Gallbladders and the Raw Food Diet

Your gallbladder aids in digestion and stores bile produced by the liver. So, before you make the decision to have your gallbladder removed, do your own research about what causes gallstones. Consider changing your diet and possibly doing a “gallbladder flush”—see below. Several factors can contribute to the presence of gallstones, especially cholesterol stones. A few of those factors:

• obesity,
• excessive Estrogen,
• excess cholesterol,
• diabetes.

Many gallbladder symptoms are missed because they are so inter-related to digestive problems. Some are listed here, but you should seek medical advice if you think you are experiencing a gallbladder attack so as to rule out any other possibilities. Some of these symptoms:

• pain or tenderness under the rib cage (right side),
• stools light or chalky colored,
• indigestion after eating (especially after high fat or greasy foods),
• nausea or dizziness,
• bloating.

Doctors don’t always think in terms of nutrition. Moreover, they tend to think of cures and treatments rather than prevention. Diet plays a key role in the prevention of gallbladder stones. So if you want to avoid gallstones and at the same time have a healthy diet, here are a few secrets to accomplishing that goal:

Healthy Diet …

A healthy gallstone diet puts emphasis on flushing the system to rid it of excess cholesterol and toxins. A raw food diet containing foods such as these will help you flush the body: alfalfa, apples, artichokes, barley, beets, broccoli, carrots, celery, fennel, garlic, grapefruit, lemons, mustard greens, spinach greens, water chestnuts, and watermelon.

Animal Products …

Avoid eating foods with animal or animal-based products in them, as they will add cholesterol which can lead to gallstones. If you are not ready to entirely give up animal products, begin by avoiding fast foods, oily foods, spicy foods, red meats, eggs, pork, onions, milk, corn, beans and nuts.

Prevention …

Increase your fiber intake with fruits and vegetables since these contain water-soluble fiber. Water-soluble fiber flushes the body and combats gallstones. Even people who have had their gallbladder removed must maintain a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and avoid foods high in fat, fried foods, dairy products, and carbonated beverages. But for all of us—with or without gallbladders—to be truly healthy, it is best to maintain a healthy diet of raw fruits and vegetables ... all for the wellness of the mind, body and spirit.

Whether you have a gallbladder or not, high-fat foods are a no-no. Maintaining a healthy diet of fresh, raw vegetables and fruits is essential for optimal health so as not to overload the digestion system. If you are experiencing gallbladder stones and have checked with your physician, then you may want to try one of these alternative treatments before going the surgery route …

When I was at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego and Austin TX, I have seen people doing this Gallbladder flush and many would go around and proudly show the “gallbladder stones” they released. Personally, I never performed this kind of cleanse, so I don’t have the benefit of first hand experience. Be sure research it carefully and check with a health care practitioner before using.

Gallbladder Flush …

This simple gallbladder flush is considered to be the most effective home remedy. Drinking an 8-oz glass of organic apple juice in the morning and again in the evening for 4-6 weeks will loosen the stones. Placing organic apples through a juicer at home delivers the best kind of apple juice. Use whole apples. Nothing “from concentrate,” please—you can’t open a can for this one.

Continue to eat a healthy raw diet of fruits and vegetables during the 4 to 6 weeks. Be sure you are getting lots of fiber to keep your digestive tract working.

Pick a day that you can be home and near a bathroom. Begin with a semi-fast on the first day, and do not eat any solid food. Drink the apple juice in the morning and another glass at lunchtime. Before going to bed, drink 8 ounces of organic extra virgin olive oil mixed with 4 ounces of lemon juice from four freshly squeezed lemons. This combination will taste similar to salad dressing.

At least 8 hours later, in the morning, take a fast-acting natural laxative, such as Epsom salts. At this point you need to be near a bathroom as you will experience diarrhea for several hours. You should be passing little green stones that look like small peas—gallstones—during the diarrhea period. Now, you have successfully flushed your gallbladder!

This process is for fundamentally healthy adults. Anyone experiencing series health issues should consult their physician before using this or any home remedy.

Artichoke Treatment …

Caffeoylquinic acid, found in artichoke leaves, has been shown to increase the production of bile. This in turn helps dissolve the fat and cholesterol deposits that lead to gallstones. Cyanarin, another herbal compound found in artichoke leaves, is a derivative of caffeolyquinic acid and also triggers bile production. Its cultivation in Europe dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. This herbal compound seems to work better than conventional gallstone treatments used in some European countries.

Always check the label for the potency level of active compounds in natural medicine. Artichoke extract that is used to treat gallstones should have a minimum concentration of 8% caffeolyquinic acid to provide an effective natural treatment. Check your local health food store for this extract.

Milk Thistle Treatment …

Milk thistle is one of the most effective and well-known herbal treatments for gallbladder and liver problems. It has been shown to calm down an inflamed gallbladder. Milk thistle from your local health food store inhibits the excessive production of cholesterol, but it also helps to maintain healthy bile production. This compensates for blockages caused by gallstones. Milk thistle is highly effective when taken daily in moderately high doses—if used only occasionally, it is not as effective. It can also be purchased at your local health food store.

Turmeric Treatment …

Turmeric has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat gallbladder problems as well as a variety of other ailments. Curcumin, the main chemical found in turmeric, is the active compound that gives the herb its bright-yellow color and distinctive flavor. Large amounts of curcumin can be consumed by simply adding turmeric to your raw food recipes.

Whichever route or remedy you use, remember: The preventive power of a sound raw foods diet stands at the core of your effort to become healthier!