You must know the Sunnah of drinking water in three breaths, in more than two gulps and to never drink while standing? That’s because it’s important for your physical health.
Gallbladder or kidney stones form when you aren’t drinking enough water. The body doesn’t have excessive water to dissolve the minerals present in your food. Those minerals accumulate and form a stone. It can be in the gallbladder, kidney or urinary bladder.
If you ever had a gallstone ‘stone in pitta’ or anyone you know had it, you must understand that it’s an extremely painful and restless condition. Usually, doctors suggest you have surgery to get rid of these stones.
First, we have to understand why these gallbladders form, and what can be the risk factors behind it.
Table of Contents
Why Do the Stones Form in Your Gallbladder?
You must first understand the function of gallbladder in simple words. It is a small organ that stores bile. Bile is a green slimy liquid prepared by the liver. It helps in a smooth process of digestion, and is very essential.
This process is interrupted if a stone is present in the gallbladder. The bile can’t get to the stomach to aid in digestion.
Doctors are not very sure why gallbladder stones form. But there are some speculations:
- When you aren’t drinking enough water
- There’s too much cholesterol in your bile
- Your gallbladder isn’t emptying properly
- There’s too much liver by-products in your bile
How to Know If You Are at a High-Risk for Gallbladder Stones?
It is important to understand the risk-factors of gallbladder stones. You are more likely to get gallstones if you have:
- A family history of gallstones
- Are a female
- More than age 40
- Obese
- Diet high in fat and low in fibers
- No Exercise
- Are Pregnant
- Have Diabetes
How to Know If You Have Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones can be detected using ultrasound or x-rays. You may feel some physical symptoms, including:
- Pain in your upper belly just under your ribs
- Pain in your right shoulder or back
- An upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Other digestive problems, including indigestion, heartburn and gas
If the gallbladder stone has caused inflammation, you may experience:
- Belly pain that lasts several hours
- Fever and chills
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine and light-colored stool
What are the Treatment Options?
The gallbladder stones are usually without any symptoms. If the stone gets too big, and blocks the path of bile, then it is a matter of concern. The doctors usually suggest surgery, which can be minor or major depending upon the size and number of stones.
How to Remove Gallbladder Stones Without Operation?
You may think, how to dissolve gallstones naturally? Or how to remove gallbladder stone without operation?
Good news. Yes, you can. There are certain natural ways you can adopt to get rid of gallstones naturally.
A word of caution!
You should talk to your doctor before trying to treat gallstones on your own. A professional can guide you thoroughly about the correct diagnosis, the sizes of the stones, and the best ways to remove these stones without operation. Consult a well-known Gastroenterologist to make a wise decision for your gallbladder health.
If your doctor advises, you can add some natural ways in your lifestyle to improve the health of your gallbladder, and to prevent gallstones formation.
First of all, it’s important to have plenty of fluids. This is an extreme measure. You should drink 100 ml of water each hour, so that you drink 2 liters throughout the day. This can help the stones to move through the gallbladder.
But I can understand, drinking 2 liters of water per day is a hard task. There are some other remedies that you should know about:
A Gallbladder Cleanse
It is a general idea that a gallbladder cleanse can help breakup the gallstones. This will empty the gallbladder, restoring its normal function. Although, there is no scientific back-up to this idea, as the body cleanses and flushes toxins regularly.
The types of cleanses include; drinking a combination of olive oil, juices and some herbs for two or more days. During this time, it’s essential to not eat anything else. Sunflower oil is used as well.
It’s important to discuss it with your doctor first. Having such cleanses can’t be beneficial for every person.
You may read more about olive oil and it’s countless benefits.
Apple Juice
You may believe that drinking a lot of apple juice can help pass gallbladder stones easily. Apple juice is linked with the softening of gallstones. It is not scientifically proven, though.
Drinking a lot of fresh juices may not be beneficial for you, if you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, stomach ulcers etc.
Yoga and Exercises
Doing yoga and exercising daily is generally very beneficial for your health. It is believed that some yoga poses are effective at reducing the formation of gallbladder stones. There is no scientific back-up to this claim, but I would suggest doing exercises to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You may read more about the health benefits of yoga for your general well-being.
Milk Thistle
You may think milk thistle is something related to milk. But, no. It’s a herb related to the daisy family. This herb is believed to be highly beneficial for treating gallstones and liver diseases.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before using milk thistle. It can be allergic to some people as well.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a plant which has been found to be beneficial for gallstones. Research shows that artichoke extracts help stimulate the gallbladder and liver. It prevents the formation of gallstones due to its antioxidant properties.
Artichoke is bitter, but there’s no harm in eating it if you can tolerate it.
A Pack of Castor Oil
The castor oil pack is a folk remedy like the gallbladder cleanse. A warm cloth is soaked in castor oil, which you put on your abdomen. This warm pack helps you tolerate the pain and treat the gallstones.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another medicinal plant that can be used to get rid of gallstones. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it helps to fight pain and gallbladder inflammation. The curcumin present in the plant also helps to regenerate tissues after surgery.
Which Foods You Shouldn’t Have with Gallstones?
A well-balanced diet helps support a healthy gallbladder and reduces your risk for gallstones. It may also help with weight management.
Gallstones are formed from cholesterol. Some foods, heavy in fats may increase the chances of gallstones. These foods include:
- Eggs
- Refined sugar
- Foods with saturated fats
- Meat
Takeaway!
There is a little research on the possibility of using natural remedies to treat gallstones. It’s essential that you take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Do yoga and exercises. Avoid fatty and saturated foods, and too many meaty dishes. Drink moderate amounts of fresh juices. And always consult your doctor before trying any new remedy.
