15 Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Gallstones

Most of us live under the illusion that a major illness comes with symptoms that can be diagnosed easily. But that’s just that, an illusion! While some major ailments have symptoms that can be recogized by anybody, there are some disorders and conditions that are known to be really hard to detect. Gallstones, for instance, remain undetected in the human body until they become quite painful. These stones can vary greatly in size–from being the size of a grain to being as large as a tennis ball!

What are Gallstones and Why They are Formed?

A majority of gallstones are caused by cholesterol that becomes hardened. They develop when excess cholesterol is stored in the gallbladder. However, stones can also be formed by bile salts. In women, pregnancy related hormonal changes and factors like obesity pave way for gallstone formation. Besides, people relying on junk and fast foods are also prone to stones in the gallbladder.

The gallstones go through the bile duct and they may cause blockage in the duct, which sends bile to the small intestine from the liver. When this occurs, the gall bladder gets choked and the built up pressure triggers pain in the abdomen region.

Home Remedies for Gallstones:

While surgery for getting rid of gallstones is quite commonplace, it is better if you take precautions to prevent their formation in the first place. Gallbladder surgery, also called Cholecystectomy, can cause years of discomfort including nausea and diarrhea. It can increase chances of contracting bowel cancer as well. Besides, the level of cholesterol in blood also shoots up post surgery.

It is far more prudent that you prepare your body to prevent gallstone formation. For this, there is no need to become a medical expert. You can resort to some proven home based and natural remedies for gallbladder stones to keep them at bay.

Home Remedies to Prevent the Formation of Gallstones:

1. Suitable Diet:

To stay healthy and evade gallstone formation, you need to follow the right kind of diet. Ensure you eat foods that are low in cholesterol and fat and contain high quantities of fiber. Fiber enriched foods keep the digestive system in good shape and low fat diet prevent cholesterol development in the gallbladder. For cooking foods and snacks, you can replace cooking oil with olive oil as far as possible. It contains higher amounts of monounsaturated fat and is healthier for the stomach, liver and gallbladder. You may also use canola oil for the same reason. To reduce intake of saturated fat from foods, eat low fat dairy products and lean meat portions.

2. Fill Yourself with Fluid: 

It is important that you drink plenty of water and fluids every day to cleanse the gallbladder. Drinking plain water is good, but in case you cannot carry enough water with you, try coconut water or pure fruit juices without artificial sweeteners. Avoid taking sweetened drinks and carbonated beverages to keep gallstones away. One of the best home remedies for gallbladder stones.

3. Turmeric: 

Turmeric is used in cooking many dishes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Having turmeric in foods can help enhance solubility of bile. This will ensure that stones are not formed easily. Even having half a spoonful of turmeric can be effective in keeping gallstones at bay. You can also eat turmeric mixed with honey every day to stay fit and healthy!

4. Lemon Juice: 

We all know the many bounties of this fist sized fruit! Yes, we are talking about the wonder fruit lemon! Lemon can be beneficial for your skin and hair when mixed with the right products, but it can also be effective in preventing gallstones. You can consume the juice of fresh lemons every day. You can also try other citrus fruit juices such as a glassful or orange or sweet lime juice. These juices have pectin, which can dissolve gallstones into smaller particles, making it easier for the bile duct to pass them.

5. Pear Juice and Honey: 

The blend of honey and pear juice can be very effective for evading gallstone development. You need to mix 2 spoons of honey with half glass pear juice. Mix it well with some warm water. You can drink this concoction three times every day to prevent stone formation in the gall bladder.

6. Beetroot, Carrot and Cucumber Juice: 

The mixture of raw beet juice, cucumber juice, and carrot juice is also useful to fight gallstone development. These three juices should be mixed in equal portions. You can drink the mixture 2 times a day.

7. Herbal Tea: 

Specific types of herbal tea contain antioxidants that give your body energy. They are also good for preventing gallstones. You can consult a doctor to find the right herbal tea variant for you.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar: 

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent way to get relief from gallstone pain. If you do not like the taste, blend it with apple juice. Make sure you drink this juice at least once a day, if you want to bid goodbye to those painful gallbladder stones naturally.

9. Vegetables: 

To ensure gallstones do not form in your body, ensure your platter remains full of vegetables! Studies have indicated that women who eat more vegetables are less prone to be affected by stones in the gallbladder. The exact reason is not known, but vegetables may help diminish the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. You can try various types of vegetables throughout the year to avoid boredom. However, it is recommended that you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables to keep the gallbladder hale and hearty!

10. Radish: 

You can include radish in your diet to combat the formation of gallstones. Though this is not a favorite vegetable for many, this is another best home remedy for gallstones. They facilitate bile flow and keep the gall bladder in top shape. However, you should eat radish in moderation.

11. High-fiber Cereal: 

You need to ensure that your body gets enough fiber to avoid gallbladder stone formation in later years. If eating fiber rich foods in main meals is not possible owing to work timing or hectic schedules, you can include these foods in breakfast and snacks for sure. How about some high fiber cereal for breakfast everyday? Along with cereals, you can also start including fiber enriched fruits like watermelon and grapefruit in your diet. Other good sources of natural fibers that you can include in your regular diet are dried beans and lentils.

12. Vitamin C Rich Foods: 

Vitamin C is not only good for your immunity and skin, but is also effective in preventing gallbladder stone formation. The human body makes use of this vitamin to turn cholesterol into bile acid. When your body gets an adequate dose of vitamin C, the amount of cholesterol produced will be less. As a result, the risk of stone formation in the gallbladder will be less too. You can take vitamin C in many forms. If taking vitamin pills is not your cup of tea, eat fruits and vegetables like guava, kiwi, papaya, mango—all of which are full of this important nutrient.

13. Milk Thistle: 

A herb with its origin in the Mediterranean region, Milk Thistle has been used as a natural remedy for liver cleansing as well as gallstone prevention since times unknown. It shrinks the gallstones and reduces bladder pain too. It is possible to add the herb in powdered form to juices and milk. You can also add some honey to the liquid mixture before gulping it down. The powder can also be added to your salad and snacks if you don’t like the taste of juice.

14. Dandelion: 

Dandelion is another useful natural remedies for gallbladder stones that can really help prevent gallstones. When you use dandelion leaves, they help in bile excretion and fat metabolizing. Taking the herb can also help in stimulating the gallbladder. It would be a good idea to add tender dandelion greens to a salad. Or you can simply brew some dandelion tea!

To make this tea, you will need hot water, some dried dandelion leaves and some honey. First, you need to place the dried leaves in a pot. Then, pour some hot water on it. Let it steep fora few minutes and then add honey to it. You may have this herbal tea mixture two times a day for optimal result. However, people who have diabetes should ideally talk with a medical practitioner before trying out this herb infused tea.

15. Peppermint: 

Peppermint oil helps the digestion process in the human body by stimulating the flow of bile and other digestive tract juices. It also contains a natural compound called terpene that can dilute gallstones. You can make some peppermint tea at home and sip on it to keep your gallbladder happy. Or, as an alternative, you can also use peppermint oil capsules. It is also known to provide relief from pain in the gallbladder.

To make herbal tea with peppermint, you will require warm water, honey and mint leaves. You can use either fresh or dried mint leaves. You have to add the leaves to boiled water. Cover the pot and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the water and add honey to it before sipping. It is advisable that you try this tea between two meals.

Foods to Avoid:

While trying the above mentioned home remedies for gallstones, do remember that there are things you need to avoid to prevent gallstone formation. As a rule of thumb, doctors advise people to avoid eating any refined food to prevent stone development in the gallbladder. And those sweet delicacies you polish off during tea time? Well, those sugary snacks are to be avoided above all! Same goes for all fast foods made with artificial sweeteners and all white flour products.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. And we agree! Who would want to live through the agony of gallstones only to be followed by an invasive surgery? Do your gall bladder a favor and start following these tips!

Hope you found this article helpful. Do share your views with us in the comments section below!