The gallbladder may seem like an insignificant organ, but it actually plays a crucial role in our bodies. While it is possible to live without a gallbladder, many individuals experience health issues after its removal without realizing the connection. The gallbladder acts as a storage tank for bile, a substance primarily produced by the liver. Bile or bile salts aid in breaking down and emulsification of fats in our diet. When the gallbladder is absent, the liver continues to produce bile, but the supply is limited. This limitation can interfere with fat digestion and utilization, leading to various problems such as bloating, gas, constipation, and toxicity after consuming high-fat foods.
The Importance of Fats
One might wonder why the absence of a gallbladder matters and why individuals can’t simply avoid consuming fats. Fats are not only vital for our overall health but also serve as the building blocks for many hormones in our bodies. Additionally, they facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fats also help keep us satiated for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals and aiding in weight loss. Furthermore, they play a role in digesting certain proteins. It’s important to note that when naturally occurring fats are removed from foods, such as in low-fat yogurt, manufacturers often compensate by adding sugar, which can negatively impact our metabolism, insulin production, and cortisol output.
Estrogen and Gallbladder Disease
There exists a close relationship between estrogen dominance and gallbladder issues. Estrogen, primarily produced by the ovaries in women and the testes in men, regulates the growth, development, and function of the reproductive system. It also influences other systems, including the neuroendocrine, skeletal, adipose fat storage, and cardiovascular systems. After estrogen has fulfilled its tasks, it must be eliminated from the body, making room for new estrogen production. The liver processes old estrogen, combining it with bile from the gallbladder to remove it through the digestive tract. If the gallbladder is either surgically removed or functioning poorly, it becomes difficult to eliminate excess estrogen. This buildup of estrogen can lead to imbalances in hormone levels, particularly the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, and can affect the thyroid.
Protecting Your Gallbladder and Clearing Excess Estrogen
To ensure a healthy gallbladder that can effectively eliminate excess estrogen, it’s crucial to support the proper functioning of bile. During digestion, food moves from the stomach to the duodenum and eventually reaches the small intestines. A healthy gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the duodenum to break down and emulsify fats. Fully emulsified fats can be accessed and used for various bodily functions. If fats remain un-emulsified, they pass through the digestive tract, often causing bloating, cramps, and gas. Floating stools may indicate an excess of undigested fat.
Maintaining Healthy Bile
Eating a real food diet is essential for maintaining healthy bile. This includes consuming high-quality proteins like grass-fed beef, lamb, poultry, fish, and pasture-raised eggs. Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits, and nuts into your meals. Opt for whole milk dairy products, such as milk, plain yogurt, and aged cheeses, if well tolerated, and avoid homogenized or ultra-pasteurized dairy. It’s also important to consume healthy fats like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and butter from grass-fed cows. Occasionally, cold-pressed nut or seed oils like walnut or sesame oil can be added.
Avoiding Unhealthy Fats and Toxins
On the other hand, steer clear of unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, margarine, deep-fried foods, and industrial seed oils as well as vegetable, corn, and canola oils. These processed and sometimes chemically deodorized oils are toxic to both the gallbladder and the body as a whole. Additionally, minimize exposure to toxins found in foods sprayed with fertilizers and pesticides, as well as drugs and excessive caffeine and alcohol. These substances can overwork and slow down the liver and gallbladder.
Exercise Regularly
Movement and activity help all systems of the body to flow better. Activities such as walking, running, jumping rope, or bouncing on a trampoline stimulates gallbladder and aids in bile production.
No Gallbladder? No Problem!
Even without a gallbladder, it is possible to produce healthy bile, eliminate excess estrogen and other hormones, and maintain the functionality of systems reliant on healthy fat digestion. By following the steps outlined above and incorporating bile salts into your meals, you can aid in the breakdown of fats.
Understanding the impact of gallbladder issues on hormones is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. The gallbladder’s role in fat digestion and hormone regulation should not be underestimated. By adopting a real food diet, avoiding unhealthy fats and toxins, and supporting the gallbladder’s function, we can protect our bodies from the adverse effects of gallbladder issues and maintain a harmonious hormonal balance.
