Question
I’m told I need to have my gallbladder removed and that I don’t really need it anyway. Is this true?
Answer
No. The gallbladder is an important part of the digestive process.
The gallbladder stores bile
The gallbladder stores bile from the liver and secretes it into the small intestine when needed. Bile is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats, vitamins, and minerals from the foods you eat.
Causes for gallstones
The gallbladder can become congested with gallstones, which can obstruct a bile duct. Reasons for gallstones include nutritional deficiencies; diets high in processed foods, trans fats, hydrogenated fats, processed vegetable oils, and excess omega 6 fatty acids; hypothyroidism; and no- or low-fat diets.
Gallbladder removal most common surgery today
Gallbladder removal is the most common surgery today. Without a gallbladder there is no holding tank for bile so it leaks continuously from the liver into the small intestine. As a result there is not enough stored bile to digest fats. This can result in digestive ailments and poor absorption of nutrients.
Gallbladder removal can bring problems
If your gallbladder has been removed you are at risk of deficiencies in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D.
Without the fat emulsification duties provided by the gallbladder, the health of the entire digestive tract may become compromised. Studies suggest gallbladder removal may increase the risk of getting colon cancer.
How to prevent surgery; supporting health after surgery
Work with your practitioner to learn how to prevent gallbladder surgery, or how to support digestion if your gallbladder has already been removed.
Maintaining good gallbladder health
- Eat a diet high in fiber
- Avoid refined and excess starchy carbohydrates (white flour, sugar, potatoes, etc.)
- Avoid trans fats, hydrogenated fats, and processed vegetable oils
- Get plenty of essential fatty acids and omega 3s
- Eliminate food intolerances
Gallbladder surgery is not a difficult surgery, but removal does not guarantee results. You may still suffer from similar symptoms you had prior to surgery. Malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies can be a life long problem.
Melissa,
I agree with you. People that have had their gallbladder removed have to supplement with enzymes to assist in the digestion and absorption of fat. Without the normal quantity of bile that an intact gallbladder would release, fats can putrefy in the gut and be a source of inflammation that will set you up for more serious chronic diseases.
Thank you for the comment.
Dr. Shook