Do I Need a Gallbladder?

I had the opportunity to speak with a couple of people who were told by their doctor (for one reason or another) that they did not need their gallbladder. Most of these people had suffered from gallstones and, at the recommendation of their doctor, decided to have it removed.

Let's first examine what the function of the gallbladder actually is...

The liver produces bile in order to digest our food. The liver than transfers some of that bile to the gallbladder where it is stored and turned into a sort of "super-bile". Humans (and some other vertebrates) eat in large quantities at one time, so this "super-bile" is especially effective at breaking down fat and neutralizing acids.

When we eat a diet high in sugar, animal fat, white flour, soda, etc. and not enough alkalizing vegetables, the gallbladder begins to get overloaded. (There are also many opinions that state prescription drugs contribute to this.) The stagnation of bile or inability of the gallbladder to completely empty creates gallstones. Gallstones are made up of bile, cholesterol, calcium, or bilirubin.

So...prevention of gallstones is simple. You can regulate with diet to begin. If you suspect you may have some gallstones due to your diet, there are many gallbladder cleanses that can clear it out in 1-2 days. Remember, however, that even still, you will want to make some dietary changes or you may very well end up in the same position yet again. (Of course, consult with your care provider for additional information before beginning a cleanse.)

A gallbladder is defined as a "non-vital" organ, but let me ask you...when does an organ become vital? If it does not kill us immediately to be without, then it is not vital, of course, but what if it makes our quality of life suffer? What if, as a result of our gallbladder being removed, we become violently ill when consuming any healthy fats or have trouble digesting acidic foods? Isn't "vitality" a feeling of 100% well-being?

Ultimately, you are the ruler of your own body. Do not let anyone tell you what to do without thoroughly researching on your own and remember that we were created perfectly. We do not have extra or useless body parts. The body works in such harmony when we treat it correctly. Here's to your gallbladder!

Love & Gratitude~

Erin