Your gallbladder is an important gland that helps process the foods, particularly fats, that you eat, but sometimes this organ also causes problems. If you have had gallbladder issues, such as gallstones or even gallbladder attacks, you may be facing or even already undergone gallbladder surgery. However, treatment doesn’t stop just because the ill-functioning organ has been removed. A variety of natural cures, such as choline, betaine, lecithin, and others, help support regular digestive function and help you get back to as normal a lifestyle as quickly as possible.
What Is a Cholecystectomy?
Johns Hopkins Medicine defines a cholecystectomy as the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is situated just beneath your liver in the upper right of your abdomen. This organ stores and concentrates bile, which is used by your liver to digest fat.
Why Would I Need My Gallbladder Removed?
According to Medline Plus, your gallbladder may be removed for two different reasons: (1.) you have pain or other symptoms from gallstones or (2.) your gallbladder is not functioning normally. Depending on the condition of your gallbladder, you may experience different symptoms. Common symptoms of gallbladder issues include indigestion, infection, nausea and vomiting, and pain after eating.
Do I Still Need Treated After Surgery?
While it may seem like all of your digestive issues should be solved after surgery, this really isn’t the case. You shouldn’t experience any more pain; however, you do need to take precautionary measures to support healthy digestion and to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrients you need. In addition to suggestions from your doctor, you can also utilize a number of natural treatments as support. Some of the best nutritional supplements following gallbladder removal include choline, betaine, and lecithin.
1. Choline
LiveStrong.com lists choline as an important nutrient following a cholecystectomy. This nutrient helps your body absorb fat and cholesterol and actually stimulates the production of lipoproteins in your liver. You can take choline as a supplement in doses of 3.5g per day for adults.
2. Betaine
Betaine is another nutrient that helps your body breakdown and absorb fats. This nutrient helps maintain your metabolism and also limits some of the side effects, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, following surgery. You can typically find betaine in capsule or powder form and should take a common dose of 1-2g
3. Lecithin
Lecithin is an additional supplement that supports digestive function following gallbladder removal. Research suggests that this substance keeps cholesterol from solidifying in your body and helps support your digestion of fats. You can get lecithin by eating foods such as oatmeal, eggs, and peanuts, or take 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily in the form of a supplement or powder.
Cleansing your liver using lemon oil or drinking diluted apple cider vinegar is also important following a gallbladder removal. Keep reading below for tips from our readers on more ways to support your digestive health after a cholecystectomy.
References:
Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
Gallbladder Removal
Supplements for Gallbladder Removal
