| Answer: | A There are two kinds of gallstone: calcified stones and fat deposits. The former need laser treatment to break them up. The latter respond to an increase in your intake of lecithin and a ' gallbladder flush' (see page 200). If you suspect you have a gallstone, you' ll need to discover which type. Calcified gallstones will probably be more painful, as they can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed. If you lie down and press down under your ribcage youcan normally detect whether this has happened, from the pain. A calcified stone will show up on an X-ray.
To ease the condition, increase fibre; this will stop bile being reabsorbed, which can contribute to gallstones. Take 3,000mcg (10,000iu) of vitamin A a day, as this will ensure a smooth lining to the gallbladder and thus prevent the bile from precipitating and forming stones. And sprinkle a tablespoon of lecithin granules, which help to emulsify fatty gallstones, on your cereal every morning, or have two 1,200mg lecithin capsules. It' s also key to limit your intake of fat, so avoid fried or processed foods - but make sure you get enough good fats in the form of oily fish, fresh nuts and seeds.
If you don' t have calcified stones, a nutritional therapist or naturopath may recommend a gallbladder flush. This involves drinking a lot of olive oil, swallowed down with lemon juice, a procedure that will probably leave you feeling quite nauseated. This acts to soften and remove fat-based gallbladder deposits. However, do not do this without professional guidance. |
