Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. In most cases they don’t cause any symptoms and don’t need to be treated. If a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct inside the gallbladder it can trigger a sudden intense abdominal pain that usually lasts between 1 and 5 hours.

FOODS TO EAT MORE OF

• Fruits: apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, pears, raspberries, red grapes, tangerines, tomatoes
• Vegetables: arugula, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, kale, radishes,  romaine lettuce, spinach, watercress
• Garlic, ginger, turmeric
• Flax seeds, oats, olive oil, whole grains

FOODS TO AVOID OR MINIMIZE

• Red meat and dairy products
• Sugar, refined foods, coffee
• Can be related to food intolerance - try an ELIMINATION DIET. (Most common food sensitivities for those with gallstones are eggs, pork, onions, coffee, milk, corn, beans and nuts).

ESSENTIAL OILS 

• Geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lime, nutmeg, rosemary, wintergreen (apply to gallbladder area and/or bottom of feet).

HERBAL

• Calendula/marigold, dandelion leaf & root, garlic, ginger, milk thistle, parsley, turmeric
  

NATURAL

• Flaxseed Oil: 1 Tablespoon (14 grams) daily in liquid or pill form (can be mixed with food; take in the morning).
• Psyllium: 1 Tablespoon powder dissolved in water or juice twice  daily (be sure to drink extra water).
• Drink only juices (no food) for 1 whole day.  In the evening take 6 oz of olive oil followed by pure lemon juice.  The next morning take a small dose of Epsom salt (1 teaspoon) mixed with 1 cup water.
• Take the juice of 3 lemons, 3 teaspoons cream of tartar, and 3 teaspoons Epsom salt, and put them in a pint jar.  Fill jar with water, stirring every morning.  Take 1 Tablespoon every morning before breakfast.  

SUPPLEMENTS

• Betaine Hydrochloride: 325-600mg daily
• Lecithin: 2 capsules of 19 grains (1200 mg) each twice daily (or 2 teaspoons granular form twice daily before meals)
• Lipotropic combination: 1-2 pills twice daily (need 250 mg milk thistle, may also include choline, inositol, methionine and dandelion)
• Peppermint Oil: 2 capsules (containing .2 ml of oil each) twice daily.  Buy enteric-coated capsules, take between meals)​
• Phosphatidyl Choline: 300-2,000 mg daily
• Taurine: 1,000 mg L-Taurine twice daily for up to 3 months (after 6 weeks, add mixed amino acid complex)
• Vitamin C: 1,000 mg 3 times daily (reduce if it causes diarrhea)
  

FOOD MEDICINE 
Not all recipes are nutritionally perfect, but the options below are a great way to start incorporating beneficial foods into your diet in delicious ways. Always try to buy organic, and feel free to make substitutions to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, etc diets.

Abbreviation Definitions:
LC = Low Calorie (under 400 for breakfast, 600 for lunch/dinner, and 200 for beverages/sides/snacks)
GF = Gluten Free
KT = Keto / Low Carb
VG = Vegan
VT = Vegetarian

BEVERAGES

Banana-Blueberry Smoothie (GF VT)

Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie (GF VT)

Cranberry-Blueberry Smoothie (GF VT)

PB & Jelly Sandwich Smoothie (GF VG VT)

Super Skin Smoothie (GF VT)

Barley Water (LC VG VT)

Blueberry Smoothie (LC GF VG VT)

Golden Milk (LC GF VG VT)

Pomegranate Dandelion Tea (LC GF VG VT)

Superfruit Smoothie (GF VG VT)

Blueberry Peach Smoothie (LC GF VG VT)

Blueberry-Pomegranate Smoothie (LC GF VT)

Mega-Greens Smoothie (GF VT)

Soothing Elixir (LC GF VG VT)

Tropical Smoothie (LC GF VG VT)

MAINS

Adult Ramen (LC GF VG VT)

Buddha Bowl (GF VG VT)

Edamame Rice Bowl (LC GF VG VT)

Miso Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Spiced Lentil Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Asian Broccoli & Rice Bowl (LC GF VG VT)

Chicken Bone Broth (LC GF)

Farfalle with Tomatoes & Olives (LC VG VT)

Quinoa Oatmeal (LC GF VG VT)

Vegan Bulk Spaghetti Sauce (LC GF VG VT)

Black Bean Chili (LC VG VT)

Chicken Dumpling Soup (LC)

Japanese Onion Soup (LC GF VG VT)

Pasta Fagioli (LC VG VT)

Vegetable Broth (LC GF VG VT)

SIDES

Asian Cabbage Salad (LC GF VG VT)

Bruschetta (LC, VG, VT)

Creamy Kale (LC GF KT VG VT)

Fried Cabbage (LC GF VG VT KT)

Kale Salad with Sesame Dressing (LC GF VG VT)

Roasted Asparagus (LC GF VG VT KT)

Roasted Carrots (LC GF VG VT)

Zattar Quinoa Salad (LC GF VG VT)

Avocado Cilantro-Lime Rice (LC GF VG VT)

Caraway Brussels Sprouts (LC GF VG VT KT)

Dill Vinaigrette Greens (LC GF VG VT KT)

Glazed Carrots (LC GF VG VT)

Pesto Vegetables (LC GF VG VT KT)

Roasted Broccoli (LC GF VG VT)

Sauteed Spinach (LC GF KT VG VT)

Brown Rice Pilaf with Saffron and Ginger (LC GF VG VT)

Chinese Peanut Salad (LC GF VG VT)

Farro (VG VT)

Irish Potatoes (Colcannon) (LC GF VT)

Quinoa Salad (LC GF VG VT)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts (LC GF VG VT)

Spinach & Strawberry Salad (LC GF VG VT)