Gallbladder Gone? Here’s How To Thrive!

Hola friends,

Yesterday I was on a call with a client that had her gallbladder removed years ago.  This procedure is quite common and tends to leave people with lifelong digestive and GI issues… that is, until they work with me! In my experience, some simple dietary changes and supplementation support can completely resolve these digestive issues and get people feeling MUCH more comfortable day to day. 

In today's discussion, let's delve into the function of the gallbladder, why it is often removed, its role in digestion, and how to manage digestive health post-removal.

The Function of the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile plays a critical role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. When we consume fatty foods, which is necessary for optimal health, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine, where it helps break down fats into fatty acids, making them easier for the body to absorb.

Why is the Gallbladder Often Removed?

Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure. It is typically performed to address gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause severe pain, inflammation, and infections. In some cases, they can block the bile ducts, leading to more serious complications like pancreatitis. Other reasons for gallbladder removal include gallbladder cancer and biliary dyskinesia, a condition where the gallbladder doesn't empty bile properly.

While I’m no surgeon, it seems worth mentioning that  in some scenarios, providing your gallbladder some supplemental support can improve function and eliminate the need for complete surgical removal. When surgery is on the table, it’s almost always worth considering every other option. 

Digestion Without a Gallbladder 

As mentioned earlier, the gallbladder's main role is to aid in fat digestion by storing and concentrating bile. When the gallbladder is removed, the liver still produces bile, but instead of being stored in the gallbladder, it drips continuously into the small intestine. This continuous flow of bile can be less efficient at digesting large amounts of fat at once, which can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas, especially after consuming fatty meals.

Managing Digestive Health Post-Gallbladder Removal

If you've had your gallbladder removed, it's important to take steps to support digestive health. Here are some tips and supplements that can help:

Dietary Adjustments:

   - Higher Carb to Fat Ratio: Since the body can no longer regulate the release of bile, it's helpful to consume smaller amounts of fat at meal time. Opt for lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, with a small amount of fat in each meal. Keeping metabolic health in mind, a higher carb to fat macronutrient ratio may be appropriate. 

   - Frequent, Small Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help the digestive system handle fat more efficiently. This is consistent with our recommendation of eating 4x per day and avoiding intermittent fasting which necessitates fewer and larger meals. 

   - Fiber Intake: Incorporating soluble fiber into your diet can help manage diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool. Foods rich in soluble fiber include brussels, sweet potatoes, asparagus, apples, and carrots. Supplements like psyllium husk should generally be avoided with a preference for whole foods due to the propensity of these fiber supplements to challenge the gut in unnecessary ways. 

Supplementation Protocol

   - Bile Salts: Taking an Ox Bile supplement can dramatically help improve fat digestion and absorption. We typically see great results with 1-2g of high quality Ox Bile taken before each meal. 

   - Digestive Enzymes: Supplementing with the right digestive enzymes can assist in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, easing the digestive process. We consider this a Level 2 approach and will recommend titrating up digestive enzyme supplementation prior to each meal if Ox Bile doesn’t completely normalize digestive symptoms.  

   - Probiotics: Maintaining a healthy gut flora is essential for overall digestive health. Probiotics can support a balanced gut microbiome, reducing symptoms like bloating and gas. We’ve seen the most client success with the brand Seed, likely due to their unique delivery system and high diversity of bacterial strains.

Understanding the role of the gallbladder and how to manage digestive health without it is key to maintaining overall well-being. By making dietary adjustments and incorporating beneficial supplements, those without a gallbladder can continue to lead a healthy, active lifestyle without significant digestive discomfort.

Want some help fine tuning your post-cholecystectomy supplementation and dietary approach?  Reach out, we’d love to help you get into a more comfortable rhythm. 

Tyler