What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are crystallized deposits of cholesterol and other bile constituents that are formed in the bile ducts and the gallbladder.When the gallbladder and bile ducts are congested with gallstones and biliary sludge, appropriate bile flow is hindered. Bile is an important part of physiology because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Proper bile function protects gut integrity, promotes effective detoxification, and ensures the digestion and assimilation of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Ensuring proper biliary function is a vital piece of optimal health.
Identifying Gallstones
While there are many symptoms that arise because of gallstone formation, identifying them requires imaging through ultrasound or CT scans. While we usually recommend specific herbs and nutrients to shrink larger gallstones before a flush, imaging can be helpful in understanding gallstone status and monitoring progress in their removal.There are various markers on blood work that can indicate poor gallbladder function, liver impairment, and risk factors for gallstones. Some of these include high ALT, AST, bilirubin, LDH, GGT, ALP, and 5ʹ-nucleotidase. Good doctors check many of these, especially if biliary issues are suspected. Our clinic includes them in routine functional and integrative lab testing.
If you’re experiencing gallbladder symptoms or have known gallstones, it’s important to facilitate the proper gallbladder function. Compounds including beetroot, taurine, phosphatidylcholine, lemon, peppermint, and vitamin C have all been shown to reduce the repercussions of gallstones and help shrink and dissolve them. Sometimes, individuals feel better by flushing gallstones from the gallbladder. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a gallstone-laden gallbladder doesn’t need to be removed in order to resolve symptoms. The human body wasn’t designed with spare parts and the gallbladder plays an important role in our optimal physiology.
Healing Ingredients
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is high in malic acid. Malic acid is a helpful compound for softening and breaking down gallstones.Magnesium Sulfate Capsules
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) draws water into the intestines and has laxative effects. Additionally, it helps to dilate bile ducts for safe and effective gallstone removal. Some people dilute Epsom salts into water to take it instead of using the capsules. It has a bitter, unpleasant taste, so most choose capsules. Mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts with 3 cups of water. This will make four 6 ounce (3/4 cup) servings of epsom salt solution.Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Be sure to source pure extra-virgin olive oil; you will need 1/2 cup. When consumed, this will cause the gallbladder to speedily release bile.Organic Grapefruit
Six ounces of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice combined with the extra-virgin olive oil helps to aid the flush. If your body has an aversion to grapefruit, you can use equal parts of freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice instead.Preparing for the Flush
One week before the flush, take two tablespoons of tart cherry juice concentrate daily. The malic acid in tart cherry juice helps to soften gallstones. It’s delicious stirred into mineral water. Some people drink 32 ounces of organic apple juice in preparation because of its high malic acid content. While this is effective, it’s also excessively more food sugar than most people need. There are also malic acid supplements available if you choose to not take tart cherry concentrate. Magnesium malate is also helpful in softening gallstones.The Flush
Breakfast
On the day of the flush, eat a complex carbohydrate breakfast with no fat. Oatmeal with fruit is a good choice. It’s important to not eat fat, as that affects bile flow and could hinder the passing of gallstones. Also, fat consumption could lead to feeling ill throughout the night. Avoid protein food, nuts, avocado, butter, or oil on the day of the flush.Don’t take supplements the day of the flush, except for those indicated below. Consult with your doctor prior to the flush, especially if you’re on prescription medication. Stay hydrated by drinking clean, filtered water throughout the day.
1:30 p.m.
At this point, stop eating and drinking anything other than water. A light lunch of steamed rice and vegetables with unrefined salt is acceptable.6 p.m.
Take the first dose of 15 magnesium sulfate capsules with at least eight ounces of water. Alternatively, you can drink six ounces of the Epsom salt solution mentioned above.8 p.m.
Take the second dose of 15 magnesium sulfate capsules or six ounces of the Epsom salt solution. It’s important to take it easy and rest throughout the evening. You may feel some movement in the gastrointestinal tract as water is drawn into the intestines because of the magnesium sulfate.9:45 p.m.
Prepare the fat solution. Cut grapefruits in half and juice them. You'll need four to six ounces. Alternatively, you can use four ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Combine the fruit juice and four ounces of extra-virgin olive oil in a pint jar with a tightly fitting lid. Shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to emulsify the solution. Visit the bathroom one last time and clean up the kitchen.You can prepare a castor oil pack to facilitate gallstone removal, if desired. This isn’t necessary, but some people say it helps. Simply apply a couple of tablespoons of castor oil to organic cotton flannel and place it over the liver and gallbladder area, under the ribcage on the right side of the body.
10 p.m.
Drink the solution. Some people find it helpful to drink it through a straw. Lay down in bed immediately. The flush won’t work unless you lie down in bed on your back. You must stay completely still for a minimum of 30 minutes. Ideally, you'll fall asleep for the night.6 a.m.
Between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., or upon waking, take the third dose of magnesium sulfate capsules or the Epsom salt solution. Go to the bathroom throughout the morning as needed. Observe what you’re passing. Be sure to stay hydrated, drinking clean, filtered water throughout the morning. Plan to rest throughout the morning as the body is working hard to pass gallstones and detox.8 a.m.
Take the fourth dose of magnesium sulfate capsules or the Epson salt solution. You'll continue to need to use the bathroom and pass gallstones.10 a.m.
Drink a small glass of tart cherry concentrate and mineral water, apple juice, or bone broth, if you’re feeling up to it.12 p.m.
A light lunch can be eaten; fresh fruit is usually best tolerated at this point. If digestion still feels a little off, most people are back to eating normally by dinner. We recommend avoiding gluten and dairy for people with gallbladder concerns, but they should especially be avoided for the next several days. If you have known food sensitivities, please continue to avoid them.Safety
Working with a practitioner to shrink and flush gallstones can be an important part of achieving overall health. Many people successfully flush gallstones with no problem when gallbladder flush instructions are followed precisely. Those with underlying medical conditions, young children, and pregnant and nursing mothers shouldn’t do a gallbladder flush.It’s wise to work with a skilled clinician to assess underlying factors that could be contributing to gallstones and facilitating the body for proper removal.
