Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (102 page)

Rule out deficient levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
A study published in
The Lancet
found that about half of the people with gallstones had insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl). A Heidelberg capsule test or SmartPill test can determine if you have sufficient levels of hydrochloric acid. You can also do a home test. (See
Chapter 11
.)

Try milk thistle (silymarin).
Extracts of the herb milk thistle have been used historically since the 15th century for ailments of the liver and gallbladder. It helps normalize liver function, detoxify the liver, which it does gently and thoroughly, and improve the solubility of bile. Silymarin promotes the flow of bile and helps tone the spleen, gallbladder, and liver. Take three to six 175 mg capsules daily of standardized 80 percent milk thistle extract with water before meals.

Try lipotrophic supplements.
Lipotrophic supplements contain substances that help normalize liver and gallbladder functions. They may contain dandelion root, milk thistle, lecithin or phosphatidylcholine, methionine, choline, inositol, vitamin C, black radish, beet greens, artichoke leaves (Cynara scolymus), turmeric, boldo (Peumus boldo), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), greater celandine, and ox bile. Lipotrophics may also contain magnesium and B-complex vitamins (B
₆
, B
₁₂
, and folate) to enhance their function. Use lipotrophic supplements as directed on the label. Use 1,000 mg each of methionine and choline daily.

Try lecithin or phosphatidylcholine.
Phosphatidylcholine, the most biologically active form of lecithin, and lecithin have been shown to make cholesterol more soluble, which reduces formation of gallstones. Studies have shown that as little as 100 mg of lecithin three times daily will increase lecithin concentration in bile. I recommend 500 mg daily.

Take vitamin C.
Vitamin C has been shown to prevent formation of gallstones. Vitamin C is required for the enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to bile salts. People with high risk for developing gallstones have low ascorbic acid levels. Take 1 to 3 grams daily of vitamin C. I prefer mineral ascorbates as the best form.

Try black radish.
Lately I’ve been seeing black radishes at the grocery store. Black radish (Raphanus sativus niger) has long been used as a folk remedy to stimulate bile production and aid in the digestion of fats. Radishes of all types seem to be of benefit. A recent rat study showed that the inflammation and other abnormal parameters that were observed in rats fed a fat-rich diet were reversed with treatment with black radish. Radishes are also high in bioflavonoids and other immune-protective substances. You can eat radishes for the same benefit. Daikon radish, an Asian variety, is a mild-tasting radish for those of us who aren’t radish lovers. Or you can take black radish in capsule or tablet form.

Try bile salts.
These are useful for people who have already had their gallbladders removed. Take one to two tablets or capsules with fatty meals.

Try lipase-loaded digestive enzymes.
Taking digestive enzymes that contain extra fat digestion enzymes, lipase, can be extremely useful in preventing the need
for surgery or after you’ve had a cholecystectomy. Take one with fat-containing meals and snacks.

Do a liver or gallbladder flush.
Anecdotes about people showing up at their doctor’s office with a jar full of stones after a gallbladder flush are abundant, but there is little documentation to validate whether what they passed are really gallstones or just congealed olive oil. Nonetheless, many people testify to the benefits of the gallbladder flush. Do this procedure at home only under the supervision of a clinician.

From Monday through Saturday, drink as much natural apple juice as possible. Continue to eat normally and take your usual medications or supplements. On Saturday, eat a normal lunch at noon. Three hours later (3:00 p.m.) dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) in 1/4 cup of warm water and drink it. This is a laxative and helps peristalsis move the stones through your digestive system. It doesn’t taste great, so you may want to follow it with some orange or grapefruit juice. Two hours later (5:00 p.m.) repeat the Epsom salts and orange or grapefruit juice. For dinner, eat citrus fruits or drink citrus juices. At bedtime, drink 1½ cups of warm extra-virgin olive oil blended with 1½ cups of lemon juice. Go to bed immediately and lie on your right side with your knees pulled up close to your chest for half an hour. On Sunday morning, take 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts in 1½ cup of warm water an hour before breakfast. If you have gallstones, you will find dark green to light green stones in your bowel movement on Sunday morning. They are irregular in shape and size, varying from small, like kiwi seeds, to large, like cherry pits. If you have chronic gallbladder problems, you may want to repeat this therapy in two weeks. The flush can be repeated every three to six months if you continue to form stones.

Gas and bloating are the most common symptoms of small intestinal problems. Other problems that occur in the small intestines are parasites, celiac disease, food sensitivities, and increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Use all of the DIGIN approaches to work with these issues.