Having your gallbladder out is something you may not have control over. Whether it was medically necessary to remove, or it just happened during surgery, you now have to adapt accordingly right?!

There are a number of things you can do to help your body with this transition. It can be as simple as taking digestive enzymes with each meal. Usually digestive enzymes contain:

• Protease – to break down protein
• Lipase – to break down fats
• Amylase – to break down carbohydrates
• Tilactase – to break down lactose

Occasionally digestive enzymes also contain betaine hydrochloride or ginger/gentian. Betaine hydrochloride is a subsitute for stomach acid when you have hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) which may be beneficial if you think your digestive issue is contributed to by low HCl (hydrochloric acid). Ginger and gentian help to stimulate your bitter receptors in the body. By doing this your body kicks into gear and produces its own enzymes from the pancreas to help with digestion.

Another option is to support liver function. This is because your liver makes bile, and your gallbladder usually stores it ready to use when you have a meal. Without the gallbladder, this job falls back on the liver. To make sure your liver can pick up the slack, it needs to be working efficiently. Herbs such as Dandelion, Globe artichoke and St Mary’s Thistle support liver function and bile production to help with your digestion.

You could also start your meal with a teaspoon of apple cider vegar in a glass of warm water. This will also help stimulate your body into doing the work.

Another option is starting your meal with a nice entree’ of Rocket, kale, mustard Greens, chicory or endive and other bitter greens. This too will stimulate your digestive juices and prepare your body for a meal.

I had my gallbladder out a long time ago, what can I do?

If you had your gallbladder out a long time ago and you’ve been suffering with poor digestion, bloating, abdominal pain, and or constipation/diarrhoea… don’t fret because there’s plenty you can do!

• I recommend starting small and following the recommendations above
• As a naturopath I can prescribe practitioner grade supplements that can support your digestion more effectively while we work on other avenues
• We can work on gut healing and soothing the gastrointestinal tract while also helping your digestion
• I can also offer nutrition and diet advice to support any dietary changes you may need to make

If you need further assistance or you’d like more in depth treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out at connatenaturopathy@gmail.com

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