What Dissolves Gallbladder Stones Fast?

If you have a history of gallstones or gallbladder attacks, you may be searching for answers to what dissolves gallbladder stones fast.

The development of gallstones is typically linked to inadequate bile flow, and supporting optimal gallbladder function is one of the best strategies for preventing and managing gallbladder stones. 

Let’s explore the common causes of gallstone formation and uncover how dietary changes and natural remedies can help dissolve gallstones and support long-term gallbladder health.

What are gallbladder stones?

Gallbladder stones, also known as gallstones, are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. 

The gallbladder stores bile, a critical digestive fluid that helps break down and digest dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. In addition to bile salts, bile fluid also contains cholesterol and bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

Bile acid is released in response to fat intake, which stimulates the gallbladder to contract. This propels bile through the common bile duct into the small intestines, where it aids in the digestion of fats and helps eliminate metabolic waste products.

However, sluggish gallbladder function or bile fluid that becomes overly saturated with cholesterol or bilirubin can lead to bile sludge, significantly increasing the risk of gallstone formation.

Cholesterol gallstones consist primarily of cholesterol, while pigment gallstones are formed from excess bilirubin and are typically linked to conditions such as hemolytic anemia or liver disease.

Gallstones can vary in size, ranging from tiny grains to large, golf ball-sized stones, which can block bile flow, leading to excruciating abdominal pain, gallbladder inflammation, and digestive problems.

Watch the video below to learn about the common causes of gallstones. 

Symptoms of gallbladder stones

Gallstones can remain asymptomatic for a long time, meaning they don’t cause any noticeable symptoms.

However, when multiple stones accumulate or if they grow large enough, they can block bile ducts and trigger a gallbladder attack, also known as biliary colic. This can result in intense pain and discomfort, often felt in the upper right abdomen or upper right shoulder. 

Other symptoms associated with gallbladder stones include:

• Difficulty digesting fatty foods
• Pale-colored stool 
• Chest pain
• Jaundice
• Fever and chills 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies 
• Fatigue 

If left untreated, gallstones can cause gallbladder inflammation, also known as cholecystitis, a potentially serious condition that often requires a laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery to remove the gallbladder.

If you are concerned about your gallbladder health or experience symptoms of gallstones, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to promptly treat gallstones and prevent further complications.

Causes and risk factors 

Several genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors can contribute to impaired bile flow and the formation of gallstones.

According to research published in StatPearls, women over the age of 40, as well as individuals with excess weight, a family history of gallbladder issues, and diabetes, are at increased risk of gallstone formation.¹

Stress, female hormonal imbalances, and the use of oral contraceptive pills may further exacerbate this risk, as they can influence bile composition and gallbladder function.

A low-fat diet has also been linked to gallstone formation, as a lack of dietary fats prevents gallbladder contractions, which are necessary to help empty bile. This can lead to bile sludge accumulation and the formation of stones.

In addition, dietary patterns high in carbohydrates have been shown to increase the risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease. 

High-carb diets trigger the excessive release of insulin to maintain blood sugar control. Elevated insulin levels upregulate the production of cholesterol in liver cells, which can lead to high cholesterol concentrations in bile and, therefore, contribute to gallbladder stones. 

A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology confirms this, summarizing that those with poor blood sugar control, insulin resistance, and diabetes are more likely to develop gallbladder problems.²

What dissolves gallbladder stones quickly?

Information related to gallstones should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine suitability based on your individual health needs.

Some people believe that a gallbladder cleanse using olive oil can help cure gallstones. However, it isn’t recommended to perform gallbladder flushes with olive oil as this may lead to serious complications, including the obstruction of gallbladder ducts.

“Enhancing bile flow with natural remedies and supporting the body with bile salt supplements to maintain thin, free-flowing bile fluid can aid in dissolving gallstones,” explains Dr. Berg. 

Purified bile salts can be especially beneficial for those with bile acid deficiency, as they can improve bile flow and help prevent the formation of bile sludge.

Research published in the American Journal of Surgery confirms the benefits of oral bile acid therapy, reporting that bile salts have shown the potential to dissolve gallstones and reduce the risk of recurrent stone formation.³

In addition, certain herbs have choleretic properties, meaning they can promote bile production and flow, further supporting gallbladder health and reducing the likelihood of stone formation.

Some of the best herbs to support healthy gallbladder function include:

• Dandelion root
• Milk thistle
• Slippery elm bark 
• Stoneroot
• Artichoke extract
• Wormwood

How Rachel helped her father support his gallbladder health

When Rachel’s 71-year-old father started suffering from gallbladder pain, his doctor recommended surgery. Wanting to explore less invasive options, Rachel discovered Dr. Berg’s advice. Inspired, she encouraged her dad to try dandelion tea and gallbladder support—and his journey to relief began.

She shares

“His symptoms have decreased. When he went in for his MRI, his gallbladder issues were less than they expected, and the surgery has been delayed.”

Rachel is thankful for Dr. Berg’s guidance and optimistic about her father’s continued road to better health. Read her full story here.

Results may vary based on individual factors such as starting point, goals, and personal effort. A holistic approach, including proper nutrition and lifestyle changes, is essential for achieving and maintaining health improvements. Individual outcomes aren’t guaranteed.

How to prevent gallbladder stones  

Making beneficial dietary and lifestyle changes can support healthy gallbladder function and promote bile flow, which can help reduce the risk of gallbladder stone development. 

Here are three steps you can take to help prevent gallstones. 

1. Consume plenty of healthy fats 

Dietary fat intake stimulates gallbladder contraction and bile flow, which helps clear excess cholesterol and bilirubin, reducing the risk of gallstone formation. 

Additionally, reducing carb-rich foods helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, promoting balanced cholesterol production in the liver. This supports healthy bile composition and lowers the risk of gallstone formation.

A nutritious low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto® focuses on healthy fats from nutritious whole food sources while limiting carbohydrate intake, making this dietary approach an excellent strategy for promoting gallbladder health and gallstone prevention. 

2. Incorporate choline-rich foods 

Choline is a crucial nutrient that plays a key role in stimulating bile flow and supporting gallbladder function. 

The body converts choline into acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate gallbladder contractions and ensures bile is efficiently released into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Data published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that consuming choline-rich foods, such as beet greens, cruciferous vegetables, artichokes, ginger, and egg yolks, can help promote bile production and stimulate bile flow.⁴

3. Support a diverse gut microbiome 

Beneficial gut microbes play a crucial role in recycling bile salts, which are essential for optimal digestion and gallbladder health. 

Supporting a diverse gut microbiome by consuming plenty of probiotic foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir, can promote overall digestive balance and help maintain bile salt recycling. 

In addition, a high-quality probiotic supplement can also be beneficial in promoting microbial gut diversity and supporting overall digestive and gallbladder health.

Key takeaways

If you’ve struggled with gallstones or gallbladder attacks, you might be wondering what dissolves gallbladder stones fast.

Purified bile salts and bile-stimulating herbs, such as stoneroot, slippery elm bark, and dandelion, can help keep bile thin, break down gallstones, and promote overall gallbladder health.

In addition, it’s vital to follow a nutritious low-carb diet, include plenty of choline-rich foods, and support a diverse gut microbiome with probiotics, all of which can help improve bile production and reduce the risk of gallstone formation.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459370/ ↩︎
2. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00720/full ↩︎
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2672842/ ↩︎
4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/ ↩︎

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