Relations Between Inappropriate Nutrition and Gall Bladder Disease

Relations Between Inappropriate Nutrition and Gall Bladder Disease

Although gall bladder disease mostly occurs on the premises of physiological dysfunctions at the level of the biliary system, inappropriate diet is also a major cause of gall bladder affections. The gall bladder has a very important role inside the organism. This small organ helps the liver in the digestion of fat, releasing bile inside the small intestine and stomach when necessary. Bile is a substance produced by the liver and stored by the gall bladder. This substance has a vital role in breaking down dietary fats and absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. When the gall bladder is diseased, it can no longer release bile in sufficient quantities, thus slowing down the process of digestion and causing inappropriate assimilation of vital nutrients.

The most common underlying cause of gall bladder disease is the formation and deposition of gallstones inside the gall bladder and bile ducts. Gallstones, also known as biliary calculi, are formed from calcium salts, bile pigments and cholesterol. The occurrence of gallstones is the consequence of inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle, which generate imbalances in the composition of bile. Dietary changes and lifestyle improvements are very effective means of preventing the occurrence of gall bladder disorders. An appropriate diet can even overcome gall bladder disease in its early stages by restoring chemical balance inside the bile and helping in the elimination of small gallstones.

An appropriate gall bladder diet should limit the intake of cholesterol and food toxins. The excessive accumulation of cholesterol in the composition of bile is influenced by factors such as inappropriate activity of the liver or other internal disorders. Such disorders are usually the consequence of toxin accumulation inside the organism. Food additives, synthetic preservatives, flavors and pigments, smoking and alcoholic beverages greatly contribute to the accumulation of toxins inside the liver, small intestine and eventually the gall bladder. Toxins and excess cholesterol generate imbalances in the composition of bile, facilitating the formation of gall bladder calculi.

A healthy gall bladder diet should exclude processed foods, foods that are rich in saturated fats, and chemically enhanced food products (containing synthetic preservatives and colorants). Consider replacing fried foods with boiled, steamed or broiled foods in order to get rid of extra fat. An appropriate gall bladder diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants and are a vital source of vitamins and minerals. Although it is difficult to completely exclude meat from your diet, it is best to limit the intake of meat products in favor of vegetal foods. Also, avoid smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages as much as possible.

There are various natural supplements that can prevent the occurrence of gall bladder disease: lecithin (helps in the elimination of excess cholesterol in the bile), B-complex vitamins, sulfur based amino-acids (methionine, cysteine, glutamine), zinc and magnesium supplements and omega 3 oil supplements. Vitamin C and E supplements can also reverse some of the undesirable effects associated with gall bladder disease. Corroborated with a healthy diet, these natural supplements are very effective in reversing the effects of gall bladder disease.