Can you get rid of gallbladder stones naturally? Here’s what a dietitian has to say

According to clinical dietitian Dt. Ridhima Gupta, it is possible to get rid of gallstones through diet and correct nutrition, provided the case is not severe and complicated, and the patient is not having underlying metabolic disorders. She said that with consistent dietary and lifestyle modifications, one can at least postpone the need of surgery to a great extent.

What kind of foods must one have to achieve this?

“Although a comprehensive approach including dietary interventions, physical activity, sleep and stress management is the key resolution to the concern, there are certain foods that aid better in the case of cholelithiasis,” said Gupta.

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an important part of body cleanse diets. Hypochlorhydria is one prime cause of cholelithiasis and ACV helps in managing the acid levels thus helping indirectly in resolving the issue.
• Apple juice is believed to help via softening the gallstones and thus, easy dumping out from the body. A glass of apple juice for four to five days is the recommended dosage.
• Artichoke is another superfood which helps to lower the LDL levels, decreasing the formation and stimulating the dissolution of cholesterol-type gallstones. Supplement consumption for 12 weeks is generally prescribed.

According to Gupta, the Gall Bladder Cleanse or Gall Bladder Flush is another approach which shows great results.

“The patient in this diet is primarily asked to consume apple juice, vegetable juice throughout the day, and olive oil with lime juice during the evenings. It is a restrictive and strict approach and should be reconsidered specifically for people with diabetes and other conditions,” she said.

According to Gupta, castor oil packs are another folk remedy. “Warm clothes are soaked in castor oil, which you then place on your abdomen. The packs are supposed to relieve pain and help treat your gallstones,” she said.

According to Gupta, the Gall Bladder Cleanse or Gall Bladder Flush is another approach which shows great results. (Source: Freepik)

Can pineapples help in removing gall stones?

“The truth is, pineapple actually helps in reducing inflammation in the organs due to the presence of bioactive compound Bromelain and high ascorbic acid levels. This reduces irritation and pain. Reduction in inflammation can actually help a person to postpone the need for surgical intervention,” Gupta said. However, Gupta warned patients suffering from diabetes and high potassium levels to be careful before trying it out.

Gupta shared that people with cholelithiasis should avoid processed and spicy foods, and stressed on the importance of including physical activity and certain yoga asanas in their daily routine.

When should you go surgery and not rely on nutrition for the removal of stones?

Gupta encouraged trying to treat the issue using natural and dietary means before considering surgery.

“A timely surgery intervention is needed if one starts to see symptoms like right upper or center upper abdomen pain, black or tarry stools, yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes, and diagnostic findings like inflammation of the gallbladder, multiple stones, stones bigger than 7-10 mm or in a scenario when a large stone blocks a tube or duct that drains the gallbladder,” she said.

According to her, a person planning for a weight loss surgery should also consider gallstone surgery.

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