The gallbladder is a small but important organ which makes a primary contribution to your body’s digestive system. Here, we take a brief look at the importance of gallbladder health, and discuss five supplements which can support its functionality and diminish gallbladder disease.
Why a Healthy Gallbladder Matters
The gallbladder is a small organ which sits just under the liver, on the right side of the torso. It is responsible for storing and releasing bile, a substance produced by the liver but which the gallbladder manages and releases when the body needs to digest fats. It accomplishes this task by passing bile through a series of bile ducts into the small intestine and other parts of the digestive system.
When the health of the gallbladder is compromised, this is referred to as gallbladder disease. The most common form of gallbladder disease is the formation of gallstones, which result from the accumulation of cholesterol or other bile products in the gallbladder. Gallstones can be problematic when they cause blockages in bile ducts. Other forms of gallbladder disease include cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and Biliary dyskinesia, which is an issue of motility that impairs the flow of bile.
Gallbladder disease is avoidable. Diet and lifestyle habits that promote gallbladder health include maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on fried foods, and substituting olive oil for other fats when cooking.
Supplements for Gallbladder Health
Certain dietary supplements have properties that can support the gallbladder, and reduce the risk of gallbladder disease. Remember that these are useful in addition to healthy lifestyle choices, not in place of them.
Magnesium is a mineral which could potentially prevent gallstones, and has been ingested to address other gallbladder issues as well. Studies suggest that increasing magnesium intake reduces the risk of gallstones. Other research suggests that magnesium could prevent other forms of gallbladder disease as well.
Dandelion root: Dandelion has a history of use as a natural remedy, primarily for gastrointestinal complications. Dandelion is known to contain polysaccharides and other natural substances which support the gastrointestinal system and can help prevent the formation of gallstones. For this reason, a dandelion root supplement has the potential to support bile flow by reducing the formation of gallstones.
Lecithin/phosphatidylcholine are two substances that, in tandem, have the ability to increase the solubility and excretion of cholesterol within the gallbladder, thereby reducing the accumulation of cholesterol, which causes gallstones.
Vitamin C is useful for reducing oxidative damage and chronic disease, and evidence suggests that this benefit applies to gallbladder disease. Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to cholecystitis, and gallstone formation. Vitamin C can reduce cholesterol crystallization, and therefore gallstone formation.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Low levels of vitamin E have been associated with increased risk of gallstones, and vice versa. Increasing vitamin E intake can prevent gallstone formation.
Gallbladder health might not be foremost in most people’s minds, but it is a worthwhile area of your health to consider. These supplements can support the work of gallbladder and bile, and reduce risk of gallbladder disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time, and that includes those described here.