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Gallbladder Awareness Month

Gallbladder Facts:

1. Approximately 20 million people in the United States have gallstones. 300,000 of those have their Gallbladder removed annually.

2. Most common symptom is upper abdominal pain.

3. Gallstones are formed mostly from hardened cholesterol.

THE GALLBLADDER

The gallbladder primary function is to store and concentrate bile, it is a pear shape organ located under the liver. The gallbladder is part of the biliary tract.

The gallbladder is used as storage for bile when it is not being used. Bile is released through the common bile duct when food reaches the small intestine. The bile helps break up fats. It also helps clear out the wastage from the liver.

GALLSTONES

Gallstones are small stones, which are usual made up of cholesterol. Having too much cholesterol in your bile can lead to yellow cholesterol stones.

Gallstones can also form from bilirubin, this is a chemical produced when the liver destroys red blood cells. Liver damage and certain blood disorders can cause your liver to produce too much bilirubin than it should. This forms pigment gallstones, because the gallbladder can not break down the excess bilirubin. The stones are black or brown.

GALLBLADDER REMOVAL

Open gallbladder removal is a surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder can be removed using two different surgery options:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy – your gallbladder is removed through small puncture holes in your tummy (abdomen). This is called keyhole surgery and is the most common method.

Open cholecystectomy – your gallbladder is removed through one large cut in your tummy. This is called open surgery. You may need this option if you have another condition or complications that could make surgery difficult.

LIFE AFTER GALLBLADDER REMOVAL

The gallbladder is an organ you can live without. However when your gallbladder is taken out, you will need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and diet. Your body will need to build a routine to adapt to the changes. It is important you understand what the gallbladder does for your digestive system.

Changes to diet:

Limit your fat intake

It is important you limit your fat consumption, pay attention to the labels on processed meats, dairy products and sauces. You will want to eat the following foods in moderation:

- Fried foods

- Full fat milk

- Chips

- sausages

- Cream

Your fat consumption should be around 30% of your daily diet. If you are consuming 2,000 calories a day, you should aim for around 30-60 grams of fat.

One change your body will need to change is to eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of 3 large meals . Having 3 large meals can overwhelm the digestive system and cause digestive issues such as bloating and constipation . Keeping the meals smaller throughout the day will allow your digestive system to consume and absorb nutrients alot better.

Limit your fiber intake

After your gallbladder surgery, you may want to limit your fiber intake. This can make any bloating or abdominal pain worse. The high fiber foods you may want to limit are the following:

- Broccoli

- Cabbage

- Beans

- High fiber cereals

- Nuts

You just need to limit these foods, not completely avoid them.

Exercise

It is important to allow your body to recover from surgery, recovery will vary from person to person. You should avoid any quick or explosive movements and lifting any heavy weights.

You should consult with your doctor about your exercise routine. Ease back into any exercise you do, start with a short distance walk then gradually build on it.

Supplements for Gallbladder Support

Supplements to help your digestion

When your gallbladder is removed your body can not digest foods the same as before. Sometimes it requires support from supplements to aid digestion. The following supplements that help digest foods better:

- Digestive Enzymes (with lipase)

- Ox bile

- Probiotics

- Liver Support (With Artichoke and Milk Thistle)

- HCL

These supplements act as a substitute to help aid digestion and breakdown foods. This minimizes digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. Food which is properly digested in return provides much needed energy for the body.

Eating out with friends and family can be difficult when you have digestive issues, supplements like digestive enzymes and probiotics provide digestive aid, comfort and more importantly healthy digestion. It allows you to enjoy your meal and be at comfort.

SUMMARY

Having your gallbladder removed can be a life changing event, you need to adjust your lifestyle and diet to adapt to changes to minimize any digestive issues.

Limit your fat and fiber foods, find a balance how much your body can consume without experiencing major digestive issues such as bloating, gas and constipation.

Change your exercise routine and give your body time to recover. Start with slow movements and gradually build on them. Consult your doctor about your lifestyle changes and how to implement your changes.

Do some research and trial dietary supplements such as digestive enzymes, probiotics and liver support to help aid your digestion. They can help minimize digestive discomfort and chronic pain.