Your liver continues to manufacture bile, but there is no longer a place to store it or concentrate it. Therefore, bile continually slowly trickles into intestines. If you eat a fatty meal, you will not be able to secrete a large enough amount of bile into your intestines, therefore the fat will be poorly digested.
This means many people experience diarrhea, bloating, nausea or indigestion. Not digesting fat well means you will not be able to digest essential fatty acids, including omega 3 and omega 6 fats. It also means you’ll have a hard time absorbing fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins D, E, A and K. These nutrients are vital for good health, and you will probably need to take a supplement.
How to Maintain a Healthy Liver and Good Digestion Without a Gallbladder
First of all, it’s important to realize that you developed a gallbladder problem in the first place because you had an unhealthy liver. If your liver is not healthy, it will make poor quality bile. The bile will be prone to forming sludge and stones. Just whipping the gallbladder out doesn’t solve that problem, and in fact sludge and stones can form within the liver, compromising its function.
Want to keep your liver happy and healthy? Here’s how to do it
- Eat smart: Fill your plate with nutrient-packed foods that help with bile production. Think leafy greens, fruits, and healthy fats.
- Get moving: Regular exercise can help burn off extra fat, which keeps your liver from getting overloaded.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins that can weigh your liver down.
- Check in with your doctor: Routine check-ups can catch any problems early, so you can deal with them before they become serious.
Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping your liver in top shape!
Dietary Tips for Supporting Liver and Digestion Health
- Limit Dairy and Grain Intake: Keep your intake of dairy products and grains to a minimum or avoid them altogether. Dairy products (milk, cheese, ice-cream, yoghurt) worsen all cases of gallbladder disease, liver disease and they are very difficult to digest. Food intolerance is a common cause of gallbladder problems, and there is research that links gluten intolerance with gallstones. A good reason to keep your intake of grains low is to reduce the risk of developing a fatty liver.
- Use Liver-Boosting Supplements: Take a good quality liver tonic such as Livatone. The herbs St Mary’s thistle, dandelion root and globe artichoke leaves all increase bile production and bile flow. Taurine is an amino acid necessary for bile production. This should help to make you feel more comfortable after a meal and should reduce the risk of stones forming inside your liver.
- Choose Healthy Fats: Eat some good fats and avoid the bad fats. Your doctor may have recommended you follow a low-fat diet after having your gallbladder removed. This is not necessary and in fact it is harmful. Your body desperately needs good fats, and it’s recommended to include moderate quantities of extra virgin olive oil, avocados, coconut milk and oil, nuts, and seeds in your diet.
- Consider Digestive Enzyme Supplements: Take an excellent quality digestive enzyme supplement. The natural bile salts in this product will help you digest fats and fat-soluble vitamins more thoroughly.
- Ensure Adequate Vitamin D Intake: You may need a vitamin D3 supplement. Real vitamin D from whole food supplementation is highly recommended. People with a sluggish liver often do not manufacture vitamin D adequately. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get a blood test and consult your healthcare professional for the appropriate supplement.
- Use Bitter and Sour Foods: Include some bitter and sour foods in your diet. They should help to improve your digestion and make it easier to tolerate good fats in your diet. Suitable bitter and sour foods include lemons, limes, radicchio lettuce, chicory, endive, and dandelion leaves. These leaves are fairly easy to grow at home if you are lucky enough to have your own veggie patch.