homeopath for a constitutional remedy treating the entire body in a holistic and natural way chosen. An experienced practitioner is also more likely to know what methodologies and treatment regimen to follow in order to cure deep-seated

sever and serious or chronic conditions in affected person.

Berberis
Berberis is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with gallstones in whom the symptoms include the presence stitching pains and sensations extending out from the region of the gallbladder al the way into the stomach and this pain may in some cases go out all the way to the region of the shoulder. The pain seems to begin in the region of the lower back or the lumbar region and acute and sharp twinges are felt radiating outward, to the region of the groin and pelvic bones. Physical symptoms include the worsening of the pain if the person keeps changing positions and if the individual is standing upright. There is a great susceptibility to joint pains and conditions like gout and the person may be constipated. Some of the other physical signs are the presence or the sudden rise of thirst, then the disappearance of thirst and an accompanied loss of appetite, these rapidly changing states are symptoms that Berberis is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the gallstones in the affected individual.
Calcarea carb.
Calcarea carb. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals with developed gallstones and other gallbladder disorders where the symptoms may include a very sensitive swelling in the right side of the abdomen, this area is very sensitive to pressure. When the person stoops, painful sensations like cutting pains can radiate out and worsen in intensity from the region of the abdomen. The condition of the person may worsen when the person is standing, and will greatly be aggravated if any physical activity is undertaken, the condition of the person on the other hand will get better if the person lies down on the painful side and rests for sometime. Other physical symptoms for which Calcarea carbonica is often prescribed, is for people who are easily exhausted, who display sluggishness and feel cold at most times. The hands may be clammy and the feet will feel the same. The person will crave a great deal of sweets, and psychological symptoms may include feelings of inadequacy when sick and anxiety at all times of the day and the night. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate utilization of Calcarea carb. as a homeopathic remedy to treat gallstones in patients.
Chelidonium
Chelidonium is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of individuals afflicted with gallstones in which severe pain is one of the symptoms, these painful sensation may radiate out into the regions of the shoulder and shoulder blade to the thighs and all across the back. A constricted feeling arises in the abdomen as if a tight string were being pulled taut across it; the abdomen is also greatly distended. The patient finds some relief when lying on his or her back with the legs drawn upwards, any physical exertion and motion will generate painful sensations in the individual. The person is able to hold down warm food and drinks very easily, but he or she may feel nauseous and will have the desire to vomit, after drinking cold liquids or after eating fatty and oily foods. Fatigue and tiredness are other persistent sensations in the person and the condition of the individual will greatly worsen from being in the cold. The condition is also aggravated in the early mornings. The presence of one or more of these symptoms suggests the need for Chelidonium as a homeopathic remedy to treat gallstones in a person.
Colocynthis
Colocynthis is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of patients suffering from gallstones in whom the symptoms include cramping and cutting painful sensations, these sensations are so acute that the person doubles over. Hard pressure on the abdominal region may bring some relief to the individual and he or she may want to lie down. Painful sensations can extend all the way to the shoulder; this pain originates in the upper right abdomen, and may be severe in intensity. Psychological states can aggravate the physical symptoms and if such a patient is angry or anxious the pain may worsen, this is also true for suppressed emotions, which can cause the physical pain to worsen and increase to a high degree. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Colocynthis as a homeopathic medication to treat gallstones in a person.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of gallstone afflicted individuals where the symptoms may include a bloated abdominal region with concurrent chronic digestive problems in the person. These problems have attendant disorders such as flatulence, and cause a great deal of discomfort to the person concerned. The person may feel his condition and symptoms aggravated when he or she eats. The painful sensations originating in the abdomen may extend from the right side to the left of the body and radiate out. Some other symptoms are a great craving for sweets and a preference for warm drinks. The condition of the patient worsens greatly in the late afternoons and towards the evenings. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Lycopodium as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of gallstones in the patient.
Nux vomica
Nux vomica is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of patients with gallstones in whom the symptoms may include the presence of constricting pains that radiate upwards, other physical symptoms may be stitching pains, and a swollen sensation in the upper right part of the abdomen, which may be painful in some cases. Other physical symptoms are the presence of nausea and attendant digestive cramps. These are accompanied by feeling cold and chills that rock the body. The condition of the person will greatly worsen after having consumed food items such as strong spicy foods, drinks with alcohol and coffee, fatty foods and other stimulants, the cravings for these foods will nonetheless remain. Psychological symptoms include impatience and extreme irritability. The presence of one or more of these symptoms suggests a need to use Nux vomica as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the gallstones.

What else you can do

Dietary habits are extremely important in all cases of the condition and the importance of this factor cannot be overemphasized, the diet should be rich in fiber and low in processed and refined carbohydrates, and food groups like sugar, and fatty foods and oil. The diet should also be rich in a number of fruits and vegetables, grains like oat bran, and some pectin can also be included. Rich sources for pectin are vegetables like the cabbage, all varieties of carrots, fruits like oranges, leguminous plants like peas, and vegetables like okra. The presence of abundant pectin in the diet may be particularly important and active in the dissolution and prevention of gallstones in the person. It is important to consume adequate quantities of water and other liquids daily and watch your weight, as obesity is also a factor in gallstone formation. Daily and regular exercises and other strenuous physical activity will lower the chances of gallstone developing in the gall bladder.

Usual dosage

Flaxseed oil, one tbsp. (14 grams) daily in pill or liquid form in the morning.
Psyllium, one tbsp. of psyllium powder dissolved in juice or water two times daily. Drink a lot of water throughout the day.
Peppermint oil, two capsules (0.2 ml of peppermint oil each) two times daily, between meals.
Vitamin C, 1,000 mg thrice daily. If diarrhea develops, reduce the dose.
Lecithin, two capsules of 1,200mg (19 grains) each two times daily.
Taurine, 1,000 mg L -taurine two times daily for up to 12 weeks. Add a mixed amino acid complex after six weeks.
Lipotropic combination, one or two pills two times daily.

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