The Gallbladder, a 4 cm long sac situated on the right side of the abdomen, and just below the liver, stores a yellow liquid known as bile. The liquid bile is released down a narrow channel into the small intestine when fatty food is eaten. This helps to break down and digest the fat.
Gallstones start to form when the bile becomes too thick due to too much cholesterol and/or calcium in the mix.

Symptoms can start to manifest via a low grade ache on the right hand side of the abdomen causing flatulence, or vomiting or jaundice, or a combination. These symptoms are exacerbated whenever a fried or over-fatty meal is eaten.

Whenever stones become stuck towards the exit of the gall bladder, it can cut off the bile flow and produce an agonising pain when the muscles contract in an attempt to eliminate the obstruction. Secondary symptoms can show up in the yellowing of the whites of the eyes, the skin and the urine. 5 x more women than men seem to suffer from this condition.

LIFESTYLE ATTENTION

• Reduce intake of fat, fatty foods, meats, fries and pastries/buns etc., and dairy products.
• Move to a vegetarian diet immediately to avoid the condition worsening and allowing it to help self correct.
• Concentrate on inclusion of quality fibre foods in new diet, as found in whole grain cereals, peas, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables and psyllium powder
• A glass of wine daily has been seen to reduce the level of bile salts.
• Fish and free range 9if you can get it) poultry without the skin, are permitted in this dietary change. Do not cook using animal fats.
• Some people may be better at eliminating bread from diet for 3-4 months.
• Reduce any "excess" weight.

HOMOEOPATHIC

• Arsen Nit - where pain is dominant
• Carbo Veg - where nausea and vomiting is present
  For specific remedies to alleviate and remove causes, the consulting of a qualified practitioner is absolutely necessary.

TISSUE SALTS

• Kali Mur - flatulence with liver sluggishness
• Natr Sulph (alternate) - flatulence with liver sluggishness
• Kali Phos - nausea and bad stomach sensations
• Mag Phos - to reduce spasm
• Ferum Phos - for inflammation of gall-bladder

HERBALS
(Only use once condition improves. Herbs are too heavy on the liver at start of treatment.)
Choleretics - to increase bile production and flow to the
gallbladder

• Dandelion Root
• Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
• Artichoke Leaves (Cyanara Scolymus)
• Boldo Leaves
• Tumeric - also lowers cholesterol levels

AROMATHERAPY
Consultation with a qualified practitioner both for treatment and at-home follow-up is best, due to the individual and complicated nature of this condition.

SPECIAL FOODS

• Flaxseed, oat bran, apple pectin, psyllium powder
• Chamomile tea
• Plenty of green salads

SPECIAL EXERCISE

• Yoga classes, 3 x weekly

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Acupuncture
• Chinese Herbs (eg. Lysimachia, Pyrrosia Leaf, Rhubarb)
• Food Allergy Assessment by professional laboratory
• Bach Flower remedies for pain