The Gallbladder Flush
*THIS POST IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU*
As we continue our discussion on gallbladder health, we want to share a specific strategy for removing gallstones and clearing the biliary tract. Clearing biliary sludge and gallstones is foundational for optimal health.
What are Gallstones?
As discussed in our previous post, gallstones are crystallized deposits of cholesterol and other bile constituents that are formed in the bile ducts and the gallbladder.
When the gallbladder and bile ducts are congested with gallstones and biliary sludge, appropriate bile flow is hindered. Bile is an important part of physiology due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Proper bile function protects gut integrity, promotes effective detoxification, and the digestion and assimilation of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Ensuring proper biliary function is a vital piece of optimal health.
There are various factors that contribute to gallstone formation and biliary problems. These include:
Obesity
Female
Pregnancy
Standard American Diet (SAD) high in refined sugars, carbohydrates, oils, and low fiber
Gluten consumption
Insufficient methylation
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Oral contraceptives
Underlying liver disease
Rapid weight loss
Diabetes/metabolic syndrome
Family history of gallstones
Inflammatory bowel syndrome
Over 60 years old
Environmental toxins
Identifying Gallstones
While there are many symptoms that arise due to gallstones formation, identifying them requires imaging through ultrasound or CT scans. While we usually recommend specific herbs and nutrients to shrink larger gallstones before a flush, imaging can be helpful and understanding gallstone status and monitoring progress in their removal.
There are various markers on blood work that can indicate poor gallbladder function, liver impairment, and risk factors for gallstones. Some of these include high ALT, AST, bilirubin, LDH, GGT, ALP, and 5ʹ-nucleotidase. Our doctors check many of these, especially if biliary issues are suspected, on our routine functional and integrative lab testing.
If you are experiencing gallbladder symptoms or have known gallstones, it is important to facilitate the proper gallbladder function. Compounds including beet root, taurine, phosphatidylcholine, lemon, peppermint, and vitamin C have all been shown to reduce the repercussions of gallstones as well as shrinking and dissolving them. Sometimes, individuals feel better by flushing gallstones from the gallbladder. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a gallstone-laden gallbladder does not need to be removed in order to resolve symptoms. Hopefully you see the Important role at the gallbladder plays in optimal physiology. The human body was not designed with spare parts.
Ingredients Needed
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is high in malic acid. Malic acid is a helpful compound for softening and breaking down gallstones.
Magnesium Sulfate Capsules
Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) draws water into the intestines it has laxative effects. Additionally, it helps to dilate bile ducts for safe and effective gallstone removal. Some people dilute Epsom salts, also magnesium sulfate into water to take instead of the capsules. It has a bitter, unpleasant taste, so most choose capsules. If you choose to do this, mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts with 3 cups of water. This will make four ¾ cup (6 ounce) servings. Take one in place of the epsom salt capsules, if desired.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Be sure to source pure extra virgin olive oil; you will need 1/2 cup. When consumed, this will cause the gallbladder to speedily release bile.
Organic Grapefruit
Six ounces of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice combined with the extra virgin olive oil helps to aid the flush. If grapefruit is not tolerated, you can use equal parts of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice instead.
Preparing for the Flush
One week before the flush, take 2 tablespoons of tart cherry juice concentrate daily. The malic acid in tart cherry juice helps to soften gallstones. It is delicious stirred into mineral water. Some people drink 32 ounces of organic apple juice in preparation because its high malic acid content. While this is effective, it is also excessively more food sugar than most people need. There are also malic acid supplements available if you choose not to take tart cherry concentrate. Magnesium malate is also helpful in softening gallstones.
The Flush
The gallbladder flush is best done over a weekend or at a time when you are able to rest and easily access the bathroom.
Breakfast
The day of the flush eat a complex carbohydrate breakfast with no fat. Oatmeal with fruit is a good choice. It is important to not eat fat as that impacts bile flow and could hinder the passing of gallstones. Also, fat consumption could lead to feeling ill throughout the night. Avoid protein food, nuts, avocado, butter, or oil on the day of the flush.
Do not take supplements the day of the flush, except for those indicated below. Consult with your doctor prior to the flush, especially if you are on prescription medication. Stay hydrated by drinking clean, filtered water throughout the day.
It is advised to take part in colon hydrotherapy or complete several water enemas to clear the colon the morning before the flush. While this is not always necessary, any impacted stool could hinder the success of the flush, lead to pain during the flush, and/or contribute to toxin exposure from gallstones stuck in the intestines.
1:30pm
At this point, stop eating and drinking anything other than water. A light lunch of steamed rice and vegetables with unrefined salt is acceptable.
6:00pm
Take the first dose of 15 magnesium sulfate capsules with at least 8 ounces of water. Alternatively, you can drink 6 ounces of the epsom salt solution mentioned above.
8:00pm
Take the second dose of 15 magnesium sulfate capsules. It is important to take it easy and rest throughout the evening. You may feel some movement in the GI tract as water is drawn into the intestines due to the magnesium sulfate.
9:45pm
Prepare the fat solution. Cut grapefruits in half and juice them. You will need 4 to 6 ounces. Alternatively, you can use 4 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Combine the fruit juice and 4 ounces of extra-virgin olive oil in a pint jar with a tightly fitting lid. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to emulsify the solution. Visit the bathroom one last time and clean up the kitchen.
You can prepare a castor oil pack to facilitate gallstone removal, if desired. This is not necessary, but some people say it helps. Simply apply a couple tablespoons of castor oil to organic cotton flannel and place it over the live and gallbladder area, under the ribcage on the right side of the body.
If you have trouble sleeping, you may take 2,000 to 4,000 mg of L-Ornithine with this solution. Sometimes people take anti-parasitic compounds such as black walnut to flush them from the liver and gallbladder.
10:00pm
Drink the solution. Some people find it helpful to drink it through a straw. Lay down in bed immediately. The flush will not work unless you lie down in bed on your back. You must stay completely still for a minimum of 30 minutes. Ideally, you will fall asleep for the night.
While you rest, gallstones will move through the dilated ducts and passing through the small and large intestine. If you feel the urge to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, that is perfectly fine.
6:00am
Between 6:00 to 6:30am, or upon waking, take the third dose of magnesium sulfate capsules . Go to the bathroom throughout the morning as needed. Observe what you are passing. Be sure to stay hydrated drinking clean, filtered water throughout the morning. Plan to rest throughout the morning as the body is working hard to pass gallstones and detox.
8:00am
Take the fourth dose of magnesium sulfate capsules. You will continue to need to use the bathroom and pass gallstones.
10:00am
Drink a small glass of tart cherry concentrate and mineral water, apple juice, or bone broth, if you’re feeling up to it.
12:00pm
A light lunch can be eaten; fresh fruit is usually best tolerated at this point. If digestion still feels a little off, most people are back to eating normally by dinner. We recommend avoiding gluten and dairy for people with gallbladder concerns, but they should especially be avoided the next several days. If you have known food sensitivities, please continue to avoid them.
Safety
Working with a practitioner to size shrink and flush gallstones can be important peace and achieving overall health. Many people successfully flush gallstones with no problem when gallbladder flush instructions are followed precisely. Those with underlying medical conditions, young children, and pregnant and nursing mothers should not do a gallbladder flush. It is wise to work with a skilled clinician to asses underlying factors that could be contributing to gallstones and facilitating the body for proper removal.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19803550/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746018/pdf/nihms497411.pdf
https://amzn.to/3zfqTVS