Did you know that low bile production is due to sluggish and weakened livers?
A healthier liver produces stronger bile and more of it, which supports effective toxin elimination.Key herbs for liver, kidneys and bile flow:
Effective herbs include:
- Turmeric: increases bile secretion, stimulates gallbladder contraction, prevents gallstone formation, and protects the liver and gallbladder from damage.
- Ginger: stimulates the gallbladder and bile production, improves digestion, and reduces nausea and vomiting. Be careful with amounts if you do not have a gallbladder.
- Garlic: contracts the gallbladder to expel excess bile and stones into the intestines, while also possessing antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Dandelion Root: cleansing the liver and gallbladder, stimulating bile production and flow, and dissolving stones. May help with fat digestion.
- Milk thistle: May increase bile flow, protects your liver and gallbladder from oxidative stress and inflammation, and helps to lower cholesterol levels in bile. May help prevent gall stone formation.
- Globe Artichoke: compounds stimulate bile production, research showing by up to 127%. Helps with fat digestion. Potentially reduces cholesterol concentration in bile.
- Peppermint: compoundsrelax the bile ducts and encourage flow of bile. Peppermint may provide relief with digestive discomfort post meals.
Beetroot, celery, olive oil and rocket are also great for supporting digestion and bile flow.
Each day the liver produces between 800-1000 ml of bile made up of water, bile salts, cholesterol and bile pigments.
After a meal, bile is released from the gallbladder (if it´s not been removed) into the intestine. Bile acids contained in bile are critical for fat digestion. They break down fats into smaller constituents so it can be absorbed. Bile is recycled through the blood back to storage in the gallbladder. Our body recovers ninety-five percent of bile acids from the bowel content.
Hardened lumps of bile that form in the gall bladder are known as gallstones, primarily caused by high cholesterol levels in bile or other factors such as excess bilirubin or improper bile drainage. A bilary sludge may also lead to gallstones.
The following environmental factors contribute to gallbladder congestion:
· Herbicides & pesticides
· Prescription drug use
· Alcohol consumption
· Smoking
· Synthetic personal care products
· Industrial toxins
· Rancid oils
· Processed foods
· Mould
Oestrogen influences our gallbladder by increasing the absorption of cholesterol in the bile.
Exposure to high “toxic” oestrogen (environmental xenoestrogens) is a significant risk factor for developing gallstones . So women are a higher risk, but especially women who are pregnant, on the pill, using oestrogen hormone replacement therapy, or who are overweight.
So in summary, hormonal Changes, the use of contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms, or pregnancy can contribute to gallstone formation.
How to help your gallbladder and bile flow:
Eating bitters first (rocket leaves, lemon juice and radish) or apple cider vinegar in water, eating mindfully and chewing food well, giving time to relax with your meal will all help with digestive capabilities.
- The use of bitter herbs, may help to increase both the production and flow of bile, and also support the healthy resorption of bile.
- Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and maintains the bile fluid. At least 8 glasses of warm or lukewarm water daily.
- Eating light and easily digestible foods, rich in fibre, vitamin C, calcium, and B vitamins, is advised.
- Exercise regularly
You can avoid gallstones by stimulating bile production, dissolving stones, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the liver and gallbladder.
How to Use Ginger
- Make ginger tea to ease stomach aches, gas, nausea, and congestion
- Incorporate ginger powder into turmeric milk
- Add peeled, fresh ginger to smoothies or juice it with fruits and vegetables
- Use fresh ginger in stir fries, curries, and marinades
- Make a spicy salad dressing or carrot soup with fresh ginger
- Include powdered ginger in baked goods like banana bread and blueberry muffins (outside of the cleanse 😉 )
- Use fresh ginger in a facial steam for coughs and congestion
To maintain the highest quality ground ginger, it may be best to use it within 6 months. If ground ginger becomes clumped or caked, it should be replaced as moisture has likely been introduced to the product and can contribute to harmful mycotoxins. Always portion ground ginger to a separate container before using it with steaming dishes to minimize exposure to moisture. Preferably, choose glass jars rather than plastic as these are a non-toxic alternative and more airtight compared to plastic. Store the spice in a cool and dark place.
Safety Concerns and Final Words
Consuming more than 6g of ginger can cause digestive issues like reflux, heartburn, and diarrhoea, and high doses of ginger may interact with warfarin.
