All about Gall Stones

Gall stones are buildups or deposits that accumulate in the gallbladder (see image), the organ that is responsible for secreting bile that helps the body digest fats. These buildups -- or "stones" -- can produce sharp or discomforting pains, usually in the abdomen area, and primarily occur soon after eating.

Gall stones generally become present in middle age (ages 40 and over) and afflict women more than men by a margin of 3 to 1.

The precise reason gall stones form is not known, but experts believe that elevated levels of cholesterol in the bile, being overweight, or consuming a diet low in fiber and high in fat are major contributing factors.

In addition, some people seem to be more genetically predisposed to developing gall stones than others.

1. Consume a diet high in fiber, such as unprocessed whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and oats. Such foods may help break up existing gall stones.

2. Drink plenty of water –- eight 8 oz glasses daily.

3. Avoid antacids.

The most common medical treatment for gall stones is surgery, but many experts believe that such a drastic option should be reserved only for extreme cases –- and the overwhelming majority are not.

Nutritional supplements offer a promising non-invasive option for gall stones in less serious cases, but it’s important to consult with your physician before beginning supplementation, or to make sure your condition isn’t one that does require immediate medical attention.

Supplement Protocol:

1. Vitamin C –- helps reduce cholesterol levels in bile, which is one of the primary speculated causes of gall stones.

2. Any supplement that helps metabolize fat. World famous Reader's Digest, in their extensive tome "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs" suggest a combination of choline, inositol, and methionine, all which “bolsters liver function and promotes a healthy flow of fats and bile from the liver to the gallbladder…helping to dissolve gallstones and eliminate stones that may have formed.”

3. Vitamin E –- is a powerful antioxidant that works synergistically with vitamin C, and should be taken together.

5. Alpha Lipoic Acid –- studies have shown this nutrient recycles both Vitamins C and E in the body and, therefore, keeps the levels of these two important vitamins high.

One company that produces a product with all of the aforementioned ingredients -- and more -- is Xtend-Life Natural Products. Their flagship formula, Total Balance, is the most powerful health supplement our extensive research has uncovered to date and may be of interest to those with gall stones. Although we here at Beat-Your-Health-Condition.com do not suffer from gall stones, we personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as our foundational health product.