When it comes to supplements for gallbladder health, vitamin C is one of the most frequently mentioned in research studies. It may be beneficial for limiting your risk for gallbladder disease, gallstones and cancer of the gallbladder. You shouldn't take large doses of vitamin C without first consulting your doctor, however, because it isn't safe for everyone. Gallstones are a very common gastrointestinal complaint in Western populations, with about 80 percent of stones containing cholesterol, according to a review article published in Alternative Medicine Review in 2009. An increase in vitamin C intake may help reduce the risk of gallstones, as can a diet higher in calcium and fiber and lower in fat and refined carbohydrates, noted a review article published in the Nigerian Journal of Surgery in 2013. Vitamin C helps increase the breakdown of cholesterol, limiting the risk that it will build up and contribute to the formation of gallstones, reported a study published in BMC Gastroenterology in 2009.
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the antioxidant and immune support functions of vitamin C may be beneficial for people with gallbladder disease. Other beneficial dietary changes include avoiding alcohol and trans fats, eating more fiber and antioxidant-rich foods, limiting your intake of red meat and eating more foods rich in iron and B vitamins. You should also avoid highly processed foods, such as sugar, white pasta and white bread. In a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in September 2013, researchers found that consuming more vitamin C was helpful for preventing gallbladder cancer. Not all studies have noted the same beneficial effect, however. A study published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology in September 2003 found that vitamin C didn't have a significant effect on gallbladder cancer risk, but it did find a potential association between low levels of vitamin E, selenium and zinc with gallbladder cancer. Women should consume at least 75 milligrams of vitamin C per day, and men need at least 90 milligrams daily.
If you smoke, add another 35 milligrams per day to your vitamin C requirements. You can easily meet these needs by eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Particularly good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, tomato, cauliflower, cantaloupe, cabbage and brussels sprouts. If you're considering vitamin C supplements, check with your doctor to determine the appropriate amount of vitamin C for you. Too much vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps and may increase your risk for kidney problems. Vitamin C can also interact with certain statins and chemotherapy medications. Foods That Heal Gallbladder Disease Naturally Foods That Affect Gallbladder Disease Symptoms Foods & Drinks Not to Consume With Gallbladder Problems Foods to Avoid With Gallbladder Sludge Problems List of Good & Bad Foods for Gallstones Exercise After Gallbladder Removal
What to Eat to Keep the Gallbladder Healthy Reasons For a Gallbladder Removal A List of Foods That Can Cause Your Gall Bladder to Act Up Gall Bladder Symptoms in Women Foods That Cause Gallbladder Pain Gall Bladder Symptoms & Caffeine What Meat Can You Eat for a Gallbladder Diet? Supplements for Gallbladder Removal Diet for Gallbladder Sludge What Fruits or Vegetables Are Good for the Gall Bladder? What Are the Symptoms of a Gallbladder Problem? 11 Supplements for Menopause Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You? About Sleep Herbs and Supplements St. John's Wort for Depression Quiz: What Do You Know About Vitamin B12 Deficiency? Vitamins and Supplements: The FactsYour gallbladder is a small organ located just below your liver and is important for fat digestion and the storage of bile produced by your liver, which helps break down fat in your stomach. According to MedlinePlus, gallbladder removal surgery is sometimes necessary if you have gallstones or if your gallbladder is not functioning properly.
Gallbladder removal is usually well tolerated, as your gallbladder is not essential for survival. Some vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial following gallbladder-removal surgery. Talk with your doctor before using any supplements after having your gallbladder removed to make sure they are safe for you to use. According to Dr Michael Picco, a gastroenterologist at with the Mayo Clinic, it is not uncommon for people who have had their gallbladders removed to experience chronic diarrhea. This may be due to an increase in bile acids which may act as a laxative, although the exact cause is not known. Over-the-counter anti-diarrhea supplements can be effective at promoting the normal passage of stool following gallbladder removal surgery. Dr Picco recommends supplementing with anti-diarrheal medications to help prevent diarrhea. After gallbladder removal surgery, your body may have a more difficult time digesting fats due to the absence of bile stored in your gallbladder.
Bile also helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Supplementing with bile salts can help your stomach digest fats and can help prevent a fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. Bile salts are widely available in tablet form and should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Choline is an essential nutrient that aides in the absorption of fat and cholesterol and helps your liver create lipoproteins, which are involved in many important cellular functions throughout your body. According to an article written by Dr. Mary Ackerley, a homeopathic physician, choline supplementation after gallbladder removal surgery helps support the natural digestion of dietary fats and can work well in combination with bile salts to help prevent excessive gas and bloating. Betaine is a nutrient naturally found in beets and is a nutritional supplement that helps promote the normal breakdown of fats. Betaine can be beneficial following gallbladder removal, according to Lynn Morales, a doctor of naturopathic medicine.