What is Bile Sludge?
Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) is the number one elective abdominal surgery in America today, but problems may begin years before manifestation of biliary sludge, also known as gallbladder sludge or bile sludge.12
Bile sludge is when bile becomes thick and viscous and congests inside the gallbladder. The sludge is a collection of mucus and particulate solids—usually cholesterol crystals, calcium bilirubinate, and calcium salts.2
When bile becomes too thick, it can alter gallbladder contractibility. While bile sludge often clears up on its own, in many cases, it can linger for some time, resulting in digestive-related concerns.1,2 In one study following more than 100 patients with bile sludge for 21 months, almost 25% developed more significant liver/gallbladder concerns.
According to Ayurveda, when toxins and impurities recycle back into the liver from the intestines via the enteric cycle, digestion flow upward, rather than downward. This backflow of impurities may congest the gallbladder and bile ducts, affecting their ability to properly function.
4 Main Bile Functions
- Support downward movement of digestion and healthy elimination.
- Buffer stomach acid, allowing optimal acid to break down challenging foods.
- Emulsify fats and fat-soluble toxins.
- Act as a Pac-Man to gobble up impurities in the liver and intestinal villi.
If any of these four functions are compromised, digestive concerns are likely to ensue.
8 Secrets to Healthy Bile Flow + Liver-Gallbladder Function
The key to maintaining healthy bile flow and liver-gallbladder function is, of course, diet.
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Cut Out Processed Foods + Eat More Plant-Based
Avoiding processed food, processed oils, trans fats, and refined sugars is supportive for healthy gallbladder function, as is a predominately plant-based diet.3
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Eat Cholagogue-Rich Foods
Cholagogue-rich foods support healthy gallbladder function and bile flow. The main cholagogues are:
- Apples
- Artichoke
- Beets
- Bitter Greens
- Celery
- Cinnamon
- Fennel
- Fenugreek
- Ginger
- Turmeric
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Beet Smoothies
A blend of beet, celery, apple juice, and cinnamon with breakfast daily is a great way to boost bile flow and support healthy gallbladder function.
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Peppermint
Sipping peppermint tea or taking a few drops of peppermint oil in water with meals has shown to support better digestive health and gallbladder function.4
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Raw or Cooked Beets
Yes, beets again. Beets are important for the liver and gallbladder. They can be raw, cooked, or grated into a salad. Studies show beets are rich in antioxidants that protect the liver and boost beneficial liver enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione.6
Beets have also been shown to attach to bile and escort it, with gobbled-up (Pac-Manned) toxins in tow, to the toilet.7
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Fenugreek Boost
Numerous studies suggest fenugreek may be one of the most powerful herbs for liver, gallbladder, and digestive health. Fenugreek works by removing cholesterol from bile and increasing bile acid concentration by almost four times.8,9
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Cinnamon
The benefits of cinnamon have been praised in Ayurveda for thousands of years. The liver and pancreas are sister organs, and in 91% of the population, the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts are joined—suggesting that you cannot address one without affecting the other.10
Cinnamon, in Ayurveda, is a scraping herb that supports detox and addresses congestion. It is well-known to support healthy blood sugar and lipid regulatory function, which depends on both healthy pancreatic and liver-gallbladder function.11
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Beet Cleanse
Of course, eating bile-moving foods mentioned above is key, but if such a diet is not possible, or you feel you need a better bile flow boost, consider supplementing with LifeSpa’s Beet Cleanse. I formulated this with great success to support healthy bile flow and gallbladder function.
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So, what is your favorite way to support your bile, liver, and gallbladder?
Jill says
I am finding your information very interesting. I discovered several years ago that I have Gallstones. They don’t trouble me, but sometimes I feel a little ache around the right side of my ribs. Should this be a cleanse that I should do?
Jeff Brodhead says
Something to consider: If you are having an issue, consider having a chiropractic evaluation and adjustment(s). The root cause could be spine-related, because nearly all links between your internal organs and your brain, are via either hormonal, or central nervous system. (the majority of the vagus nerve wanders separately from the spinal cord) People have back-related issues, in our always sitting society.
Recently I began taking a combination supplement, to reduce build-up of protein-based deposits around areas of old inflammation. For the first month, I believe I was experiencing a gradual improvement, but I ran out of the supplement and didn’t get my second bottle for a couple days. The day I restarted taking the supplement, within a short time I developed a general gut ache, then became very nauseous. The next day, I too 1/3 my regular dose of the supplement and again developed a general gut ache.
I had ZERO such issue for the first month, so it was quite frustrating, to think I might be unable to take a supplement, which seemed to be working for me.
A couple days later, I was not taking the supplement, but developed the same general gut ache. I was ALSO having discomfort in my spine, about even with the bottom of my shoulder blades. That was a familiar discomfort, related to an old back injury, several years ago, so I did my particular stretching, to focus on that part of my back, then sat down for a few minutes. “MAGICALLY”, the discomfort AND gut ache faded away, in a matter of minutes.
After some cogitation, I remembered a couple times when I was having upper gut aches and that there was, each time, finally a release of the discomfort, which felt like pressure finally found a way out. This was followed by days of different (from normal) stools. Those periods of discomfort were within months of my back injury.
After this recent round of discomfort and relief after stretching my back (decompression of my spine), I still was having a very mild general gut ache, each time I took a 1/3 dose of the supplement. I kept stretching my back. It is MY BELIEF, that my back injury occurred in the vicinity of the nerve(s) leading to gall-bladder, or bile-duct. When I take the supplement, one constituent (ginger? mentioned in the above article) causes bile to be released, leading to the gut ache. As my back issue is corrected (nerve signals begin to be restored), bile-duct operation becomes normalized and the supplement-related gut ache is reduced.
Today, I decided, since I have gone several days taking 1/3 dose of the supplement, with greatly diminished gut aches, I should try the full dose (3/3) of supplement. THE DISCOMFORT (mild gut ache) was no worse than when I was taking the 1/3 dose.
This is MY theory of what is occurring. I found the above article, while searching for herbs which can affect bile flow/production AND 90mg of ginger root extract IS in the supplement AND in the article… coincidental? I’m not a big believer in coincidence.
I am NOT writing these things to diagnose anyone – I only play a doctor on myself and am willing to experiment on myself. Sharing what we observe can possibly help others to look at their own issues in a different way.
To circle around, to my first point, chiropractic evaluation and adjustment(s) helped me greatly at times and so have herbal supplements.
Heather says
Thank you Jeff.
I have scoliosis & every time I have “biliary colic” or an attack due to the frustratingly vague “post-cholecystectomy syndrome”, I have terrible back pain across the thoracic area. I will look into my back possibly being one of my triggers.
And many thanks to John for the article. I try to be pro-active but had accepted an attack every year or so as my lot in life. After a couple of debilitating attacks in the last week I have been searching for strategies to avoid future pain.
Pax says
what about beets that are pickled in vinegar and spices?
LifeSpa Staff says
Hello,
Beets in all their forms are great, but keep in mind that fermented foods are heating and meant to be used as a condiment.
Best,
LifeSpa Staff
Mari says
Is there a home treatment recommended for a “porcelain gall bladder”?
Current doctor is recommending surgery as only option.
Vacheslav says
Well I asked the doctor at Siberian Health, what to do when the Gallbladder is removed? the answer was take Selenium. I asked that’s it? and she confirmed!
As so not to have to get in this situation in the first place, it is better to take soda (reach up to a tea spoon in warm water 30 minutes before eating, eg breakfast)
To get rid of kidney stones, the best is watermelons, I also remember reading that a mix of curcumin, ginger, apple cider, and honey does the trick.
If you have reached the point of no return, then your only hope is to call upon Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, He appears thereafter to many in dreams and brings comfort which is then super naturally occurs when you wake up. Of course, you got to deeply believe to have this occur on you! while the disbelievers prefer surgery when it’s too late!
John Douillard says
Hi Everyone
Thanks for the comments.
Without a gallbladder it is even more important to support the liver w these cholagogue foods as the liver now has to make digestive bile on demand and bile sludge can still block bile flow.
Hope that helps!
If you are considering doing a liver GB flush PLEASE read my free Safe Liver Cleansing eBook. I have been prescribing this cleanse since the early eighties and share important tips to make sure it is safe. It is not for anyone anytime!
Thanks
Dr John
I
Pat says
i have kidney stones and learned that many greens and red beets are not recommended. are the ther foods ok? many thanks
Emily says
Hi Pat,
Go to Amazon and Get Stone Free Pills and read the testimony’s of folks who had k.stones,
had surgery etc. almost died and then had more stones but this time
they started taking Stone Free Pills by Planetary Formulas / Michael Tierra.
Success stories from everyone! Btw, they are very user friendly and even with
my sensitive digestion, never a problem, burp etc.!
I also like Aduki Bean Tea, which will stop kidney pain after drinking while hot,
3 servings spaced in a day of 1/2 to 1 cup each dose.
Wonderful Bean the Aduki, great to eat regularly for kidney wellness too!
see Macrobiotic recipes for healing with Aduki Beans!
Ciao,
Emiily
Ann says
I’ve heard that alot of what we call cinnamon actually is cassia. Do cassia have the same properties as cinnamon?
NI says
Hello Dr. Douillard,
Thank you for your wonderful and very informative newsletters. I am a vata pitta whose pitta quickly gets out of balance. Is it OK to take beet cleanse for a person who has high pitta? My gall bladder usually has sludge.
Thank you so much.
Caroline says
I’m in the same situation as you. I found the best approach is to combine the suggestions outlined in this article along with guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner with tailored dietary guidance and herbal support. After 6 months of treatment, I am no longer in pain and feel more optimistic about keeping my gallbladder. Hope that helps.
Patricia Duke says
What if your gallbladder has been removed? I really need guidance about what to do.
Kelly Theis says
You read my mind! Just had my gall bladder out in July. What now?
Angela C. says
Mine has been removed as well. What does Ayurveda say about this and how can we support ourselves without a gallbladder? I have found over the years that without my gallbladder, no matter how well I eat or how much exercise I do, I still have excess weight around my abdomen. After the cholesectomy (which was an emergency procedure after several debilitating gallstone attacks) I gained 25lbs quickly and haven’t been able to lose the weight since.
C says
Hey Kelly and Patricia! I’ve found there are a few good ways to counteract the problems with gallbladder removal. First, the main issues are: (1) the liver may gradually drip bile into the intestines, as it doesn’t have a viable means of storing larger amounts of bile, (2) there may be far less or far more bile present in the digestive system at meal time (depending on #1), (3) due to some complex factors involving the composition, use, and reuptake of bile constituents, the person may experience electrolyte balance problems in regards to potassium and sodium in relation with other elements, (4) because bile is itself very drying (it’s quite a bit like soap), and because it’s supposed to be aiding absorption of fats and fat soluble nutrients, the bowels in particular may be either too dry (esp. on a low fat, high fiber diet) or far too “wet” (as a person attempts to supply fats that are being absorbed more slowly). Many problems can stem from the above, but there are definitely ways to counteract all that. People who have had their GB removed may have to focus more on their digestive health.
Periodic liver/GB cleanses are still great for those without gallbladders – obviously there’s no gallbladder to affect, but on the bright side, the liver won’t be at the mercy of a clogged gallbladder! 🙂
But, which method you’d be best off with depends on the type and tendencies of your body. You may have to experiment a bit to see what you’re able to handle.
For those without a GB: baked or stewed apples, citrus pulp (also the inner white fiber, cooked or raw), and other high-pectin items can be very useful for periodic cleansing, helping to balance the moisture level of the bowels. They’re also great for liver cleansing, but mild. Diluted cider vinegar will help those with dry bowels (while aiding the liver), and the spices nutmeg, anise, cardamom, and clove bud are very useful for drying and stabilizing bowels that are overloaded with unabsorbed fat (as they aid fat uptake). A high quality goat milk can replace standard milk during times when you have dairy cravings, as it needs very little bile to be used.
For cleansing items, chlorophyll supplements can be VERY useful. (To name just one, there’s a product called Chloroxygen). They take a little getting used to, but will assist those without a gallbladder with cleansing and general bowel maintenance. Milk thistle, bitter greens, and other cholagogues can still be used, but with a stronger focus on cleaning up the aftermath, and for a much shorter period. For this, soft fibers and gelatinous items (think psyllium, flaxseed, chia, steamed or baked zucchini, etc) can be used. But you’ll have to take care not to overdo it, and you’ll need more frequent breaks from the cleanse than others to avoid drying out the body’s fluids and fats.
Antiinflammatory cleansers can be especially useful for people with no GB. Plants containing berberine, resveratrol, pycnogenol, and related phytochemicals can help you to cleanse without depending too much on liver/GB purgation. Grapeseed extract, pine bark extract, goldenseal, oregon grape root, licorice root, and a large number of other medicines will usually aid detoxification of “sludge” in the body without causing issues in a person with no gallbladder. Turmeric is another good one, but this may or may not be tolerated will depending on your constitution.
Lastly, bile supplements can be used whenever you experience pale stools or desire more dietary fat. These are tolerated fine by most GB removal patients, and will help to normalize the amount of bile present in the bowels at meal time. This in itself can be a cleansing aid, and it’s used as such in traditional medicine. If you’re opposed to using animal products, there are vegetarian options available. In addition, plants that contain health-promoting varieties of saponins (licorice root, ginseng, eleuthero, gymnema, quinoa, some bitter greens, and tons more) may aid digestion of dietary oils while also assisting the body’s cleansing processes.
The question originally asked is very broad though, so a good recommendation is to find a complementary or integrative medical practitioner who’s experienced with gallbladder removal. Consider Chinese medicine, too!
(the above’s all just my opinion – I’m not a licensed physician or anything)
Dawn says
Thank you, C. That is a lot of very useful info! I will be using it and seeing what works for me.
Since my gallbladder (my “demon-bladder”) was removed last month, I have been adhering to a vegan, whole-food-plant-based diet, and I am, for the most part, eating SOS-free (Salt, Oil, Sugar free). My digestion has been very good, and I attribute this diet (lifestyle change) with the reason why this post-surgery, transition/healing period has been going so well.
For ANYONE with or without their gallbladder who wants to lost weight and/or reverse a litany of chronic diseases (such as, cardiovascular disease), I highly recommend this way of eating! I wish I had lived my whole life eating this way, because it would have saved me from several health issues that hit me this year (I believe my gallbladder was the root cause of all of them). Especially to anyone who says they can’t lose weight, PLEASE look into this way of eating. Do a YouTube search, and you will be blown away and inspired by how many doctors, chefs and foodies are preaching and teaching it. The weight loss success stories are spectacular! Of course, I have been losing weight, also.
I wish everyone much success and good health!
C says
No problem Dawn. 🙂 As for SOS-free, this can definitely boost health for those with gallbladder issues and metabolic problems. It is also important however that people do what works best for them after lots of experimentation, as there are rarely solid absolutes in health. It’s certainly the case, though, that standard diets are far too high in salt, sugar, and oils, and far too high in animal products in general.
There’s a lot that goes into determining what’s healthy for one specific individual. For those living in extremely cold environments, for example, traditional ferments (including alcohol), hot-quality fats, salt, etc can all be very useful and healthy food items. This isn’t the case for most people, especially those living in strictly-temperature-controlled houses, getting extra sleep or not enough, having too much sex, on and on. The number of counts against the type of diet listed above are typically high.
Anyway, I’m glad the info has been useful! And glad to hear you’re thriving. 🙂
Emily says
Hi Dawn,
You do sound on the mend, and I too love my vegan diet.
But, I wonder if youre getting any efa”s with the SOS Diet.
No oil and no efa’s can quickly make your body defiecient
in these necessary lipids.
When this happens, you may feel your joints creaking and
joint pain etc.
Hopefully you are eating efa’s !
Just a warning as a brother in law did that diet and
much joint pain quickly followed.
Ciao,
~ Emily
Dawn says
Thank you, C and Emily, for your further information and cautions. Regarding the SOS-free eating, I’m not as strict as some others. Let’s say that I’m not a fanatic, though I am an extremely aware eater now. I mostly eat unprocessed foods that I prepare, but sometimes I’ll eat something that has been prepared elsewhere that may have been cooked with canola or olive oil. But when I do eat something packaged or processed, I now read the labels, and aim for no more than 3 grams of fat per serving. When I do have high-fat foods now, they are whole, such as avocado or muhammara (Lebanese walnut hummus), for example. There are some SOS-free people who won’t even eat those foods, but I allow for those foods here and there. Like I said earlier, I stick to it “for the most part.”
Specifically regarding getting my EFAs, believe me, it’s not even an issue, because there are so many wonderful, plant-based foods that naturally contain them. I’m actually getting a very wide variety… more than before I changed to this diet.
I’d like to share and clarify the following, hopefully, without being too boring. My intention is to possibly inform or alert others via my gallbladder story and how it relates to diet and other systems of the body. When I posted my above comment, I wanted to discuss my gallbladder (and diet), because it was relevant to the topic at hand. However, the other health issues that all came crashing down upon me this year were also VERY serious, the most serious being a heart attack in January! I had been suffering from gallbladder attacks and chronic low potassium levels (causing my heart to malfunction) for several years, but had no health insurance, so I had no way to afford all the tests and likely surgery. After that most frightening MI event, I did research on a cardiovascular-healthy diet, which, led me to the Mediterranean Diet (which, really wasn’t that much different from how I had already been eating for most of my adult life, so I wasn’t really sure how it was going to improve my heart health). I dug deeper, and this eventually morphed into a mostly vegetarian diet for me, which, eventually led me to the school of “reversing-cardiovascular-disease” doctors (i.e., Dr. Esselstyn, Dr. Klaper, Dr. MacDougall, Dr. Ornish, etc.), who have actually reversed heart disease, among other chronic diseases, such as, diabetes, asthma, colitis, etc., in their patients through diet. They all practice what they preach, as well. I also learned that “a diet that’s good for the heart is equally good for the gallbladder,” and this included SOS-free eating. But my original goal was (and still is) to reverse my cardiovascular disease. A pleasant side benefit was that my gallbladder was finally quiet for the first time in a LONG time. However, I went off my vegan diet one night at a party (really badly with fatty cheese, I might add) and WHAMO, I was in the hospital, being rushed into emergency gallbladder surgery! Truth is, that demon-bladder had to come out, no matter what or how I was eating. It was necrotic and contained 4 ENORMOUS “chocolate Easter egg” stones! The surgeon said it was the worst she’s ever seen.
Anyway, now that it’s been “exorcised” from my body, I have a sense about my body as a whole that my gallbladder was at the root cause of all my ills, including rapid weight gain over the past few years, and yes, even my cardiovascular health. Even my surgeon has speculated that my severely diseased gallbladder had created a downward spiral domino effect on my other systems. I was never a poor eater or junk foodie. I have mostly eaten a healthy diet of salads, veggies, fish and chicken, rice, etc. I never ate beef or pork. But I did eat a fair share of dairy products…butter, milk, cheese, eggs. Obviously, that has come to a screeching halt. Perhaps, I was predisposed to gallbladder disease, because my father had it, too.
I’m feeling very good about eating vegan. My LDL cholesterol has dropped recently, and I’ll be checking it again top of October, and I do expect it to be even lower.
Anyway, if I have said even one thing that leads someone else to find their own answers; if I have helped anyone to look into and take a path that heals them, then my long post served its purpose.
Peace and blessings…