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12 Fantastic Ways To Prevent Gallbladder Problems (#5 Is The Best!)
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Your gallbladder: For a small, four-inch, pear-sized organ, it sure can wreak a great deal of havoc! If you have ever had a gallbladder attack or gallstones, then you know how painful they can be.
The main function of the gallbladder is to store bile, a fluid that helps the body break down fat in the intestine. You can live without your gallbladder, but who wants to go through surgery?
In addition to stones, the gallbladder can develop other problems such as inflammation, biliary colic, and a dysfunctional issues. These problems tend to occur more with women than with men, and they can range from a minor annoyance to a major medical problem.
Although the symptoms of gallbladder problems can vary depending on the problem, common symptoms include pain beneath the right shoulder blade or even radiating to the upper back, pain in the right abdomen after eating a meal with a high fat content, heartburn, indigestion, excessive gas, chest pain, and bloating.
Some of these symptoms resemble a heart condition so you should always get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. But before you opt for surgery, try a few of the following 12 natural ways that you can prevent problems with your gallbladder.
1. Coffee
Although coffee can have its drawbacks, it is also a healthy source of antioxidants. Studies have shown that moderate amounts of regular, caffeinated coffee (about two cups a day) can reduce the risk of developing gallstones. It is interesting to note that caffeine from other beverages, such as tea or sodas, were not shown to have any benefit. So enjoy your coffee in the morning and don’t feel guilty about it.
2. Maintain A Healthy Weight
One of the major factors for developing gallstones is being overweight. If you are more than 20 pounds overweight, adjust your diet and exercise program so that you lose no more than two pounds a week. Losing weight rapidly, such as what often happens through crash diets, often leads to even more gallbladder problems. Eat a more natural diet and allow the weight to fall off gradually.
3. Radishes
Radishes are a wonderful option to help improve the gallbladder as they naturally increase the production of bile. However, too much a good thing can cause you further gallbladder problems. If you are already suffering from problems with your gallbladder, limit yourself to no more than one medium-sized, organic radish each day. If you simply want to avoid problems, then you can safely eat two or three each day if you love them.
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4. Get Moderate Exercise
Getting regular, moderate exercise can help to reduce your risk of developing problems with your gallbladder. Exercise will not only reduce cholesterol in the blood, which is a common problem for those with gallstones, but it will also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise will also help to keep the digestion running smoothly and improving the overall liver function, which both work in conjunction with the gallbladder. This means that regular, moderate exercise can help to improve the gallbladder, liver, and the digestive system. You don’t need to work out for an hour a day at the gym or run a marathon; simple walking, swimming, dancing, or bike riding can go a long way towards improving the health of your gallbladder.
SEE ALSO: Get Rid of Gallstones Naturally
5. Enjoy Some Wine
Consumed in moderation, drinking a glass or two of wine each day can help to reduce your chances of developing gallstones. Isn’t that great news?! One study, from 2009 at the University of East Anglia, found that two glasses of wine each day prevented the formation of gallstones. Keep in mind that excessive consumption of wine works against you, so do consume wine in moderation.
6. Dietary Changes
Your diet plays one of the biggest roles in the development of gallstones and other gallbladder problems. Eat more monounsaturated fats, such as avocados and olive oil, to lower your risk of developing stones. You should also limit your consumption of saturated fats such as butter, whole milk, and fatty cuts of meat. Eat low fat options such as skim milk, low fat yogurt, and lean chicken. Snack on nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and avoid sugar or simple carbs such as donuts. Eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget whole grain breads and cereals. You should also consume fatty fish twice a week or take an omega-3 fish oil supplement daily.
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7. Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is not actually salt but is magnesium sulfate, which supports a healthy gallbladder. An Epsom salt bath not only helps the body remove toxins, it dilates the bile duct so that the gallbladder does not get clogged or plugged up. Put one to two cups of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes, at least once a week.
8. Lemon Water
Lemon is a powerful detoxifying agent that will simulate your gallbladder to produce more bile, which will result in healthy digestion. Lemon will dissolve calcium deposits that cause gallstone formation. Lemon also supports the liver, helping it to get rid of toxins in the body. Mix the juice of ½ of an organic lemon in one glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If you like, you can also drink this mixture two or three times during the day.
9. Vegetable Juice
To keep your entire body, including the gallbladder and liver, healthy and working properly, there is nothing like a glass (or two) of fresh, organic vegetable juice each day to get the job done. You can mix vegetables to make an interesting taste or try juicing just one type of vegetable each day to improve the digestion, give you beautiful skin, improve your immune system and keep your gallbladder in tip top shape.
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10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help you to avoid gallbladder problems when consumed on a daily basis. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can help to prevent the buildup of body fat and even fat in the liver, which can cause problems with your gallbladder. Apple cider vinegar can also help you to lose weight and lower triglyceride levels. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink twice each day.
11. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that helps to remove toxins from the liver and the gallbladder in addition to improving your oral health. To practice oil pulling, simply put a tablespoon of sesame seed oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil in your mouth, first thing in the morning. Swish this oil around in your mouth, like the way you would a mouthwash, for between 10 to 20 minutes, and then simply spit the oil out into the trash can. Do not spit it in the sink or toilet as the oil can harden and clog your plumbing.
12. Green Tea
After you have enjoyed your two cups of coffee in the morning, why not enjoy a few cups of green tea? This tea contains polyphenols, which will improve the flow of bile and lower your cholesterol levels, preventing future problems with your gallbladder. If you aren’t a fan of green tea, you can take green tea supplements after speaking to your doctor about the proper dosage for your condition.
Gallbladder problems are no fun, so why not prevent them before they start? All it takes is a little effort on your part to help your liver and gallbladder continue their happy relationship for the rest of your life!
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