The gallbladder is a small organ directly under the liver which acts as a bile storage tank. The liver produces bile, and any excess amount is stored in the gallbladder. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol, lecithin and other substances.

The body uses bile to digest fat. If the bile becomes too concentrated, the cholesterol crystallizes, forming gallstones. They can also be formed of pure bile, or a mixture of bile, calcium and cholesterol.

Gallstones are rock hard structures that may be smaller than a grain of sand or as large as an egg. They can remain symptom-less, not causing any problems, or they may block the bile duct and the gallbladder may become irritated, infected and swollen.

When the gallbladder becomes inflamed the results are severe pain in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fever. This condition must be treated immediately. If left untreated, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) can be life threatening. If you experience these warning signs, seek medical attention immediately. You want to rule out the possibility of appendicitis or another serious condition.

If the bile duct becomes blocked by a gallstone the bile can back up in your system. Thus, causing the whites of your eyes and skin to turn yellow with jaundice and your urine to turn dark brown. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating, belching, gas, indigestion and intolerance of fatty foods.

Chronic gallbladder disease sometimes makes it necessary to surgically remove the gallbladder. But many can control or prevent the disease by making a few dietary changes and using nutritional supplements.

Dietary Changes:

1. Eat a diet high in fiber and low in cholesterol, fats and sugar.

2. A diet rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber can help prevent gallstones. Monounsaturated fats are found in natural foods such as nuts and avocados and the main component of tea seed oil and olive oil. Other sources include avocado oil, canola oil, corn oil, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil.

3. Switch to olive oil. Generally, gallbladder pain usually flares up after fatty meals. However, olive oil actually promotes the passage of gallstones.

4. Do not skip breakfast. Studies have shown that gallstones are more likely among those who skip breakfast. Additionally, eating 3 or 4 lighter meals spread out through the day is less stressful to the gallbladder.

5. Maintain your ideal weight, avoid crash diets and rapid weight loss programs, which can cause gallstones.

6. Avoid coffee. Coffee may increase your risk of developing gallbladder problems. Switch to herbal tea or a coffee substitute. Coffee substitutes can often be found at herb shops.

7. Increased levels of the hormone estrogen may increase cholesterol levels in bile and also decrease gallbladder movement, resulting in gallstone formation.

8. The lack of melatonin, a natural occurring hormone, could contribute to gallstones. Melatonin stops cholesterol secretion from the gallbladder and enhances the conversion of cholesterol to bile. Its antioxidant properties are capable of reducing oxidative stress to the gallbladder.

Nutritional Supplements:

Lecithin supplements help prevent gallstones and help control cholesterol buildup. It is sold in capsule and granule form at health food stores, follow packaging instructions.

A vitamin C deficiency can cause gallstones. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times a day.

Vitamin E helps prevent fats from becoming rancid. Take 200 to 400 IU daily.

Milk thistle protects against gallstone formation, with powerful antioxidant properties. Look for the extract, (using standardized 70% to 80% silymarin content) found in capsules. Take 600 milligrams daily.

Dandelion is effective in cleansing the gallbladder and liver. It is rich in lecithin which helps control cholesterol. Capsules are available in health food stores. Follow packaging instructions. Another way to ingest dandelion is by steaming the greens and serving them, similar to spinach.

Psyllium helps lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of forming gallstones. Take 5 grams daily in divided doses.

Cinnamon assists the body in digesting high-fat treats; such as, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc.. It is sold in capsule form at health food stores, follow packaging instructions.

Herbs that stimulate the flow of bile, which helps digest fats and may help to prevent gallstones, include goldenseal, lavender, peppermint and turmeric.