Gallbladder removal surgery is not necessarily a slam dunk procedure. After surgery to remove the gallbladder, some people experience problems with digestion and pain. The medical name for this condition is postcholecystectomy syndrome, and an operation to remove the gallbladder is cholecystectomy. According to medical research, postcholecystectomy syndrome occurs in 15-40 percent of people without a gallbladder. With 700,000 cholecystectomies performed annually in the United States, that means many people suffer from indigestion and pain.
Without a doubt, the gallbladder plays an essential role in digestion and its work is closely linked to the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, sphincter of Oddi, duodenum, stomach and even the large intestine. I write about this close connection and its inner workings in my book, Natural Health Before and After Gallbladder Removal.
The liver produces bile, which in general has two undeniably important jobs to do. First, the liver removes fat-soluble substances such as cholesterol, heavy metals, bile pigments, drugs, medicines and alcohol. Second, the liver enables the proper digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins — the fuel the body needs. With these two responsibilities, the liver can only do its job with bile.
Bile plays the role of a garbage truck in the body. Galle is an unsung hero who deserves a medal for the hard work he puts in for our bodies. Everything we eat goes to the liver. Our body is cleansed of pollutants and toxins. These harmful irritants can disrupt our bile ducts, sphincter of oddi, and duodenum, causing inflammation and pain. As you can see, these irritants can affect a number of parts of the body, so a full-body cleanse is helpful and recommended for people without a gallbladder. Caution – do not use olive oil “liver flush” – this is only for super healthy people who have their gallbladder.
In the gallbladder, bile from the liver is collected and concentrated; then the gallbladder bile enters the duodenum, where food from the stomach enters to digest fats. When the gallbladder is severed, liver bile continues to migrate into the duodenum, even though no food is present.
Why do some people experience pain and digestive problems after gallbladder removal? Why didn’t the pain go away after this surgical procedure was performed?
let me explain. Not too many people are aware that the liver and pancreas are alkaline glands. Since the glands are alkaline, the bile and pancreatic juice (the fluid) are also alkaline. The alkalinity of bile and pancreatic juice is the key factor in good digestion and a person’s overall health. If you take something worthwhile away from this article, let it be the alkalinity.
In contrast, acidity causes profound changes in the biochemistry of these fluids. Acid bile is extremely aggressive, irritating, corroding and injuring surrounding tissues such as the bile ducts and the sphincter of Oddi – the valve between the bile duct and the duodenum. It can be a big reason for the pain and cramps.
Aggressive acidic bile corrodes the walls of the duodenum, resulting in jerky, uneven contractions of the intestinal wall. This imbalance causes bile reflux – aggressive acidic bile rises up into the stomach or esophagus. This backflow of bile in the wrong direction is the main reason behind persistent heartburn, stomach infections, ulcers and Barrett’s esophagus.
Acid leads to gallstones in the bile ducts, which can cause blockage, inflammation, and pain. Acid bile loses the ability to digest fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Undigested fats and corroded acidic bile irritate the colon, leading to chronic diarrhea.
When foods are not properly digested in the small intestine, they are fermented by bacteria and yeast with regular gas, bloating, bloating, gas and nausea. Many toxic substances are produced during fermentation. As one step leads to the next, it’s no surprise or wonder that people can experience a long list of symptoms: fatigue, depression, weight gain or loss, weak immunity, hormonal imbalance, skin reactions, etc. Which can help restore healthy acidic base balance? Fortunately, there are three natural ways to make the body alkaline:
1. Alkaline diet
2. Drink Karlovy Vary medicinal mineral water
3. Supplementation with minerals such as cellular magnesium potassium
By the way, anyone can find out if they are dealing with acid. At home, you can use litmus paper to check the pH of your saliva and urine. If they are lower than 6.6 pH, this corresponds to acid. In various articles and in my book, Healthy Pancreas, Healthy You, I focus on alkaline, healthy eating. Of course, you can maintain a normal, slightly alkaline environment by providing your body with minerals and bicarbonate, mostly from vegetables and water. Although much is known about an alkaline diet and many people take minerals and supplements, there is one natural resource that is not well known by physicians or patients in the United States – drinking healing mineral water – that has been shown to help people.
The use of Karlovy Vary medicinal mineral water for digestive disorders is not uncommon or exceptional in Europe. European doctors have been recommending the use of healing mineral water for centuries. The Karlovy Vary medicinal mineral water is the most researched of all mineral waters. Numerous medical works have proven its practical effect and safety. You don’t have to be in Europe or speak a foreign language. You can get real Karlovy Vary thermal salt and make healing mineral water at home by following the instructions.
With many historical references, European doctors have found that the minerals, bicarbonate and trace elements in Karlovy Vary medicinal mineral water have an impact on digestive problems and pain in people with postcholecystectomy syndrome.
A non-drug alternative treatment that cannot be left out of this article is acupuncture. Acupuncture is used worldwide for many digestive disorders. Acupuncture can relieve pain and bloating, stop diarrhea or nausea, help with weight loss, etc. Abdominal massage performed by a trained professional can relieve pain and adhesions after surgery.
People groups that have lived on planet earth for centuries have had herbal remedies to treat their health problems. These herbal remedies still exist. Traditional Chinese medicine, European herbs, Ayurveda, or Native American herbs can help with diarrhea, constipation, pain, and cramps.
Restoring good gut flora is at the core of good gastrointestinal health. An anti-Candida diet, herbs, probiotics, and colon hydrotherapy can restore friendly bacteria in the gut. This healthy environment within you can fight pain, bloating, bloating and constipation.
Mother nature doesn’t make mistakes. Every single organ in the human body is made for a reason, and the gallbladder is no exception. Unfortunately, we cannot put the gallbladder back into the body, but there are safe and effective alternative medicine methods that can help. Tried and true, these alternative methods really work. These natural treatments can be used alongside medical treatments or as a standalone treatment. We strongly encourage you to find a knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed doctor or practitioner who will professionally understand your pain and symptoms from gallbladder loss.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a qualified, licensed professional.
Thanks to Peter Melamed Ph.D.
