Prevalence of Gallbladder Issues
What is the best gallbladder diet? This is an organ in need of much support!
In today’s world, gallbladder concerns have become rather common, and are quite costly. Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common elective abdominal surgery in America, with over 750,000 surgeries per year. Without insurance, this procedure typically costs $10,000-$20,000, varying by state and hospital.
Worldwide, one of four women over 60 years of age will experience gallbladder issues. Gallbladder disease has increased by 20% in the last three decades, costing America $6.2 billion per year in collective medical bills.9,10
Gallbladder symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because they are often caused by the liver, an organ that never complains. As a result of 60 years of a cholesterol-free, highly-processed, sugar-laden diet, many Americans have overwhelmed, overworked, and congested livers.
Gallbladder Diet: Fats
The liver manufactures bile, which is like a Pac-Man that gobbles up toxic fats in the liver. Extra bile for a really large fatty meal is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder.
Studies suggest a major culprit behind gallbladder issues is a diet lacking good fats. Good fats exercise the gallbladder, and after 60 years of a non-fat or low-fat diet and/or the ingestion of toxic, refined fats from most restaurant and packaged foods, many of us have sluggish, thick, and viscous bile.
The result of this is an intolerance to fatty foods. Those who have had their gallbladders removed often have this trouble, but intolerance to fats affects many more than just those who have had their gallbladder removed. If the cause of a gallbladder concern is thick, viscous, and sluggish bile in the liver, removing the gallbladder may not help.
Luckily, most people who have difficulties digesting fats have a congested gallbladder and, when it is removed, the symptoms go away. The liver will continue to make bile on demand and deliver the bile directly to the small intestine, where it can gobble up your dietary fats. As long as you don’t overdo fat intake, most folks are fine after gallbladder removal.
Your gallbladder is a vital organ that stores concentrated bile, which helps digest good fats, process bad fats and toxins, maintain healthy bowel movements, and buffer digestive acids from the stomach.1,2 Over time, if the liver becomes congested as a result of toxins, stress, or poor diet and elimination, bile in the gallbladder can become thick, viscous and congested.3-5
This affects its ability to work optimally, and ultimately, influences our ability to properly digest and detoxify.2,6-8
Can I Cleanse without a Gallbladder?
Even without a gallbladder, most can do our Ayurvedic cleanses—which use ghee as a detoxifying agent—without a problem. Coconut oil is a little easier on bile flow, and that can be used as a replacement oil. If you still have your gallbladder, but it is acting up or you have trouble digesting fats, you too can still do our cleanses, but consider taking less ghee or use coconut oil during the oleation period.
Quiz: Do My Liver + Gallbladder Need Support?
- Do you ever get nauseous after a meal?
- Do you ever feel heavy after a high-fat meal?
- Do you get occasional heartburn after a meal?
- Do you have trouble digesting wheat, dairy, soy, corn, or nuts?
- Do you ever have sluggish, green, or greasy stools?
- Do you have a history of any gallbladder problems?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on for some tips to support liver and gallbladder function.
The recommendations in this article are to keep your gallbladder healthy and strong, and are not intended for someone who has had their gallbladder removed.
Gallbladder Diet: Food Lists + Recipes
Gallbladder-Health-Food-Lists-and-Recipes
Herbal Support for Gallbladder Health
- Read up on Beet Cleanse to decongest bile ducts.
- Read up on Liver Repair to increase bile production and support healthy elimination.
- Read up on Turmeric Plus to support liver and intestinal health.
- Read up on Bile Flow HP to encourage new bile production and flow.
Christopher says
Dear John
I have some issues with my digestion: Especiall digesting higher amounts of fat, animal fat and meet. Some years ago gallbladder polyps were detected. 2019 the size were up to 7 mm. (2017: 4mm).
I am reading quite a lot about your suggestion how to optimize my health.
I suppose my problems are linked to my gallbladder with the polyps.
My question are:
– How to stop the grow of the polyp?
– Is there a chance to get rid of them? (e.g. with your “Save liver and gallbladder cleasing”).
By the way: I have also problems with my left leg aching a lot for years now. After removing varicos veins it got a bit better. I read your article of ayurvdic AMPK activation: Now my leg is much better with taking the Hesperidin combined with diosmin 😀. But now I am freezing much more than before. But this does not matter.
P.S. As well I do have swollen lymph nodes some times.
Playlist says
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Martha Smith says
I have an allergy to night shades and I noticed in one of the above questions someone said that celery makes her hands hurt? Like Night shades, what is the similarity of celery to night shades? I also have no gall bladder and I have been steadily gaining weight since then 4 years ago now. I was considering the Keto diet and now realize I can’t because my body won;t process fats, and I do get bad heart burn as well.
Maria says
Hi John,
My name is Maria. Thank God i found this site while searching someting about gall bladder issues. I was recently diagnosed with gall bladder dysfunction or “dyskenesia” and recommended for removal or surgery. I have not decided yet, though i have pain in the upper part of my tummy going thru the back. At present, im taking turmeric and have read in this article that beet root salad is also good.
My question is: can i make beetroot as juice along with apple and carrots, or does it have to be salad with lemon? I am acidic to lemon if i take it daily.
Thank you for your reply.
Roxanne says
hi Maria, hi John,
i am same & wondering the same-
did u get an answer to your questions?
thank you!
-Roxanne
[email protected]
Racine Elsman says
I have no evidence of gallstones on us but get gallbladder symptoms…often seems like it may correlate to hormones as it often occurs the week after menstuation. I have thought may be sphincter of oddi/biliary dyskinesia…any advice for that?
Nouman says
Sir John. I recently diagnosed with 5 gallbladder stones and larger one is 6mm.. I need some guidance as I don’t want to get surgery for gallbladder removal.. My symptoms started in December including Severe pain once in 1 month then taken to ER 3 times and given medicines for resolving pain and digestive issues. Abdominal cramps since 2+ months. Constipation. In start diarrhea. Bleeding during stool passing.. Nausea. Bloating. Acidity. Weight gain 10 kg. Headaches{migraine}, numbness during sleep, joint pain and constant fatigue so asked for having ultrasound from physician.
windows 7 iso download says
ic fruits and vegetables etc. I use raw honey and grade B maple syrup as sweeteners and eat plenty of coconut oil, butter, and ghee (all saturated fats). I drink one to two cups of coffee each day and consume a limited amount of alcohol throughout the day as herbal tinctures. I taught meditation for Deepak Chopra for years and meditate several times each day. I haven’t seen a physician in 6 years, feel better now than I have in the past 25 years, and am now 76 yr old. When I began including fermented cod liver oil into my diet, my digestion was a mess. No matter what time of day with or without food, I burped
Poonam says
Hi John , i have my gallbladder removed in 2009 and had an ERCP in 2013. But after ERCP had an acute pancreatitis. Since than I have major problem in digesting food. I have hormonal imbalance. Have lost 15 kgs and always have acid reflux , belching and stomach pain. Have very dry skin. Very low vitamin d and muscle and joint pain. Feels better with ayurvedic treatments. I have a very balanced diet. Doctors suggested to take pancreatic enzymes for rest of my life. Is it safe. Please suggest. Thank you
LifeSpa Staff says
Hi Poonam,
Thank you for your question. It sounds like you could benefit from a personalized consultation with John or Tauna. You can read more and book an appointment here: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Be Well
Cook says
Gallbladder problems almost always involve kapha – these are congestive gallbladder and liver complaints, with additional factors like portal hypertension, fatty degeneration, etc. Kapha becomes vitiated, and for one reason or another takes on inflammatory qualities. Often it’s the case that a person’s gallbladder or heart issue involves kapha (mucus and fat accumulation, etc) as a means of quarantining inflammatory ama, or toxic material, which would otherwise freely circulate and cause inflammatory response and destruction of sensitive tissues.
To fix the issue most people have with an underfunctioning, congested, swollen, back-logged, or inflamed gallbladder, there are herbal and dietary therapies, exercise prescription, and emotional/mental therapies. Everyone’s case is slightly different. For a kapha-dominant individual, it’s usually as simple as taking brisk walks in the early morning and evening (after dinner), while forming most of the diet around relatively fatless green vegetables, light grains (most of these are “gluten free” pseudograins like quinoa, millet, amaranth, saponin-rich pulses and seeds in general, including lentils and mung beans), bitters (parsley, turmeric, digestive herbs…), and lowered salt consumption, with the occasional use of heating oils, like sesame – but avoidance of cold oils and fats, particularly from coconut, nuts, and dairy, with small allowances of other animal fats (ex: lard, which is hot in effect). Your typical “heart” foods will help these types of people – the types of things that clean up congestion and throw out the extra moisture, which will also gradually dissolve stones and free up between-meal fasting time.
The problem becomes more difficult to fix when it manifests in pitta-imbalanced types, vata types, or combinations of the two. Typically this means all three doshas have become involved, and thus measures to be taken above may be contraindicated to some degree. As an example, a worry-wort vata-pitta who manifests gallbladder issues will find it difficult to dissolve and release their built up load of toxic gunk, because the medicines used increase vata or dissolve concretions and fatty material through “heat.” The result is more stress, emaciation, acute heart problems, inflammation, burning and itching, even anger and anxiety, which further worsen the condition if left uncontrolled.
In the case above, therapy involves either a knowledgeable physicians supervised application of medicine preparations (used to promote the diminution of all doshas involved), or a series of oleation-purgation techniques. The last used to be more common, but people have become sensitive to purgation techniques. For those with pitta dominance combined with congestive disease, purgation is the most effective therapy, and it works very quickly, especially during fall and spring. The patient first undergoes oleation (example: intake of olive oil, ghee, or other fats, depending on the dosha predominance and symptoms), then purgation (a “colon cleanse” as most people will call it). Purgatives used will vary, and will sometimes be herbal (like strong triphala and bitters combinations), sometimes mineral (strong magnesium-containing minerals, for example), sometimes neither (water only, or yogic exercises plus water, etc), and sometimes all of the aforementioned. Purgation is often performed in the early parts of the day during kapha predominance, or midday for pitta, but this also depends on vata’s involvement.
As you can see, it’s much more difficult to achieve desired results than a one-size-fits-all gallbladder cleanse or diet. Each person is different. The risks of choosing an inappropriate therapy are things like heart problems, bowel disease (usually involving an unbroken enterohepatic loop), nervous degeneration, emaciation, gout, kidney disease, skin disease, emotional disturbance, liver problems, pancreatic damage, metabolic shutdown, and usually non-compliance and a continuation of digestive, liver, and gallbladder problems.
If general recommendations are to be followed, it’s best if they’re created more cautiously. For those who are of stouter build, consider a series of purgative therapies, whenever your body tells you it’s the correct time, making use of hotter substances combined with triphala, magnesium salts (ex: magnesium chloride, ConcenTrace, yadda – and be daring with the dosage). In these people, carefully-timed emesis (vomiting) can quickly help to resolve symptoms and work towards fixing digestive issues that lead to gallbladder congestion – which is exactly why the body often becomes nauseous during “gallbladder attacks.” (Caution with vata disturbance and emaciation.) For those of weaker or thinner builds, consider mild dietary additions that are known to be good for gallbladder problems (ex: stew 2-3 fresh apples until soft, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and turmeric or other favorable spices, a pinch of salt, and eat this at the beginning or end of a meal), herbal digestive aids, oil massage, and morning exercises suited to vata conditions. In all cases, seek a qualified traditional ayurvedic doctor, or any other knowledgeable integrative or natural medicine practitioner who will work to create an individualized therapeutic routine.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Cook says
Additional: From experience, I would disagree with a couple things on the food list provided. It’s a decent general guide, with the exception of coconut oil, mustard greens, and coffee. I would not recommend coconut oil unless a person is preparing for purgation (“colon cleansing”) therapy. Mustard greens may contain valuable nutrients, but may disturb all three doshas in larger quantities, and thus replacing it with collards, kale, spinach, parsley, beet greens, carrot tops, and other milder greens (sunflower green, blanched watercress, alfalfa, etc) is a better option. If you handle mustard greens well, have at it, but in moderation. In pure kapha cases, or people who exhibit strong kapha mentality and have a stouter or “colder” build, a strong black coffee (or better yet, espresso/french press – the more bitter the better) can be extremely useful, taken once in the morning in a reasonable dose. Those who experience inflammation, excess heat, burning, indigestion, etc from coffee should definitely avoid it, however, and if a caffeine-style stimulant is still desired, something like yerba mate, guayusa, or green/white tea would be better. Avoid black, blue, and fermented tea leaf during gallbladder complaints, however.
I agree that people with gallbladder complaints should generally avoid animal fats and opt for temporary replacements during therapy. There are many reasons – not that animal products are unhealthy or necessarily unbeneficial, but that there are too many factors to consider, and they’re unnecessary for resolution of gallbladder complaints. Animal proteins should, however, definitely be restricted when trying to resolve gallbladder congestion and inflammation. The amount will vary between people; some may be able to continue eating a half pound of steak with dinner, while others will have to cut out meat and dairy entirely. Intuition will guide those who don’t have access to a competent physician.
One last thing: stewed apples, spiced correctly, with or without salt, can help in gallbladder complaints regardless of constitution. I’ve had a lot of success with recommending apples. Raw apples will have much smaller effects – cook them in clean water for 10-30 minutes at a simmer or rolling boil. Add your choice of cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, dried clove bud, cardamom, and/or nutmeg. (See guides on the best spices for your “doshic type” for a general guide if you’re concerned about how it will affect you.) For non-emaciated people, choosing a day or two out of the week to fast until dinner, and then eating only apple stew (3-5 apples) for dinner can be a very effective, gentle therapy. Stewed citrus peel from organic oranges, lemons, and limes may also help those who react well to citrus – in fact, both the fiber in citrus and apples, the organic acids, and the volatile oils (limonene especially) have been used by themselves to resolve gallbladder complaints in a clinical setting. Together, they make a strong therapeutic tool. Kapha individuals can even add lemon/lime “essential oil” massage to their routine – dilute with a carrier oil and apply over the gallbladder, let sit for 15-30 minutes, then clean it off with soap. Vata-imbalanced people should not do this, however.
(Okay, done.)
Samia says
“As a result of 60 years of a cholesterol-free, highly processed, sugar-laden diet…”
Where do people eat as you describe? The above 3 things don’t go together at all, in the real world. Very few people who consume highly processed, sugary foods also avoid cholesterol-free foods. Plenty of animal fats (from meat) usually accompany processed and sugar loaded foods.
The gallbladder is very much a partner of the liver and any problems that affect the liver affect the GB as well. It is not a simple matter.
Bonnie Frey says
Hi John, I have gall stones and am trying to integrate your suggestions into my diet. I seem to have trouble with raw or lightly steamed beets though (and maybe even well cooked) — they irritate my rectal area significantly when I pass them. Have you heard of this before?
Sarah Lock says
Dr. John,
Thank you for all the information you make readily available. I am concerned about taking flax oil as flax seems to mess with my hormones (I’m a woman) and makes me break out, typically. Is this still the best choice for women or should be substitute with something else if we are sensitive to flax seed?
Thank so much!!!
Simonne Donaldson says
Hi, this is the first site I cam across that said to avoid grapefruit. I have gallstones, and I have been reading about gallstone flushes with grapefruit as one of the ingredients. Can you please explain the issue with this fruit? I’m also curious about oranges too.
ritu says
dont beets increase gallstones or trigger the fromation of gallstones?please clear my doubt ?
Gina says
I have a question. You list all saturated fat to be avoided, but I can’t help but wonder: which saturated fat? Especially since you list coconut as a food to eat. So can you help me dispel my confusion?
Elaine Barry says
.I
Hi my name is Elaine, and I had gallbladder surgery 5 months ago. I recently noticed that I cant eat everything like I use to. My stomach always feels bloated after a meal. I also cant seem to eat alot at one meal either. I am also concerned about losing weight because I cant eat high calorie foods since the removal of my Gallbladder. What can you suggest as far as recipes, and vitamins. I only weigh 95 pounds and Im trying to gain some weight. Anything you can advise me.
Heather Karamol says
Hi, I’m reading your new book & found this article when seeking clarification. The beet tonic recipe…it says to mix one beet, lemon juice and oil and eat one beet’s worth daily…so you make this whole recipe every day or is one of the measurements mis-typed? If it’s accurate, do you eat all at once or a little with each meal? Excellent book…really looking forward to healing! Thank you for clarification!
Cruznv says
Would these Diet suggestions still be advised with a Gallstone in my duct? It has not totally obstructed yet but I suffer from a ongoing mild, pain in my right upper quadrant and occasionally upper back, which increases after eating. And now I have had a almost, non-stop heartburn/acid reflux the last week or so. Trying to avoid bad fats with little good fat intake. Any suggestions would help…. Not a fan of Gallbladder removal but surgeon thinks its inevitable, awaiting surgery date in the next month….
Igal says
hello, its says to avoid saturated fat, but what about Ghee and Coconut Oil…?
John Douillard says
Coconut oil can be beneficial for those who do not have a gallbladder, and is typically used in substitution of ghee during cleansing. You may enjoy this video: https://lifespa.com/balance-cholesterol-naturally/
Sandi McInerney says
Hello, It is very confusing to me to read these articles and recommendations for the issues I am having and getting different recommendations from the doctors I am seeing. I was recently diagnosed with gallbladder sludge and was told I should have it removed after a few severe gallbladder attacks that landed me in the ER. I was told to eat absolutely no fats and nothing with any type of fats in it at all, even the healthy fats. Why would they suggest this type of diet when all the literature suggests that these healthy oils and foods are good for the gallbladder? I’ve read so much about the negative affects of removing it, I really don’t want to. I am hungry for some healthy foods besides dry toast and salads with no dressing. What can I eat?
Cruznv says
I”m in the very same boat as you Sandi. I also have been diagnosed with a Stone in my bile duct. Its not totally obstructing bile flow, but could at anytime…. Waiting my surgery date, but hate thoughts of having gallbladder removed. I’d like to see feedback on this….
Kimberly Campbell says
Hi
I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer and now have issues with my gall bladder. Unfortunately, the doctors can not remove the gallbladder as it will compromise the tumor. My question is are there any recipes out there that will be both soothing to the pancreas as well as the gall bladder? My weight is a big issue right now and it has been awhile since I have wanted food now that I find myself having an appetite, it is a struggle because everything I try to eat be it good or bad tend to upset my stomach or I’m running to the bathroom.So do you have any suggestion on full menus
John Douillard says
Hi Kimberly. The recipes in this article are a great start. In order to understand the root causes of your concerns it is best to set up a consultation. You can learn more about those here: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Be well.
Kelly says
Sir, I could use some advise. I’ve been anemic since I was born pretty much, but I recently found out that my vitamin b levels are down, vitamin d levels too. I’ve been constipated all my life (I used to think it was normal) I’ve actually gone a whole month before. Once I realized that was a bad thing I’ve gone from one fiber drink to the next laxative to giving myself enemas. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at ten and depression and anxiety at 18. That being said my chiropractor thinks I have low stomach acid but I don’t know if my symptoms fit that of wheat belly or something else does it matter? My chiropractor also said he’d like to see me off my anti depressants so I tried taking myself off my anti anxiety meds first (because it’s not quite as scary for me…I had to go back on them) I’m just not the kind of person I want to be without them….without going into detail. Do you have any suggestions?
Kelly walker
John Douillard says
Hi Kelly,
I’d love to work with you myself or have my colleague Tauna Houghton guide you with some really targeted herbal, health and lifestyle recommendations. If you’re interested in learning more about the consultations we do here, please check out this link: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Be well,
Dr John
Rhonda Farris says
Dr. Douillard,
Three years ago I had an “emergency” laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Now I am in worse health than I have ever been in my entire life. I have a host of issues, acid reflux, stomach pain, stomach bloating, constipation, low energy, joint pain, brain fog, hyper-emotional and occasionally feeling paranoid too. I need help and don’t know where to start. What do you recommend?
Sincerely,
Mrs. HELP! I need balance in my life…
John Douillard says
Hi Rhonda,
I think a consultation would be the best way to address these issues. You can read more about those and even book online here… https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/clinic/
I can also be reached via e-mail at [email protected]
Be well,
Dr. John
Diane says
Hello Doctor,
Would you kindly elaborate on what foods to eat after your gall bladder has been removed. I’ve searched your site and cannot find any assistance. In your gall bladder article you mentioned that your advice was for gall bladder health and not to be used if you’ve had your gall bladder removed, and that we should stay tuned for more on living without the gall bladder. I feel stuck to do anything without further information. It seems difficult to find consistent info on the internet in general. Some say you don’t need a gall bladder, some say keto diet is ok without gall bladder, some say you must take enzymes and ox bile at every meal. You sound so knowledgeable and I’m eager to hear your opinion.
Lade says
I have gallballader remove last week what type of Food and fruit can I be taken now
Susanne Warren says
Looking forward to the article about what to eat after your gall bladder is removed. My husband is scheduled for surgery to have his removed in a few weeks. Probably too late to do anything about it–it’s not emptying and he has several polyps. But what like to know how to keep him healthy after it’s removed.
Liz Perkins says
Hi Dr. John,
Thanks for all the amazing content! I just finished another fall colorado cleanse and 7 other people did it with me. This is my 8th Colorado Cleanse and I have done 6-8 short home cleanses. I am starting to like beets now. Ha Ha. So here is my question for you. I think I need to work on my gallbladder, since yesterday I made a beet juice with cilantro, apple, carrot and chard. I was so surprised, I was slightly nauseous. I always do advanced ghee dosage and no problem.
Thanks! I met you at Kripalu and I tell all my clients and students about you. 🙂
with gratitude,
liz
John Douillard says
Hi Liz,
Congratulations on completing another cleanse and thanks for your support.
The juice might have been a bit of a sugar rush after the 2 week cleanse more than a gallbladder issue. Did you blend the fruits and veggies or juice them?
Cindy says
I also had my gallbladder removed several years ago. I also have trouble with high blood sugar, so have to be careful what I eat. I’m not sure if beets would cause a spike in blood sugar. I have several symptoms of poor digestion (burping, bloating and flatulence). What do you advise to help digestion if you no longer have a gallbladder?
Suzanne says
I also would like to know this as I have similar symptoms.
Lisa Kentala says
Beets regulate blood sugar. Just make sure you do not ADD sugar to them. I know it’s difficult to find beet recipes without added sugar, but they are out there.
Tamara says
I’m loving all this information. A few questions though. It is my understanding that beets are quite difficult to digest and especially raw beets. I’m currently taking Life Spa’s Beet Digest capsules and I drink Beet Kvass but I would love to feel more comfortable about consuming difficult to digest beets.
According to some basic Ayurvedic dietary principals, fruit is not to be consumed with other foods consequently I don’t understand why its okay to eat apples after a meal. This certainly makes it much easier to get apples into the diet. The separation of fruit combined with any other food has stopped me from eating fruit at all. If I eat it for breakfast on its own or with another fruit, I’m hungry within an hour.
pftinfocenter says
Pictures are very cool! Where did you get tgem from?
pictures?
Deb says
Hi John. Thanks for sending out so much good stuff to read. Love you for that. I drink beet juice daily. Do u think that is a good alternative to the beet salad? I add apple, carrot and ginger to 3 beets. Thanks for any feedback. PS I’m not experiencing any GB issues and can’t live w/o your adhwaganda. Daily vitamin for me
Thanks again.
Deb
Shannon says
Thank you, John
Ok, one more question – The above article says to drink 1-3 Green Smoothies per day. The quantities are larger than in your recipe in the Colorado Cleanse book and the book recipe makes quite a lot. I haven’t made the above recipe yet, but It seems like it would make a huge smoothie. Am I seeing this correctly or is there a typo?
John Douillard says
Hi Shannon,
The green smoothie will be fine in the fridge for a few days so you do not need to consume the whole batch in 1 day. Listen to your body as far as how much to drink in a day – no need to force drinking more than feels comfortable.
Kris Slawinski says
I cannot eat celery because, like nightshades (I know celery is not a nightshade!), it makes my hands ache. I am wondering what I can add instead of celery to the Green Smoothie?
Also when I did the Colorado Cleanse two years ago, although I felt really great for the most part (and hope to do it again this fall!), I experienced an uptick in an itchy skin problem and have come to suspect only recently that it might be due to lemon juice. What can I use instead of the lemon juice in the beet tonic? Thanks!
John Douillard says
Hi Kris,
You can add any seasonal greens that you would like to the Green Smoothie. For the beet tonic, you can simply omit the lemon juice or flavor it according to your taste within the cleanse guidelines.
Shannon says
Thanks for the article! It seems like you wrote it just for me based on our conversation last Monday. It was great to learn more about this subject. Question: What can I do about my teeth becoming overly sensitive when I have lemon juice regularly with the beet salad. I can remove the lemon but I’m guessing it’s part of the healing process and it tastes so good!
John Douillard says
Hi Shannon,
You can use the lemon in water instead of the beet salad so that your teeth do not have as much contact with the acid. Also, rinse your mouth with plain water after consuming lemon. Hope that helps!
oonagh says
Using a straw when drinking lemon juice bypasses any enamel stripping issues! also lime juice is a good substitute for lemon, when making beet salad….
Chris redfearn says
Presume this is best,root salad ? Can this be picked beetroot in vinegar ? Thanks. Just seen this after having surgerythis wee. Many thanks
Shannon says
I suffered with sensitive teeth for over a decade getting by using sensedyne toothpaste. I found information on how you can heal cavities and rebuild enamel and started using fermented codliver oil and high vitamin butter oil daily and within 2 weeks sensitivity was gone. Also enamel regrew where a tooth had broken. I would not have believed it unless I experienced it myself.
I also am anxiously awaiting the article for those who have had their gallbladder removed.
christine says
my dentist says that you cannot regrow enamel. If your tooth broke there are nerves that are exposed so of course your tooth would hurt. So have you added on a crown to that tooth yet?
Cindy Pritzkau says
WOW where do you get the fermented cod liver oil and the vitamin butter?!?
Joan says
Gall bladder out and then diagnosed years later with “collagenous colitis” – 3 years ago – – have had 3 flareups – Have read that Enzymes are needed, although my Gastro surgeon did not mention that. I also have lot’s of inflammation.(corner of eyelids show it). Is that a truth?
John Douillard says
Dear Joan:
In these types of situations, I prefer to consult and get your whole health history. You can find out more about consultations here: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/
Shirley says
Shannon,
I have been searching the internet for a natural way to heal a cracked premolar for my 14 year old son. It is rare at his age to have such a huge crack across tooth which will need a crown. Did you use the method from Ramiel Nagel’s book of Cure Tooth Decay?
And where do you purchase fermented cod liver oil?
And did you use Organic Pastures raw butter from grass feed cows?
Thanks for your help.
Shirley
Sharon says
I’ve also had my gallbladder removed and continue to experience many of the symptoms noted in your article. I am anxious to read the upcoming articles relating to gallbladder removal and beyond.
Lisa Kentala says
I has my gallbladder removed in 2008 because of 100s of gallstones. A few years after this I developed ongoing abdominal pains – had ct scans, ultra sound, etc. No dr could help. I had an intuition this was somehow related to my past gb problems. Searching the internet I found your site that mentioned beets could thin bile. Within a few days of eating beets all pain was gone!! I believe my body tends to thicken bile with or without a gallbladder. I’ve eaten beets regularly since then.
Lynne Gray says
John, hmmmm!! The only food I avoid is hydrogenated fat. I eat plenty of all the other foods you list on the “foods to avoid” list. I follow the Weston Price way of eating–raw dairy, unprocessed organic foods, pastured, grass-fed meat and fowl, plenty of organic fruits and vegetables etc. I use raw honey and grade B maple syrup as sweeteners and eat plenty of coconut oil, butter, and ghee (all saturated fats). I drink one to two cups of coffee each day and consume a limited amount of alcohol throughout the day as herbal tinctures. I taught meditation for Deepak Chopra for years and meditate several times each day. I haven’t seen a physician in 6 years, feel better now than I have in the past 25 years, and am now 76 yr old. When I began including fermented cod liver oil into my diet, my digestion was a mess. No matter what time of day with or without food, I burped all day long (or all night). However, I kept at it and now have absolutely no trouble with any kind of healthy fat. I feel that there is no pixie dust when it comes to the right diet. Eating unprocessed, healthy organic foods, just like great grandma and grandpa did, balancing the autonomic nervous system through daily meditation, and developing a sense of gratitude for life itself and all it brings, I feel are what’s important.
John Douillard says
Hi Lynne,
Hydrogenated oils are probably best for everyone to avoid. Most of the other foods on that list are fine for people who are not trying to really target gall bladder health specifically. It sounds like you are healthy and feeling good. If you do not have trouble with health fat, that is a good indicator that your gall bladder is working well.