Gallstones are very small, crystalline deposits of bile that accumulate in the gall bladder. Though not many people, only about 20%, experience any symptoms, there can be several issues that occur over time when a person has a gallstone. Because of the risks involved with gallstones, there are some people who choose to consume a gallstone diet to mitigate any complications. This may seem a bit extreme for some but it should be noted that the same diet that can decrease your risk for developing gallstones is also a diet that will improve your overall health and wellness no matter what your age or physical condition may be.
There is actually a problematic complication related to gallstones known as a āgallstone attackā where a person experiences pain in the abdomen, nausea, and sometimes even vomiting which can last several hours. There are some less common symptoms such as pain in the shoulder blades and pain below the right shoulder. Over time, when the gallstones reach a truly harmful state, it is possible for severe inflammation to act as a catalyst helping the gallstones erode through the gallbladder into the bowel which can cause obstructions.
Our bodies are often under tremendous loads of stress. This is due to numerous factors that encompass our daily lives and range anywhere from work problems to relationship difficulties, even keeping up with demanding schedules. There is a process which takes place in our bodies called the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress ResponseSM where all of our physical functions are managed during times of crisis. It is necessary to understand that the messages which our bodies send when stress is present affect everything from our sleeping patterns to the ability of the digestive system to absorb nutrients.
Some researchers believe that there is a strong link between oxidative stress, body weight, and animal based foods for contributing to gallstones. One of the main compounds that is present in gallstones is cholesterol. This aspect should not be overlooked because cholesterol is an ever present lipid in our bodies. As part of the NEM Stress Response, our bodies halt the absorption of new nutrients and increase blood-cholesterol levels. When there is an excess of cholesterol in our blood, it needs somewhere to go and sometimes can end up in the gallbladder. When this is coupled with general lack of physical health, the situation becomes quite dangerous. A gallstone diet will not only help you to fight symptoms and aid in prevention of gallstones, it will also contribute in a substantial way to your overall nutritional health.
When we begin to treat our bodies better by incorporating healthy and nutritious foods, we are providing them with the fuel with which they can respond admirably to the challenges of modern life. One of the problems that AFS sufferers face is that of weight gain, this is because of the fat storing aspects associated with increased stress. Once we can begin to control what enters our bodies, there can be significant improvements in the symptoms of AFS.
Hydrogenated oils, fast food, oily foods, spicy foods, fried foods, saturated fats, trans-fat.
Red meats, eggs, pork, fowl, milk, nuts, all legumes.
Artificial sweeteners, sugar, preservatives, refined flour, oats, wheat/rye, barley.
Brussels sprouts, corn, broccoli, kale, cabbage family, cauliflower.
All processed juices, orange, grapefruit.
Colas and all sodas, chocolate, black tea, alcohol, coffee.
Flax seed, extra-virgin olive oil, avocado.
Cold water fish
Beets, cucumbers, green beans, sweet potatoes, okra.
Ripe tomatoes, lemon, grapes, apples, berries, papaya, pears.