The gallbladder is a reservoir for the digestive juice, called bile, which the liver produces. It holds the bile until it is needed for the digestion of fats. At this time the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile out into the intestine. Gallbladder attacks occur when stone-like precipitates, which build up in the gallbladder over time, are forced through the outlet ducts into the intestine.

Most of these precipitates are made of cholesterol and form as a result of a lack of fibre, excess cholesterol, decreased liver function, lack of bile and lack of bile movement.

Symptoms of gallbladder colic include recurrent, intense, cramping pain under the right ribcage or over the right shoulder. Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills may accompany the pain. If the stone remains lodged, and bile flow is blocked, jaundice (itchy yellow skin), infection and pancreatitis can result. Gallbladder attacks are often precipitated by the consumption of rich, fatty or creamy foods. The bile is also a conduit for processed toxins from the liver. Gallbladder problems can also manifest with symptoms of liver toxicity like headaches, a bitter taste in the mouth, irritability and bloating or pressure under the right ribcage.

The conventional treatment for gallstones is removal of the stones and something removal of the entire gall bladder. In some cases, high cholesterol medication will be prescribed. Both methods are not without side effects; the most troubling side effect with high cholesterol medication is depression and an increased risk of suicide. In addition to this, high cholesterol medications can drain vital nutrients for the heart like coenzyme Q10. Similar side effects can be seen with the full removal of the gall bladder. In both cases, fat-soluble (A,D,E,K) vitamin absorption is decreased along with essential fatty acids.

See the section on detoxification for information on how to help your gallbladder by flushing out the liver. Most medications are processed in the liver. If you are on prescription medication consult your health professional before cleansing the liver.

To prevent gallstones maintain a healthy weight and avoid yo-yo dieting. Dietary changes for gallbladder disorders include increasing fibre intake and lowering the fat and cholesterol content of your foods. Drink lots of clear fluids and eat raw fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, vegetable protein like soybeans and unrefined oils like olive, flax and sunflower in your daily diet.

Eat bitter foods like artichoke, rhubarb and salad greens in order to stimulate bile flow. Drink apple, beet and pear juice to soften gallstones.

Avoid all junk foods, fried foods, processed foods, fast foods, white flour products, white sugar products, red meat, egg yolks, ice cream, salt, coffee, colas and other caffeine sources. Eliminate alcohol, tobacco and highly spiced foods. Dairy products should be avoided because they contain casein, which promotes stone formation. Food allergies can cause a gallbladder attack by inflaming the ducts and decreasing their size. The most common gallbladder-affecting allergens are eggs, pork, onion, chicken, turkey, duck, milk, coffee and citrus fruits.