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GALLSTONES OR CHOLELITHIASIS
The definition of cholelithiasis: solid crystalline precipitates in the BILIARY TRACT, usually
formed in the GALLBLADDER. Gallstones, derived from the BILE, consist mainly of calcium, cholesterol, or bilirubin.
(italics are mine).
The medical term for gall stones is cholelithiasis. Chole is from the Greek meaning "bile".
Lithos is "stone" and iasis is "condition of". So it is the condition of having bile stones.
The usual center of gallstones is a mixture of cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium, in differing amounts of each.
These stones can be black, red, white, green, or tan-colored. The most common found during a flush is the pea-green
color which contain the highest concentration of cholesterol and are generally soft and easy to crumble. As the
stones grow and become more numerous, they clog the tubing, creating back pressure on the liver, causing it to
make less bile. The back-up of bile can cause jaundice which gives a yellow coloring to the skin and the whites
of the eyes. Pigment gallstones are generally black and brown and contain more calcium than cholesterol. Research
shows that bacteria plays a central role in the formation of pigment gall stones. Stones found in the bile ducts,
regardless of consistency, nearly always have a bacterial component.
SYMPTOMS OF GALLSTONES
Symptoms of a gallbladder
attack are often caused by gallbladder stones. A stone may
block the neck of the gallbladder or get stuck in a bile duct inhibiting the flow of bile or possibly causing a
backing up of bile. However, short of causing an actual attack, stones may be present for years and never cause
any symptoms at all. "Biliary pain can occur in about a third of the gallstone patients" (which leaves
two thirds NOT experiencing pain) and "sometimes the gallstone symptoms are difficult to differentiate from
that of dyspepsia." (indigestion)3 The gallstones can impair the functioning of the gallbladder, however,
which can result in any of the common gallbladder symptoms.
Gallbladder symptoms can look and feel the
same with or without stones. That is why medical testing is so necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Someone will
go into the emergency room with a gallbladder attack and be told it's because he has gallstones. The person in
the bed next to him also has a gallbladder attack and has an inflammed gallbladder but no stones. A third person
has an attack but they can find nothing. This is not an uncommon question I get. "The diagnostic tests are
all negative. What do I do now? How do I get out of pain?" People are upset because they want a diagnosis.
"But what am I supposed to do with my pain if it comes back if the medical people don't know what to do with
it?" Hey, lucky you! At least they won't be wanting to cut your gallbladder out! This person is the best candidate
for turning around a gallbladder problem with natural products, treatments and diet.
Stones or no stones, my answer is that basically
you treat almost any gallbladder problem (life-treatening complications must be considered carefully and with your
MD) pretty much the same way, with diet, with bile thinning substances, with fat emulsifiers and metabolizers.
And you work on improving your overall digestion in general.
Gallstones are considered a gallbladder disease
and for any gallbladder problem or disease the above-mentioned principals are the same. For gallbladder stones
specifically, however, there are some products and foods that more directly affect the stones which can be found
in the
diet
section and in the extra-strength gallbladder relief kit of gallbladder products.
SILENT GALLSTONES
70-80% of people with gallstones never know
they have them. These are called "silent gallstones". However, the remaining 20-30% still results in
500,000-700,000 gallbladder removals every year. And since the diet of the general American population is not improving,
those numbers are rising.
The risk of silent gallstones causing a gallbladder
attack is about 1% per year.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine
compared the mortality rate from emergency surgery performed for obstructing gallstones with the mortality rate
from routine, scheduled gallbladder surgery and concluded that the latter gallbladder surgery is actually more
dangerous. They advised that "silent" gallstones should not be subjected to surgery but left alone.
And another study reports:
"We conclude that innocent gallstones
are not a myth, and that in some populations the majority of silent gallstones are inconsequential. We believe
that routine prophylactic operation for silent gallstone disease, at least in white American men, is neither necessary
nor advisable."2.
CAUSES OF GALLSTONES OR RISK FACTORS- some less known
Some people understand immediately
why they developed gallstones. They've been living on fast foods, sugars or greasy, fried foods etc. The ones who
eat a healthy, organic and maybe vegetarian diet are more surprised and are looking for answers to how they got
gallstones. If you study the list below, you will find many places you may fit. For exmple, some people get gallbladder
attacks eating wheat or other gluten with no fat on it at all. This is more likely an intolerance to gluten. A
person who is thin, and who has a foggy brain, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and gallstones could be someone with
Hashimotos. Not all these symptoms need to be present and there
are many others that could be. Read the page on hypothyroidism if any of that sounds familiar.
It's important that you identify the causes
that are contributing to your gallstone problem, because even if you choose to remove your gallbladder, the root
of the probelm has not been addressed and could be contributing to more than just gallstones. Use this time and
this condition as a motivation to look into your overall health.
One can't do too much about the first three:
- Over age 40 and increase in risk as one
ages
- Female especially those who have had children
- Ethnicity (Pima Indians and Mexican-Americans)
- Family history of gallbladder disease (Heredity)-
but note that diet can also be hereditary
- Overweight
- Rapid weight loss
- Estrogen intake and birth control pills(estrogen
increases the concentration of cholesterol in the bile)
- Diabetes
- Insulin Resistance
- Food Intolerances/Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol,
decreased HDL cholesterol,
- Alcohol intake
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs, immunosuppressive
drugs and others
- Diet high in saturated fats
- Diet high in refined foods and sugars
- Diet low in fiber (which is what the refined
diets are) and not enough egetables
- Very Low Calorie Diets
- Non-fat diets
- Low-fat diets
- Constipation
- Leaky Gut
- Diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel
disease, chrons disease (ulcerative colitis is contraversial) Hemolytic anemias
I am including here an abstract from the
journal "Medical Hypothesis" entitled "Alternative Treatment of Gallbladder Disease" because
it enumerates several causes of gallbladder disease and gallstones. Note that it mentions the primary ingredient
in our recommended gallstone kit's Gallbladder Detox, coin grass, or lysimanchia which is usually used as a tincture.
"Major risk factors for gallbladder
disease include a sedentary lifestyle and a diet rich in refined sugars. In genetically prone individuals, these
two factors lead to an abnormal bile composition, altered gut microflora, and hyperinsulinemia, with resulting
gallstone formation. As a large percentage of gallbladder patients have continued digestive complaints following
cholecystectomy, the author examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments to count
eract gallstone formation. Herbal medicine
such as turmeric, oregon grape, bupleurum, and coin grass may reduce gallbladder inflammation and relieve liver
congestion. Elimination of offending foods, not necessarily 'fatty' foods, is often successful and recommended
by many holistic physicians. Regular aerobic exercise has a beneficial effect on hyperinsulinemia, which is often
associated with gallbladder disease. Dietary changes that lower plasma insulin levels, such as a change in dietary
fats and substitution of unrefined carbohydrates for refined carbohydrates, may also be helpful."8
HOW DO YOU GET GALLSTONES
Stasis or stagnation of bile or incomplete
emptying of the gallbladder causes the bile to coagulate or precipitate and clump together into stones. Sometimes
it will form one large stone the size of a large marble or even a golf ball.
The precurser to stones will be what is termed "sludge".7 A more scientific explanation would be that
cholesterol stones are caused by the imbalance of cholesterol to bile salts, too much of one or not enough of the
other. There can also be too much bilirubin. So what good is that
information? How can we control the too much of any of the above? Useless, I say. The following research makes
much more practical sense as far as we are concerned:
"Formation of pure cholesterol stones is initiated by an excessive intake of highly purified carbohydrates, a large intake
of animal fats and a restricted intake of vegetable fibers. When the protein content of the lithogenic diet was
reduced, mixed or combined stones were formed in golden hamsters. These experimentally, dietarily produced gallstones
had compositions and fine structures similar to those of human gallstones. Some mentions were made of black stones
which were found in the aged golden hamsters fed with lithogenic diets." 4
Translation: Cholesterol stones are formed
by eating a diet high in refined foods, especially white foods -- sugar, white bread, pasta, pastries, sodas, etc.,
lots of meat and by not eating enough vegetables. When the protein content of diet is low and just the sugars (refined
carbohydrates) are eaten, the calicified stones began to form along with the softer cholesterol
ones. The black stones that are sometimes passed during a flush or found in a surgically-removed gallbladder, seem
to be older stones that have been there for a long time. Lithogenic means contributing to the formation of stones.
There is also the medical opinion that some
pharmaceutical drugs may contribute to the formation of gallstones.5
An underlying hypothyroid condition
could also contribute to the formation
of gallstones according to research. A low-functioning thyroid means that metabolism in general is slowed down.
The gallbladder may not empty as efficiently as it should contributing to a condition of stasis as well. Food allergies
also play a big part in gallstones. For information on which foods are most likely to contribute to gallbladder
stones and to gallbladder attacks, read the gallbladder diet page. And to discover what food intolerances you may have check out our allergy diet page.
GALL STONES AND PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is a risk factor for gallstones
because of the high hormone levels. The excess hormones result in excess cholesterol in the bile which can form
stones. Also, studies show that progesterone, which is the hormone of the highest levels during pregnancy, has
a relaxing or inhibitory effect on the gallbladder. This results in lower functioning than normal. Catching the
stones early when they are small and fewer in number makes it easier to manage with diet and natural supplements.
Don't try to eat a non-fat diet, unless you absolutely cannot tolerate fat at all. Usually good fats such as omega
3's like flax oil are quite digestible and needed by the body and the brain. Olive oil in small doses is also recommended.
The oil contained in fish is easier to digest than that in meats as well.
Avoid eggs, onions, and pork and follow the gallbladder diet as well as you can, taking care to get all the calories
and protein that you need.
Surgery is not usually recommended in the
first or third semesters of pregnancy anyway, so finding a way to control the symptoms naturally is usually necessary.
Important: Of the products on this site, it is not recommended to take the orthophosphoric acid or Dissolve GS
while pregnant. Also, avoid the alcoholic tinctures. A good place to start for gallstones or other gallbladder
symptoms while pregnant would be the Gallbladder Starter Kit minus the phosphoric acid.
DIAGNOSIS OF GALL STONES
ULTRASOUND
Frequently, gallstones are discovered during
tests for other health conditions. When gallstones are suspected to be the cause of symptoms, the doctor is likely
to do an ultrasound exam—the most sensitive and specific test for gallstones. A handheld device, which a technician
glides over the abdomen, sends sound waves toward the gallbladder. The sound waves bounce off the gallbladder,
liver, and other organs, and their echoes make electrical impulses that create a picture of the gallbladder on
a video monitor. If gallstones are present, the sound waves will bounce off them, too, showing their location.
CT SCAN or Computerized tomography
The CT scan is a noninvasive x ray that produces
cross-section images of the body. The test may show the gallstones or complications, such as infection and rupture
of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
HIDA SCAN or Cholescintigraphy
The patient is injected with a small amount
of radioactive material that is absorbed by the gallbladder, which is then stimulated to contract by the addition
of a substance such as eggs. The test is used to diagnose abnormal contraction of the gallbladder (biliary dyskinesia)
or obstruction of the bile ducts.
ERCP or Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ERCP is used to locate and remove stones
in the bile ducts. After lightly sedating you, the doctor inserts an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube with
a camera—down the throat and through the stomach and into the small intestine. The endoscope is connected to a
computer and video monitor. The doctor guides the endoscope and injects a special dye that helps the bile ducts
appear better on the monitor. The endoscope helps the doctor locate the affected bile duct and the gallstone. The
stone is captured in a tiny basket and removed with the endoscope.
BLOOD TESTS
Blood tests may be performed to look for
signs of infection, obstruction, pancreatitis, or jaundice.
Because gallstone symptoms may be similar to those of a heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome,
hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and hepatitis, an accurate diagnosis is important.
TREATMENT
FOR GALLSTONES - MEDICAL
Ursodiol is a natural occuring bile salt
or bile acid. You may have heard of Actigall. Actigall is one brand name for ursodiol. Although ursodiol has been
FDA approved for dissolving cholesterol gallstones and for the prevention of gallstones, since the introduction
of the laparoscopy gallbladder removal is the medical treatment of choice for gallstones. Surgery is quick; dissolving
gallstones with ursodiol or other bile salts takes a long time. And whether done via lithotripsy or bile acids,
research shows that 50% of the time the stones will come back.5 The same will be true for liver and gallbladder
flushes too unless dietary changes are made and fat digestion is improved. For discussion of common medical treatments
for gallstones such as gallbladder removal see links
to medical sites.
TREATMENT FOR GALLSTONES
- NATURAL
Gallstones may be removed from the gallbladder
by means of a gallbladder and liver flush.
However, this is helpful with
small stones and very difficult with large ones. It is advisable to take natural products such as the Gallstone
Kit to prepare for a flush. The Lemon Tea Kit helps to emulsify fats and the limonene has been used successfully
to dissolve gall stones. These products along with dietary measures are important to both decrease the size of
the gallstones and to soften them first. I do not advise a flush until you have prepared for weeks (if your discomfort
is severe) or months (depending on the size and calcification of the stones). The importance of dietary changes
cannot be stressed enough and improving fat metabolism as well. Other treatments listed under how to prevent gallbladder
attacks may also be helpful for stones since anything that helps to thin the bile and get it moving is akin to
water flowing over pebbles. The faster it is moving, the more it wears them down.
GALLSTONE
DIET
PREVENTION
OF GALLSTONES
- Do not overeat
- Diet high in fiber - lots of vegetables
- Avoid refined carbohydrates (including sugar
and white flour)
- Omega 3 oils such as fish oil and other
polyunsaturated fats and monosaturated fats such as olive oil.
- Avoid saturated and trans fats
- Eat more polyunsaturated fats
- Eat moderate amounts of lean meats
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water per
day
- Regular exercise
- Lose excess weight, but slowly
- Elimination diet for food allergies - cut
out common allergens such as wheat and all other grains containing gluten, and dairy
- Supplemental bile salts and bile thinning
agents as found in the gallbladder products. In particular I would suggest the Gallbladder Starter Kit to begin
with and then the Gallstone Kit. Individual products that are also helpful are Bile Salts, OPA and Gallbladder
Detox.
- Take care of health issues such as hypothyroidism,
leaky gut and food intolerances before they have a chance to cause gallstones.
GALLSTONE MENU
- see GALLBLADDER MENU
GALLBLADDER
STONES- DRAWING
Notice the Choledocholithias, gallstones in the bile duct, in the picture.
(1)Torsoli A, Corazziari E, Habib FI, Cicala M. Scand J
Gastroenterol Suppl. 1990;175:52-7.
(2) The physicochemical basis of cholesterol gallstone
formation in man William H. Admirand and Donald M. Small 1Boston University Medical School, Department of Medicine,
Section of Gastroenterology, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(3) Friedman GD. Natural history of asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstones. Am J Surg 1993; 165: 399-404.
(4) Nagase M, Hikasa Y, Tanimura H, Setoyama M, Kamata T, Mukaihara S, Maruyama K., Etiology of cholesterol gallstones.,
Gastroenterol Jpn. 1979;14(1):40-7
(5) Ruppin DC, Dowling RH.Is recurrence inevitable after gallstone dissolution by bile-acid treatment? Lancet.
1982 Jan 23;1(8265):181-5.
(6) Weinstein S, Lipsitz EC, Addoniziol L, et al. Cholelithiasis in paediatric cardiac
transplant patients on cyclosporin. J Pediatr Surg 1995;30:61-4.
(7) Carey MC.,Pathogenesis of gallstones.Recenti Prog Med. 1992 Jul-Aug;83(7-8):379-91
(8) M.M. Moga, Alternative treatment of gallbladder
disease,
Medical Hypothesis Volume 60, Issue 1, Pages 143-147 (January 2003)
(9)Igimi H, Tamura R, Toraishi K, Yamamoto
F, Kataoka A, Ikejiri Y, Hisatsugu T, Shimura H. Dig Dis Sci. 1991 Feb;36(2):200-8
Medical dissolution of gallstones. Clinical experience of d-limonene as a simple, safe, and effective solvent.
Shionogi Research Laboratories, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
(10,12) Hiroshi Tanimura and Yorninori Hikasa,
The Etiology and Pathophysiology of Cholelithiasis
Journal of Gastroenterology, Springer Japan ISSN0944-1174 (Print) 1435-5922 , Volume 10, Number 1 / March, 1975
(11)U. Leuschner, M. Leuschner, J. Sieratzki,
W. Kurtz and K. Hübner,Gallstone dissolution with ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with chronic active hepatitis
and two years follow-up
Springer Netherlands, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Volume 30, Number 7 / July, 1985
(12)William A. Gracie, M.D., and David F.
Ransohoff, M.D.,The Natural History of Silent Gallstones — The Innocent Gallstone is Not a Myth,
N Engl J Med 1982; 307:798-800September 23, 1982
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