Gallstones are hard deposits that form due to excess build-up of bile salts in the gallbladder. There are two types of gallstones - cholesterol gallstones (most common and made up of cholesterol) and pigment gallstones (made up of excess bilirubin). It is a condition that affects a large proportion of people, mainly the elderly and women. Gallstones are not discovered until they result in intense pain.
Gallstones can cause intense pain in the upper right part of the stomach. It happens when there is a build-up of cholesterol and inadequate bile to saturate the cholesterol, which forms a crystal ball. The pain would eventually radiate to the back and up to the shoulder blade. In women, hormonal changes during pregnancy and factors like obesity may increase the chance of gallstone formation. Nausea, vomiting, light-coloured or grey stool and diarrhoea are the common symptoms of gallstones.
There are various reasons why gallstones are formed, which include:
- The liver secretes more bile than it can dissolve
- The body makes excess pigment bilirubin that cannot be dissolved.
- Gallbladder is unable to empty completely
Surgery is the most common treatment option for gallstones, but natural remedies also help. Discuss with your healthcare provider before trying home remedies to treat gallstones. As your physician may advise you on the right treatment options. However, if you have yellowing of eyes, fever, chills, and intense abdominal pain then seek immediate medical help.
Amazing Home Remedies For Gallstones
Turmeric
What Do You Need?
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp honey
How To Do?
Blend equal quantities of turmeric with honey and have it daily to eliminate gallstones from the system.
How Often Should I Have This?
Have this mixture daily for improving gallbladder health and functions.
How Does It Work?
Turmeric is a key ingredient used widely in culinary and traditional medicines since times immemorial. The potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of its active compound curcumin help in enhancing the solubility of bile. Having this mixture will prevent stone formation.
Milk Thistle
What Do You Need?
1 tbsp milk thistle seeds
3 cups of water
1 tsp honey
How To Do?
Ground the milk thistle seeds and boil well.
Allow milk thistle steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the infusion, add honey and have this.
How Often Should I Have This?
You can have this infusion twice to thrice daily.
How Does It Work?
Milk thistle is used as a natural cure for ages for cleansing the liver as well as gallstone prevention. The active plant compound silymarin shrinks the gallstones and also alleviates pain. You can also add this herb to salad and other natural juices.
Lemon Juices
What Do You Need?
1 tsp lemon juice
1 glass of lukewarm water
How To Do?
Mix lemon juice with water and drink this concoction on an empty stomach.
How Often Should I Have This?
You can have about 3 to 4 glasses of lemon water in a day.
How Does It Work?
Lemon juice contains vast quantities of vitamin C, which acts as a potent antioxidant and offers protection against the formation of gallstones.
Also Read: 6 Reasons Why You Should Drink Lemon And Honey Water
Cranberry
What Do You Need?
¼ cup cranberry
Water as required
How To Do?
Blend cranberry with water to make juice, dilute it water if you feel very acidic and consume it.
How Often Should I Do Have This
Drink this juice daily to keep healthy functioning of the gallbladder and prevent gallstone formation.
How Does It Work?
The goodness of dietary fibre in cranberry juice aids in diminishing the cholesterol levels in the system, thus averting the formation of cholesterol gallstones. And for pigment stones, the acidic nature of the juice will assure that bile flows via the system to avert build-up. Further, the richness of antioxidants will maintain the gallbladder and liver in good health.
Coconut Oil
What Do You Need?
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 glass of apple juice
1 tsp lemon juice
1 crushed garlic clove
I inch ginger
How To Do
Mildly warm up the coconut oil and add all other ingredients to it and blend well.
Drink this mixture once a day regularly.
How Often Should I Do This
Drink this daily for several weeks.
How Does It Work?
Coconut oil is bestowed with essential monosaturated fatty acids that can be readily digested by the liver. Drinking this mixture helps to prevent the build-up of fat, cholesterol and bile salts in the gallbladder.
Caution: The above home remedies are not recommended for all patients. We advise patients to seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a medical expert to avert complications caused by gallstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dissolves Gallbladder Stones Fast?
There is no assured way to dissolve gallbladder stones quickly. However, certain medications can help dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones over time. These medications work by reducing the cholesterol content of bile, which can gradually dissolve the stones. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options.
Can Drinking Water Remove Gallstones?
Drinking water alone cannot remove gallstones, but staying well-hydrated can help maintain healthy bile production and flow, which may prevent the formation of new stones. Adequate hydration supports overall digestive health, but it is not a cure for existing gallstones. If you have gallstones, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options.
How To Remove Gallbladder Stones Without Operation?
While surgery (cholecystectomy) is the most common and effective treatment for gallstones, there are non-surgical options for certain cases:
Medications: Prescription medicine can help dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones over time.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This technique uses shock waves to break gallstones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through the bile ducts. It's not widely used and is typically considered only for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
These treatment options may not be suitable for all types of gallstones and may not be effective for every individual. Getting advice from a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best course of plan.
What Is The Fastest Way To Relieve Gallbladder Pain?
The fastest way to relieve gallbladder pain, often caused by gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), includes:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain temporarily.
Applying heat: Placing a warm compress or heating pad on the abdomen may help alleviate pain.
Dietary changes: Avoiding fatty, fried, or greasy foods can reduce pain by minimizing gallbladder stimulation.
Medical treatment: If pain is severe, you may need stronger prescription painkillers or a visit the emergency medical care.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667031324000022
The Treatment of Gallstone Disease
Carsten Gutt, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c.,1,* Simon Schläfer, Dr. med.,1 and Frank Lammert, Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Kfm.2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7132079/
