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Certain herbs, spices, and supplements can help ease gallbladder pain naturally. Applying heat and making changes to your diet and exercise routine might also be beneficial.
Gallbladder pain
The gallbladder is an organ that stores and releases bile into the digestive tract. Bile helps the digestive process by breaking down fat from food passed into your intestine.
The gallbladder also sends bile to your small intestine, a process that helps the bloodstream easily absorb vitamins and nutrients.
When any of these processes are interrupted, you could develop a number of issues and infections from gallbladder disease. The most common symptom from gallbladder disease is pain from inflammation. The pain typically occurs in the upper-right section of your abdomen.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
Doctors often treat gallbladder pain with anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication. However, some of these medications have dangerous side effects and can increase the risk of dependency.
Natural approaches to pain relief have become an alternative to harmful drugs. Before pursuing natural treatments, consult with your doctor about your options and risks. Below are seven natural treatment options for your gallbladder pain.
Regular physical activity can reduce cholesterol levels and help prevent gallstones from forming. Though small, gallstones can cause serious inflammation, pain, and infection. They can also grow to larger sizes.
Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical activity can reduce gallbladder pain and decrease the amount of gallbladder pain attacks.
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Consult with your doctor before performing any strenuous activity. While exercise is helpful, some activities cause strain on your abdomen and may worsen your symptoms.
Poor eating habits and consuming foods high in sugars and fats can contribute to gallbladder disease and gallstones. A diet with less fat and more fiber can prevent gallstones and improve your health.
Fried foods and other foods or condiments that contain fats — even salad dressings — are more difficult to break down and can cause pain. Increasing nutrient-rich foods in your diet, such as vegetables and fruits, can improve gallbladder function and prevent complications.
Some foods you should consider incorporating into your diet are:
- dark, leafy greens
- nuts
- brown rice
- whole grains
- fish
- olive oil
- beans
- citrus fruits
- low-fat dairy
Applying heat can be soothing and relieve pain. For gallbladder health, a heated compress can calm spasms and relieve pressure from bile buildup.
To relieve gallbladder pain, wet a towel with warm water and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or hot water bottle for the same effect. Repeat this process until the pain goes away.
Just be careful not to place the hot surface directly on your skin, as you could burn yourself.
You can find a heated compress, heating pad, and hot water bottle online.
Peppermint contains menthol, a soothing compound that promotes pain relief. It can be used to ease stomach pain, improve digestion, and relieve nausea.
To ease gallbladder pain and improve gallbladder health, you can try drinking peppermint tea. Some think that drinking this tea regularly can reduce the amount of gallbladder pain attacks you may experience.
Raw apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in relieving gallbladder pain.
To treat gallbladder pain, dissolve 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water. Sip this tonic until the pain subsides. It’s important not to drink apple cider vinegar straight, as the acid can damage your teeth.
Turmeric is a spice used to treat many health conditions. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing benefits.
Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile and helps the gallbladder empty itself. For gallbladder health, turmeric can stimulate bile formation to ease gallbladder emptying. Incorporating turmeric into your diet can also reduce inflammation and gallbladder pain.
Turmeric can be made into a tea to drink daily for pain relief. Curcumin is also available as an oral supplement. Before taking any dietary supplement, discuss proper dosages and risks with your doctor.
You can buy turmeric powder and curcumin supplements online.
Magnesium can be a helpful component for gallbladder emptying. It can also ease gallbladder spasms and pain. Magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of gallstone formation.
To ease pain symptoms, mix a teaspoon of magnesium powder in warm water to drink every few hours. You can find magnesium powder online.
Magnesium is also available as an oral supplement. Discuss appropriate dosages with your doctor.
Natural treatments can help to soothe gallbladder pain. But, traditional medical treatments shouldn’t be ignored. While home remedies can reduce symptoms from gallbladder disease and infection, they may not treat the underlying cause.
Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss your options and expectations with your doctor.