Gall-Bladder Disorders

The gall-bladder is a pear-shaped organ, 10 cm. long and three to five cm. wide,attached to the

under-surface of the liver on the right side. The main function of the gall-bladder is to store the

bile secreted by the liver. Bile is an excretion composed mainly of bile salts and acids, colour

pigments and cholesterol. Bile assists in the digestion and absorption of fats and the absorption

of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, minerals and calcium.

The gall-bladder is usually full and relaxed between meals. During the process of digestion,

when food reaches the duodenum, the hormone cholecystokinin begins to be produced in the

internal mucosa. When this hormone reaches the gall- bladder through the bloodstream, it

causes the gall-bladder to contract, thereby releasing the bile concentrate into the duodenum via

a common duct.

The main problems which afflict the gall-bladder are an inflammatory condition known as

cholecystitis and gall-stones. Gall-stones are usually caused by disturbances in the composition

of the bile. A change in the ratio of cholesterol and bile salts may result in the formation of

deposits. At the start, these may be in the form of fine gravel. But these fine particle constitute

the nucleus for further deposits, ultimately leading to the formation of larger stones. An irritation

of the lining of the gall- bladder due to inflammation may also led to the formation of particles.

The incidence of gall-stones is higher in females than males, particularly in those who are

obese.

Symptoms

Indigestion, gas, a feeling of fullness after meals, constipation, nausea and disturbed vision are

the usual symptoms of gall-bladder disorders. Other symptoms are intolerance to fats, dizzines,

jaundice,anaemia, acne and other lesions. Varicose veins, haemorrhoids and breakdown of

capillaries are also disorders associated with gall-bladder troubles.

Causes

The main causes of gall-bladder disorders are digestive disturbances due to a regular excessive

intake of fats and carbo-hydrates in the diet. They can also be brought on by disturbances of the

liver and gall-bladder. Meals rich in fats may cause an attack of gall-bladder pain or gall-stone

colic. Often the disorder is caused by a diet rich in refined carbohydrates such as white flour and

white sugar. Poor health, hereditary factors, stress, spinal displacements, bad posture and

muscular tension may also cause gall-bladder disorders.

Types of gall stones

There are three types of gall-stones, depending on the cause of their formation. These are :

cholesterol stones caused by a change in the ratio of cholesterol to bile salts ; pigment stones

(composed of bile pigment) caused by the destruction of red blood cells due to certain blood

diseases, and mixed stones consisting of layers of cholesterol, calcium and bile pigment

(bilirubin) resulting from stagnation of the bile flow.

The Cure

Surgery becomes necessary if the gall-stones are very large or in cases in which they have been

present for long. Smaller gall-stones can, however, cleared through nature cure methods. Diet is

the basic factor in the treatment of gall bladder disorders. In cases of acute gall-bladder

inflammation, the patient should fast for two or three days, until the acute condition clears.

Nothing but water should be taken during the fast. After the fast, the patient should take carrot,

beet, grapefruit, lemon and grape juice for a few days. Ensure that the diet contains an adequate

amount of lacto-vegetarian, consisting of raw and cooked vegetables, vegetable juices, and a

moderate amount of fruit and seeds. Yogurt, cottage cheese and a tablespoon of olive oil twice a

day should also be taken. Oil serves as a stimulant for the production of bile and lipase, the fat

digesting enzymes. All meats, eggs, animal fats and processed and denatured fats as well as

fried foods should be avoided. The diet should also exclude refined carbohydrates, especially

sugar, sugar products, alcohol, soft drinks, cakes, puddings, ice-cream , coffee and citrus fruits.

The patient should eat small meals at frequent intervals, rather than three large meals. The

following is the suggested menu for those suffering from gall-bladder disorders :

On rising : A glass of warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey or fresh fruit juice,

Breakfast : Fresh fruit, one or two slices of whole meal toast and a cup of skimmed powder

milk.

Mid morning : Fresh fruit juice.

Lunch : Vegetable soup, a large salad consisting of vegetables in season with dressing of

lemon or vegetable oil. Fresh fruit for dessert, if desired.

Dinner : Vegetable oil, one or two lightly cooked vegetables, baked potato, brown rice or whole

wheat chappati and a glass of buttermilk.

Water Treatment :

Regular applications of hot and cold fomentations to the abdomen improve the circulation of the

liver and gall-bladder. They also induce concentrations of the gall-bladder, thereby improving the

flow of bile. A cold hip bath improves the general abdominal tone. The pain of gall-stone colic

can be relieved by the application of hot packs or fomentation to the upper abdominal area. A

warm water enema at body temperature will help eliminate faecal accumulations if the patient is

constipated.

Exercise is essential as physical inactivity can lead to lazy gall-bladder type indigestion which

may ultimately result in the formation of stones. Yogic asanas which are beneficial in toning up

the liver and gall-bladder are : sarvangasana, paschimottanasana, shalabhasana, dhanurasana

And bhujangasana .

VALUE TRUNK BLOG