Gallbladder stones, also known as gallstones, can be a painful and disruptive condition in our daily activities. In most cases, an expensive surgery is the solution.
However, holistic health coaches and Ayurveda (traditional Hindu system of medicine originating from the Indian subcontinent) experts say these stones can be eliminated with the right diet and nutrition.
According to clinical nutritionist Dt. Ridhima Gupta (India), gallstones can be eliminated through proper diet and nutrition, as long as the case is not serious and complicated, or the patient does not have underlying metabolic disorders.
Suitable foods
“While a holistic approach that includes dietary interventions, physical activity, sleep and stress management is key to addressing this issue, there are certain foods that are more supportive in the case of gallstones,” says Gupta.
Apple cider vinegar is an important part of a detox diet. Reducing hydrochloric acid is one of the main causes of gallstones and apple cider vinegar helps control the acid levels, thereby indirectly helping to solve the problem.
Or apple juice is said to soften gallstones and thus, easily pass them from the body. Additionally, artichokes are another superfood that helps lower LDL levels, reduce the formation and promote the dissolution of gallstones, a type of cholesterol.
“Patients on this diet are mainly asked to drink apple juice, vegetable juice throughout the day and olive oil with lemon juice in the evening,” says Ms Gupta.
Castor oil compresses are another folk remedy, says Gupta. Or a warm washcloth soaked in castor oil is then applied to the abdomen. These compresses are said to relieve pain and help treat gallstones.
Can pineapple help get rid of gallstones?
“The truth is, pineapple actually helps reduce inflammation in organs due to the presence of the bioactive compound Bromelain and high concentrations of ascorbic acid. This reduces irritation and pain. Reducing inflammation can actually help a person delay the need for surgical intervention,” explains Gupta.
However, the clinical expert also warned that patients with diabetes and high potassium levels should be careful before trying it.
People with gallstones should avoid processed and spicy foods, Gupta added, stressing the importance of incorporating physical activity and some yoga poses into their daily routine.
Note
Ms Gupta said that patients need to seek timely surgical intervention instead of natural methods if they start experiencing symptoms such as right upper or mid upper abdominal pain, black stools, jaundice and diagnostic findings such as cholecystitis, multiple stones, stones larger than 7-10mm or in case of large stones blocking the gallbladder duct or drainage tube.
