A Guide to Ayurvedic Treatment and dietary restrictions for Gallbladder Stone
We all know liver plays a crucial role in detoxification,processing cholesterol and metabolizing various substances ,gall bladder is equal vital for these process .
Its main function is to store bile thus aiding in smooth digestion, which is crucial in the prevention and remedy of gallstones. But unfortunately one of the common ailment affecting this small organ is gall bladder stones or cholelithiasis .Gall stones are hardened lumps of bile that is formed in the gall bladder primarily caused by high cholesterol levels in bile or excess bilirubin or improper drainage.
Ayurveda refers it to pitthasmari which represents imbalanced pitta dosas resulting in risk of stone formation in gall bladder.
This arises due to excess kapha doshas combine with pittha in viscous bile leading to the formation of dry and hardened forms.
This has premonitory symptoms like lethargy, dull digestion, appetite etc, indicating a balance of pita as per ayurvedic medicine.
Causes includes factors like
Excess fasting ,high cholesterol levels ,bilirubin imbalance ,hormonal imbalance ,thick bile etc
Symptoms include: Clay coloured stools, dark urine, burping, pain in abdomen, diarrhea, nausea, ache between shoulder blades, heart burn, dull appetite, jaundice etc., are symptoms that may be alleviated with the aid of ayurvedic remedies to dissolve gallstones.
Ayurvedic solution for gall stones
Life style changes
Ayurveda recommends certain life style chages to prevent and treat gall stones by improving digestion and detoxifying the liver and gall bladder
They are as follows
·      Ayurveda suggests drinking 8 glasses of Luke warm water so that it keeps flushing toxins and hydrate the body
·      Eating light and easily digestible Foods rich in fibre, vitamins are recommended as natural remedies for maintaining gallbladder health.
·      Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses, legumes, low fat diet, herbs, and spices are essential in an ayurvedic diet to prevent and treat gallstones.
·      High in fat, cholesterol, refined carbohydrates, canned foods, caffeine, alcohol, nuts etc to be avoided as part of an ayurvedic treatment for gallstones.Â
·      Indulge in regular exercises which can improve blood circulation and enhance the agni, key practices in ayurvedic remedies for gallstone prevention.
Diet
Ayurveda suggests a low fat and low cholesterol diet ,high fibre foods and vitamin rich foods like
·      Fruits
·      Fruits like custard apple ,grapes ,pears ,watermelons and apples – packed with vitamin c and fibres
·      Whole grains like
·      Whole wheat bread ,brown rice ,oat meal which can aid in digestion
·      Pulses and legumes
·      Like lentils ,beans ,chick peas without added fats can be a richest sources of proteins
·      Vegetable like
·      All gourd varieties ,turnips ,carrots loaded with rich nutrients and vitamin B can aid digestion
·      Low fat diary foods like buttermilk
·      Beet root contains betaine which helps to prevent the gall stones
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Herbs and spices
Like cumin ,fennel ,coriander .They not only add taste to the food but also acts as anti-inflammatory
·      Turmeric
This increases bile secretion ,prevents cholesterol and stone formation thus enhancing gall bladder health owing to curcumin compounds
·      Ginger
It can stimulate liver function ,improves digestion and reduce nausea and vomiting
·      Milk thistle
Can protect liver and gall bladder from oxidative stress and inflammation owing to phytosterol effects
·      Garlic
It can contract the gall bladder to expel excess bile and stones into intestines and acts as antiviral too
·      Bhumi amla
It dissolves gall stones ,reduces inflammation and heals the liver and gall bladder tissues
·      Bhringaraj
Improves the bilious flow and acts as an excellent appetizer and liver stimulant and regulates pittha doshas
·      Aloe vera
Regular consumption of aloe vera can dissolve gall stones and regulate pittha
·      Manjistha
Helps to purify blood and removes toxins and inflammation
·      Cows urine
As per your expert advise ,you can take 30-40 ml of cows urine on empty stomach .It regulates the bile flow ,fights against cholesterol and digests kapha to manage vata
·      Daru hridra
Helps to manage bile flow there fore helps to reduce the pain
·      Rock salt
Can help to increase the bile flow .Taking rock salt dissolved in hot water and taking it early on empty stomach flushes off the toxins
·      Katuki
Helps for liver tonic and removes gall stones
·      Castor oil
External application of castor oil packs can help to reduce the inflammation as well
·      Kalonji seeds
A perfect antidote for gall stones ,its packed with antioxidants which acts as anti-inflammatory and litho tropic agent
·      Black pepper
Regulates the bile flow and enhances liver function and gall functions
·      Fenugreek seeds
Works by taking cholesterol out of the bile and increasing bile acid concentration almost by 4 times
·      Cinnamon
It supports healthy bile flow and digestive enzymes flow through the pancreatic and bile ducts
·      Shilajith
Its used in many formula as a driver or adjuvant to support the function of fenugreek and cinnamon.Its classically refered as yogavahi or bio enhancer .Its use as agent to rooter the bile and pancreatic ducts and support healthy liver .
Foods that should be avoided
Like
·      Fatty and fried foods –like butter ,cheese,ghee and cream
·      Canned and packaged foods like jams ,pickles ,sauces with preservatives
·      Caffeine and alcohol are to be avoided as they can exacerbate gallstone conditions, according to ayurvedic practitioners.
·      Refined carbohydrates like white bread etc
·      Oxalate rich foods like spinach can attribute to the formation of stones
·      Processed meat ,red meat- beef ,lamb
What dissolves gallbladder stones fast naturally?
Apple cider vinegar -Some people believe that apple cider vinegar can help dissolve gallstones due to its acidic nature. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking
Lemon juice -Lemon juice may have a similar effect to apple cider vinegar due to its acidic content. Some individuals consume lemon juice mixed with water to help dissolve gallstones, but again, evidence is limited
Herbal remedies -Certain herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, and turmeric are believed to support liver health and bile production, potentially aiding in gallstone prevention.
It's important to emphasize that while these natural remedies may offer some relief or aid in prevention, they are not guaranteed to dissolve gallstones quickly or completely
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What should we eat in Ayurveda for gallstones?
In Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating from India, managing gallstones typically involves dietary and lifestyle modifications aimed at balancing the body's doshas (energies) and supporting digestive health
·      Depending on warm and cooked foods
·      Bitter and pungent taste
·      Limiting healthy fats
·      Taking fibre rich foods
·      Herbal teas
·      Mindful eating helps to prevent the conditions
How can I remove gallbladder stone without surgery?
While surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common treatment for gallstones, there are non-surgical approaches that may be considered for certain individuals, particularly those who are not suitable candidates for surgery or prefer non-invasive options.
Following  a restricted diet ,a strict life style and seeking alternative therapies can prevent being surgically removed.
Can gallbladder stones be removed with medicine?
Yes, gallbladder stones can sometimes be dissolved or reduced in size using medication, although this approach may not be suitable for everyone or for all types of gallstones
Is gallstones bad for the liver?
Gallstones themselves typically do not directly affect the liver. However, complications associated with gallstones can potentially impact liver function.
One common complication of gallstones is gallstone pancreatitis, where a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation of the pancreas. Severe pancreatitis can affect liver function due to the proximity of the liver and pancreas and the potential for inflammation to spread.
Another complication is choledocholithiasis, where a gallstone becomes lodged in the common bile duct. This can obstruct the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder into the intestines, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and potentially causing liver damage if left untreated.
What is the Ayurvedic food for gallbladder?
In Ayurveda, the emphasis is on balancing the body's doshas (energies) and promoting digestive health to support overall well-being, including the health of the gallbladder. While specific dietary recommendations may vary based on individual constitution (prakriti) and imbalances (vikriti), there are general guidelines for promoting gallbladder health in Ayurveda.
Can gall bladder stone be cured by Ayurveda?
While Ayurvedic treatments may offer benefits for some individuals with gallstones, it's important to approach them with caution and under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Gallstones can vary in size and composition, and not all cases may respond to Ayurvedic treatment alone. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove gallstones or the gallbladder itself.
Did you know that certain factors can increase your risk of developing gallstones?
Yes, several factors can increase an individual's risk of developing gallstones. These risk factors include
Age-The risk of gallstones increases with age, with the highest risk occurring in individuals over 60 years old
Gender -Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men, particularly during pregnancy and while taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. This is partly due to the effects of estrogen, which can increase cholesterol levels in bile and decrease gallbladder motility
Obesity -Obesity is a significant risk factor for gallstones, as it can lead to increased cholesterol secretion into bile, reduced gallbladder motility, and altered bile composition
Medications -Certain medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, hormone therapy, and drugs that suppress immune function, may increase the risk of gallstone
Does that mean Pitta alone contributes to the formation of gallstones in your body?
In Ayurvedic terms, gallstones are often associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha, particularly when there is an excess of Pitta-related qualities such as heat and acidity. Excessive Pitta can lead to an imbalance in bile secretion and composition, which may contribute to the formation of gallstones, particularly those made of cholesterol.
How common are gallstones?
Gallstones are fairly common worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. The prevalence of gallstones varies depending on factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and geographic location.
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How to Differentiate Between Gallbladder Disease and Heartburn?
If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of either gallbladder disease or heartburn, it's important to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional. They can conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and order diagnostic tests (such as ultrasound, endoscopy, or blood tests) to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
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