Dandelion

Dandelion helps with both liver and gallbladder function, as the leaves help to promote bile release from the liver. This results in detoxification and allows the liver to metabolize fat more efficiently. Dandelions are also efficient in stimulating the gallbladder when consumed regularly, be it through tea or sprinkled over food.

Peppermint

Peppermint helps move the digestive system along by stimulating the flow of digestive juices. Peppermint also contains terpene, a compound that can dissolve gallstones effectively. It’s also been known to relieve spasms and acute gallbladder pain.

Psyllium

A great source of fibre, psyllium works wonders when it comes to treating gallstones. The fibre binds itself to the cholesterol in the bile, stopping the formation of gallstones. Psyllium also aids in normalizing bowel movements, which helps to reduce the chance of your gallbladder for getting congested.

Epsom Salts

Add one teaspoon of Epsom salts into water that’s sitting at room temperature. Drink this in the evening to allow your gallstones to move more easily through the bile duct.

Quebra Pedra

This herb can be boiled to create tea and consumed to alleviate gallstone symptoms. For the best results, add the Quebra Pedra herb or extract into some water and drink it for two to four weeks.

Wine

Studies have shown that participants that consumed half a glass of wine per day reduced the number of gallstone attacks they experienced by 40%. Nothing noted within the research stated that consuming more than ½ a glass of wine had a greater effect.

Castor Oil

There are many medical and healing properties in castor oil, some of which can help to reduce the overall number of gallstones in your gallbladder. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing pain and inflammation.

Apple Cider Vinegar/Juice

Apples in the form of juice or cider vinegar are capable of dissolving gallstones. The malic acid within helps in softening the stones, while the vinegar stops the liver from creating the cholesterol that’s responsible for making the gallstones in the first place. These apple products can prevent the recurring appearance of gallstones while also reducing pain during flare-ups.

Rosemary

This essential herb is effective when it comes to helping treat gallstones. It works to enhance the production of bile while halting the spasms that commonly occur within the bile duct. The consumption of rosemary can also help to break down fat.

At Northshore Naturopathic Clinic, we’re one of Northern Vancouver’s top trauma, anxiety and depression counselling centres. Our staff is dedicated to helping new and existing patients with effective naturopathic treatments to heal your body and mind. Our other services include concussion and brain injury treatment, IV therapy, food sensitivity testing and more. Call us today to book your appointment and visit our website for more information.

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Why is gut health important?

There is a limited amount of space available along your stomach lining for bacteria to reside. You want to make sure the bacteria that does settle there is the right kind.

Your stomach also impacts the way your brain functions and vice versa. That is one of the reasons why it is so important to keep your mental health in check. When you feel anxious or experience stress, your brain can hinder involuntary actions in your body like digestion. Similarly, when your gut does not feel good, it sends signals to your brain that can affect your emotions and mood. In fact, most of the serotonin – a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and emotions – is made in your gut, not your brain. How you feel and what goes on in your stomach is much more intertwined than scientists had previously realized. That is why you should make taking care of your gut a top priority on your health checklist.

Eat probiotic foods

Fermented foods contain a large number of good bacteria. Kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, coconut kefir, and microalgae are all great plant-based foods rich in probiotics. When selecting these types of foods, avoid pasteurized and vinegar-based varieties since it can kill good bacteria.

Eat regularly, but do not graze

Give your gut the chance to clear out waste including bad bacteria. Every one and a half to two hours your intestines contract to keep the waste in your stomach moving throughout the rest of your digestive system. When you eat, this process comes to a stop. That means snacking constantly can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and slow down digestion. You do not have to go to the extent of fasting, but you should give your body breaks between meals to prevent bloating and constipation.

Drink water

This tip is on pretty much every wellness blog and for a good reason. Your gut needs to be hydrated to keep waste and bad bacteria out of your system. You should drink about half your body weight in ounces of water a day. That means if you weigh 130 lbs, you should drink about 65 oz of water each day. Dehydration can cause the bad bacteria to outnumber the good bacteria and lead to inflammation.

Avoid stress

Easier said than done, right? While a stress-free life is what we all strive for, it can feel impossible to accomplish. Try to cope with your stress in productive ways like through meditation, yoga, therapy, and time outdoors. Letting stress take over cause your brain to slow down digestion, causing bad bacteria to thrive in your gut.

To learn more about which supplements and practices will improve your gut health, consult the professionals at Northshore Naturopathic Clinic. Our clinic is located at NorthVancouver, BC. If you have any queries, feel free to contact us.

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