Although meds and surgery are often the two go-to treatments for gallstones, a lot of individuals opt for natural remedies.
Gallstones are more common than you may think: they happen in 10 to 15 percent of adults in America.
These are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. There’s not a lot of research that suggests that home remedies can be helpful in the treatment of gallbladder stones.
With this in mind, always consult your physician before you decide to address this health problem with home remedies.
Gallstones Explained
These formations differ in size and shape and some can even grow to the size of a golf ball. The two types of gallstones are cholesterol and pigment.
The former is common and mostly consists of surplus bilirubin. This pigment forms during the red blood cells’ breakdown. They’re brown or black.
Not every gallstone will cause a symptom. But, when symptoms are felt, these are the most common ones:
- Nausea
- Gray stool
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the upper abdomen, on the right side
- Pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades
- Vomiting
What Are the Most Common Home Remedies for Gallstones?
Despite no scientific data pointing out that they really work, many people opt for them as natural alternatives.
Check them out below:
- Apple juice and apple cider vinegar
Some people claim that apple juice makes gallstones softer and allows them to be removed from the body easily. I
n one cleanse, apple juice is mixed with apple cider vinegar and consumed. The evidence that this helps is limited; there aren’t any studies that it works.
And, people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, and stomach ulcers should be careful about drinking large amounts of fruit juice.
- The gallbladder cleanse
According to its proponents, this cleanse dissolves gallstones and eliminates them from the body.
In a 2009 paper, the scientific data supporting this cleanse were minimal; however, some people claim it has helped them.
The cleanse combines apple juice, herbs, and olive oil. This drink is consumed for two to five days. This may not be a suitable option for people with diabetes or problems with blood sugar.
- Dandelion
Dandelion has long been used to relieve gallbladder, bile duct, and liver issues.
Some of its proponents claim it’s the bitter roots that encourage the bile production in the gallbladder. It can be consumed in tea or coffee form.
If you have gallbladder or kidney stones, consult a physician before you begin consuming it.
- Artichoke
The extract of artichoke has been found beneficial for the stimulation of bile production and improving the function of the gallbladder and liver.
Artichokes can be prepared and cooked in different ways.
Always consult your physician if you decide to take artichoke extract since it may lead to bile obstruction and a gallbladder attack.
- Milk thistle
Medicinally, milk thistle has been used to cleanse the liver. Though it may be supportive of the gallbladder and liver, there is no scientific data proving this.
It’s taken as a tonic or in tablet or capsule form. If you have diabetes, allergies to ragweed, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, consult your physician before taking it.
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