Normally the liver produces bile which the small intestine uses to digest fatty foods and absorb important vitamins. The gallbladder's job is to store this bile. However, sometimes the bile produced is saturated with cholesterol, causing the formation of cholesterol stones. Women are more prone to developing such stones as estrogen increases the secretion of cholesterol, raising its levels in the bile; obesity is an additional risk factor. 20% of gallstones are "pigment stones" made up of calcium salts and bilirubin, a substance that derives from the decomposition of red blood cells. Commonly the formation of these gallstones is caused by kidney disease, anemia or infections of the gallstones. Laparoscopic surgery has made cholecystectomy, or the surgical removal of the gallbladder (or gallbladder), the most common treatment for gallstones, but there are also alternative solutions.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Options Other than Surgery
Step 1. Try dissolving gallstones orally
Your doctor may prescribe you to take an oral medication, ursodiol or chenodiol, to dissolve the stones without having to resort to surgery. Essentially these are bile acids administered in the form of pills. Ursodiol, in particular, is a popular drug because it is among the safest available.
- Usually such oral therapies are effective in dissolving small stones (less than 1.5 centimeters in diameter) with a high cholesterol content. About 30% of patients suffering from gallstones can use this treatment.
- In the presence of pigment stones, a different treatment will most likely be suggested.
- The chances of success of this therapy tend to decrease in obese patients.
Step 2. Learn about shockwave therapy
Often this therapy is combined with oral therapy, although laparoscopic surgery is currently so widespread that shock wave surgery is rare. Also called lithotripsy, this treatment uses sound waves to break gallstones into smaller pieces that are easier to dissolve.
It is a particularly effective therapy in case of gallstones less than 2 centimeters in diameter
Step 3. It is important to note that unless the gallbladder is surgically removed, the gallstones tend to reform
Most patients undergoing dissolution therapy complain of the return of the stones; for this reason such therapies are currently very little widespread. They are usually only recommended for those patients who are not in a position to undergo surgery.
Method 2 of 3: Alternative Remedies
Step 1. Dissolve gallstones with terpenes
Scientific tests aimed at testing the effectiveness of a proprietary blend of plant compounds called Rowachol have yielded encouraging results. A six-month treatment resulted in complete or partial dissolution of the stones in 29% of the patients tested.
- These plant-derived terpene compounds also appear to stimulate the production of bile by the liver, while also inhibiting the formation of cholesterol crystals.
- Rowachol also sharpens the effectiveness of the other solvent drugs.
Step 2. Evaluate the cleanliness of the gallbladder
There are conflicting opinions regarding the effectiveness of cleansing the liver and gallbladder. There is no scientific evidence to support their real success; some people, however, report having had a positive outcome. It is important to specify that most of the "evidence" present in the stool following a gallbladder cleanse are not true gallstones, but a byproduct of the treatment itself. That said, you can evaluate several options:
- Fast for 12 hours. Then, starting at 7pm, take 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil followed by a tablespoon of lemon juice. Repeat this every 15 minutes for a total of 8 cycles.
- Alternatively, take only vegetable and apple juice during the day, then, starting at 5 or 6 pm, take 18 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil followed by 9 milliliters of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Repeat every 15 minutes until you have a total of 240 milliliters of oil.
- Cleaning the gallbladder can cause pain and dysentery.
- The next morning, you should pass small green or brown spheres through your stool. As mentioned, these are not usually gallstones, but a by-product of the treatment.
Step 3. Try acupuncture
Even if it fails to clear existing gallstones, acupuncture can relieve spasms, increase bile flow, and restore proper liver and gallbladder function.
Step 4. Treat symptoms caused by gallbladder problems with herbs and homeopathic remedies
It is important to note that such therapies will not clear the stones; nevertheless, under the guidance of a qualified professional they could mitigate the symptoms, allowing you to better tolerate their presence.
- Green tea, milk thistle, artichoke and turmeric can represent a valid support for the functions of the liver and gallbladder. As previously specified, it is good to rely on the knowledge of an expert professional before taking any treatment of plant origin. Used improperly, these herbs can cause a cholecystitis attack or other unwanted side effects.
- Homeopathic remedies for gallstone treatment include colocynthis, chelidonium and lycopodium prepared in specific concentrations. Each of them works against slightly different ailments, so remember to take them only under the supervision of a qualified homeopath.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Gallstone Formation
Step 1. Follow a diet that helps prevent gallstones from forming
Numerous foods have been recognized to reduce the incidence of gallbladder stones:
- Eat monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, avoiding saturated ones.
- Eat lots of fiber.
- Incorporate caffeine into your daily eating habits.
- Follow a vegetarian diet.
- Limit your intake of refined sugars, such as sucrose and fructose.
- Some circumstantial evidence indicates that consuming large amounts of legumes can increase the likelihood of developing gallbladder disease.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Consider eating several servings of nuts per week (around 30 grams each). This indication has been particularly useful in some studies carried out on women.
- Eat regularly, never skip meals.
Step 2. Take food supplements as a preventative measure
Supplements that contain vitamin C, soy lecithin, and iron have been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of gallstones.
Step 3. Lose weight slowly but steadily and maintain a healthy body weight
Too rapid weight loss puts you at risk of developing gallstones. Although obesity is an additional risk factor for gallbladder disease, it is important to lose weight gradually and stick to healthy directions. Slowly and steadily losing weight, around 1 / 2-1 kg per week, is best.
Step 4. Diagnose any allergies, then eliminate allergens from your diet
Identifying and avoiding the foods that cause you allergic reactions helps you reduce the risk of developing gallstones.
