Love Your Liver ♥ Keep Your Gallbladder

Your liver performs over 500 functions including detoxification, excreting and burning fat, protein synthesis, and producing bile to aid in digestion and emulsifying fats. The liver filters, regulates and stores blood. It’s the storage site for many essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, B12, vitamins A, D, E and K. The liver plays an important role in metabolism, digestion and healthy hormones, including the thyroid.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is located directly beneath the liver. It is one of the most important organs in the body aiding to digest fat by producing and storing bile (a compound of cholesterol). The gallbladder functions to process cholesterol, clean all tissues, digest fats and enhance brain function. The gallbladder's job of storing and emptying bile is dependent on the liver (it's paired organ) ensuring a smooth flow of Qi (energy).

When you eat too many fried foods, sugar, fructose, grains and processed junk foods, bile can become saturated with cholesterol causing the cholesterol to form solid crystals, accumulating into stones. A sluggish, congested liver is often associated with gallstones.

Many doctors recommend gallbladder removal when gallstones are present, however be informed: gallbladder removal comes with consequences and will set you up for lifelong digestive problems and a much higher likelihood of being overweight. Nearly 500,000 gallbladders are removed annually! Surgery is not a walk in the park either with 40 percent of postcholecystectomy patients still having symptoms of nausea, pain, gas, bloating, IBS, scarring and food intolerance afterwards.

Once the gallbladder is removed, the ability to store bile in the gallbladder is lost, and bile continually flows through the bile ducts into the small intestine. The ability to dissolve, digest and absorb dietary fat is drastically reduced when the gallbladder is removed and places more stress on the liver.

Food sensitivities cause more than 99.9% of all gallbladder attacks. According to one of my mentors, Jonathan Wright, M.D. 93 percent are allergic, sensitive or intolerant to eggs (specifically the egg white). Those with gallbladder dysfunction, including those who have have had their gallbladder removed are almost always intolerant to casein, wheat and gluten and do best avoiding these the remainder of their lives.

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), specific organs have a two hour time period when the Qi (energy) is at its peak in that meridian. The gallbladder meridian is most active between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The liver meridian is most active between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Consistently waking during these hours is an indication that the gallbladder or liver is out of balance. When the energy of a meridian is not flowing well due to a block such as unhealthy eating, toxic overload or stress, you’ll experience a sign or symptom from the meridian(s) involved.

Pre-disposing factors to consider with gallstones, thick bile and gallbladder dysfunction include the following:

diets high in sugar, wheat, processed carbs, hydrogenated & trans fats, fried foods, fructose and dairy
hormonal imbalances (specifically thyroid and ovarian) and estrogen dominance
obesity
hypochlorhydria
digestion problems
insufficient water intake
fat malabsorption, which results from poor digestion and specifically from one or more of these three causes: liver congestion, poor quality bile, lack of pancreatic enzymes

lack of fiber from leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables
folate and B12 deficiencies
food sensitivities
bottled-up and repressed emotions (anger, frustration, resentment)
Crohn’s disease
type 2 diabetes
constant runny nose (which can indicate a need for bile salts)

Symptoms of Impaired Bile Flow, Thick Bile and Gallbladder Dysfunction

* Pain over eyes	* Fish oil burps
* Inability to tolerate fatty foods	* Pain between shoulder blades
* Consistently waking between 11pm and 1am	* Gas and bloating
* Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)	* Pain along the IT Band
* Blurred vision. Cataracts. Glaucoma.	* Cramping at the 4th toe, knees & thighs
* Sticky coating on right side of tongue	* Dizziness
* Pain in web between right thumb & forefinger	* Light or clay colored stools. Greasy stools
* Bitter taste in the mouth	* Stools that float

Pre-disposing factors to consider with liver problems include diabetes, viral infections of the liver (hepatitis), alcoholism, overfed, undernourished and malnutrition, exposure to chemicals, heavy metal toxicity, recreational, OTC or prescription drug use, consumption of fructose and trans fats, repressed anger and prolonged, unmanaged stress.

As you can see from the lengthy list above, the healing protocol will vary depending on each individual’s unique biochemistry.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the U.S. One-third of the population suffers from NAFLD, and many don't even realize they have it. (Polyzos et al 2010, Schuppan et al 2010, Younossi 2008). It’s estimated that 70–80 percent of obese individuals have NAFLD.

NAFLD is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver cells in individuals with minimal or zero alcohol intake. It often goes undetected for years, and may eventually progress to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, liver cancer or full-blown liver failure. NAFLD is caused by poor dietary choices (primarily excess fructose, sugars and soda), and linked to increasing rates of diabesity and metabolic syndrome.

The liver is involved with digestion, the hormone system, blood sugar regulation, protein and fat metabolism. Many metabolic issues stem from liver dysfunction. When the liver becomes overloaded, congested and damaged, it’s ability to detox is compromised.

Symptoms and Conditions of a Sluggish, Congested Liver

* Skin problems; rashes; brown skin spots	* Heavy Metal Toxicity	* Increased cholesterol
* Distended stomach on a thin body	* Depression	* Cellulite
* Chemical and food sensitivities	* Chronic constipation	* Alcoholism
* Gynectomastia (man boobs)	* Insomnia	* Digestive dysfunction
* Deep vertical creases between brows	* Hypertension	* High Estrogen; PMS
* Consistent awakening between 1am - 3am	* Candida	* Sinusitis
* Weight loss resistance	* Hypochlorhydria	* Gallbladder dysfunction
* Unexplained fatigue	* Diabesity	* Hypothyroid
* Eye issues. Dark tint or bags under the eyes	* Increased belly fat	* Tinnitus
* Problems with connective tissue and muscles	* Nightmares	* Increased visceral fat
* Joint stiffness upon rising

If you wake up consistently during the night at the same time, or become exhausted at the same time every day in the afternoon, look at the meridian that’s active at that time and what may be happening with you.

The emotions that corresponds with the liver and gallbladder meridian include frustration, anger and resentment. Deep-seated anger increases risk of heart attack by 230 percent! (Mittleman et al, Circulation, 1995, vol 2). The liver is the most emotion sensitive organ and its weakness is often connected to emotional sensitivity.

The key responsibilities associated with the gallbladder and liver are decision making, determination and action. The liver controls ability to plan one’s life, while the gallbladder controls the capacity to make decisions.

Natural Remedies to Optimize Liver & Gallbladder Function

Start with your Diet. Use Food as Medicine.

Nourish your liver with a liver-lovin’ smoothie: blend beets, apples, lemon, carrots, dandelion greens, ginger and turmeric. Be sure to add some form of protein and fat such as avocado or coconut oil, which will increase nutrient absorption. Click here for more Liver Detox Smoothie Recipes
Support your gallbladder with foods that stimulate the production and flow or bile and liver-cleansing foods: dandelion greens, bitter greens and chlorophyll-rich leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, artichoke, asparagus, apples, beets and beet greens, cilantro, turmeric, garlic, walnuts, olive oil, green tea, avocado, lemons and limes, tart cherries and sauerkraut
Include more sulfur-rich foods: garlic, onions, egg yolks and cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress and fermented veggies: sauerkraut, dill pickles
Adequate protein from clean pasture-raised animals. Amino acids derive from protein-rich foods such as grass-fed meat, free-range pastured poultry and egg yolks are a primarily fuel source for the liver that metabolize amino acids to encourage detoxification.
Include more nutrient-rich cruciferous veggies in the brassica family (broccoli & broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, kale, collards, cabbage and Brussel sprouts) in your diet to reduce circulating estrogens and help the liver get rid of accumulated toxins..
Start your day with a cup of lemon or lime water. In a cup of water, add the juice of a fresh lemon, one tsp. apple cider vinegar, pinch of Celtic sea salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Proper hydration is essential to liver health. The addition of fresh lemon stabilizes blood sugar, creates an alkaline environment and gives your liver a boost.
Protect your liver and enjoy your morning cup of coffee, which may help to reduce risk of liver cancer.
Sip on a cup of dandelion root tea every day. Dandelion is a natural liver tonic and a gentle diuretic that is high in potassium.
Identify your personal food sensitivities (very common, especially in those with gallbladder problems)
Avoid the typical offending poisons: HFCS, sugar, processed carbohydrates, trans-fats, vegetable oils, alcohol, soda and sugary fruit juices, GMOs, glyphosate, pasteurized dairy, gluten, wheat and grains, processed, fake foods and artificial sweeteners
Use a daily detox powder to support healthy liver function…a couple of my favorites are ProtoClear, NutriClear and Mediclear SGS.
Coconut oil is easily digestible and does not require the liver or gallbladder to digest or emulsify it. Other healthy fats such as olive oil, macadamia nut oil, avocados, coconut butter and high-quality fish oil help repair the liver.
Those who consume at least 5 oz. of raw, organic nuts per week have a 25% lower risk of having a cholecystectomy compared with women who rarely or never ate nuts.
Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric supports healthy liver function.

Exercise tips

Move your body every day to prevent stagnation.
Yoga stimulates, regulates and enhances liver/gallbladder function through its combination of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation.
Practice, deep, slow breathing: inhale kindness, generosity, forgiveness and exhale anger, frustration and resentment while focusing on the color green and making the sound shhhhhh

Lifestyle tips

Consider acupuncture and acupressure
Apply castor oil packs on right side of abdomen two to three times per week
Keep your liver healthy with these smart and simple detox tips that are safe enough to do every day.
Sleep! Sleep deprivation inhibits efficient fat metabolism and causes fat to accumulate; predisposes the liver to oxidative stress, phospholipid damage and increases risk of fatty liver disease. As a society, we’re chronically sleep deprived and many underestimate the value of restful, uninterrupted sleep not only for a healthy functioning liver, but also for fat loss, hormone balance, brain, mood and memory function, and overall health.
A healthy liver is responsible for the delicate balance of hormones and is essential for healthy thyroid function and correcting estrogen dominance.
Rule out underlying infections such as bacterial, fungal, yeast, Candida and parasite infections with a Comprehensive Stool Analysis.
Manipulation to increase bile flow. Stimulating certain reflex points can help normalize the flow of bile, even if your gallbladder has been removed. Stimulate and massage these areas daily: the web of skin between the thumb and index finger on the right hand, the bottom of the right foot in the mid-area is the reflex point for the small intestine and the rib cage on the right side.

Digital detox. Unplug and turn off electronics. Reduce exposure to EMFs. Spending a lot of time on the internet, playing video games, texting and constantly checking email via our smartphones and iPads creates an agitation in our bodies that quickly causes liver stagnation.
Avoid Rx drugs, antacids, OTC drugs, anti-inflammatory and pain meds, which are toxic to the liver.
Use natural skincare products. The average woman puts several hundred chemicals on her body every day, which compromises the lymph and liver.
Chinese medicine reminds us that the emotions of an unhappy liver/GB are anger, frustration and resentment. Embrace and engage in a process of emotional healing.
Avoid NSAIDS, plastics, thermal receipts, pesticides and other chemicals as much as possible. Elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver cell damage) were found in those with elevated BPA levels and subject who took NSAIDs. Taking Tylenol after drinking alcohol is a deadly combo not only for the liver, but also your kidneys.
The liver performs two phases of detoxification; Phase 1 (oxidation) and Phase 2 (conjugation). Optimize detoxification with these Smart and Simple Detox Tips that are safe enough to do every day.
Rule out heavy metal body burdens
Rule out underlying viral infections such as Epstein-Barr, CMV, hepatitis, herpes and HPV.
Monitor liver function with annual blood tests to detect elevated values (AST, ALT, GGT, triglycerides, iron, ferritin), digestion and immune markers.
Daily bowel movements. Constipation causes toxins to accumulate and stress the liver.
Consider a gentle gallbladder flush: 2-3 tablespoons olive oil with the juice of a fresh squeezed lemon, lime or grapefruit taken right before bedtime.

Nutrient support

As with all nutritional support, it’s not a one-fits-all approach. Schedule a consultation to determine your personal protocol unique to your biochemistry.

Bile Salts: Beta-TCP (a source of certified organic whole beet, taurine, vitamin C and pancrealipase) is especially beneficial for those who burp up fish oil, have trouble digesting fats, or have thick bile.
- If the gallbladder has been removed, use Beta-Plus instead of Beta TCP.
Livotrit Plus is an herbal prep with silymarin (milk thistle), which increases antioxidant status, protects the liver, supports detoxification, chelates excess iron, lowers ferritin and has anticancer potential. Livotrit Plus should always be used with Beta-TCP or Beta Plus.
Support your liver, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress with vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), alpha lipoic acid (R-ALA), folate and B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, curcumin, resveratrol and EGCG (the major polyphenol of green tea)
Zinc, B6 and magnesium. The liver needs magnesium and B vitamins, particularly B6 to detoxify estrogens
Phosphatidylcholine, an important supplement when liver cirrhosis is present.
Take Digestzymes, Betaine Plus HP or BioGest to support digestion
Probiotics at the end of your meal, after coffee or before bedtime (do not take probiotics at the same time as HCL)
Essential Fatty Acids. According to Jonathan Wright, M.D., if you have gallstones, 11gm/day of fish oil lowers cholesterol saturation of bile by 25 percent.

Nutrient and supplemental support. As with all nutritional support, it’s not a one-fits-all approach. Schedule a consultation to determine your personal nutrient protocol unique to your biochemistry.

As a holistic nutritionist and functional health practitioner, my philosophy is to identify the root cause of any underlying health issues, slowly "peel away the layers of the onion," and design a healing protocol and comprehensive LIFESTYLE plan specific to your unique biochemistry so you can heal, experience vibrant health, balanced hormones, healthy digestion, and look, think and feel better than ever for a lifetime. I consult with men and women around the world and with clients locally in the Phoenix area. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation!

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