Gallstones
Some 10% of adults develop gallstones, crystallised pellets in the gall bladder that can suddenly cause painful spasms a few hours after eating a meal. A high-fibre diet, along with certain supplements, can help to prevent, relieve or even dissolve these troublesome stones.

Symptoms


Intermittent pain on the right side of the upper abdomen. The pain typically develops after a meal, lasts from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and may move to the back, chest or right shoulder.
Nausea and vomiting may accompany pain. Indigestion, flatulence or bloating may also be present.
See your doctor


If you develop severe abdominal pain, or pain with nausea, vomiting or fever. Either symptom may signal gall bladder inflammation or a blockage of the bile duct. Both are medical emergencies.


Reminder: If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking supplements.

How supplements can help
The supplements recommended in the chart may all aid in preventing or dissolving gallstones. Three months of treatment may be effective in dissolving small existing stones, though the supplements in blue can also be used long term to help to prevent gallstone attacks.
Extra vitamin C is important because it lowers bile cholesterol levels, decreasing the chance that cholesterol-laden bile will clump to form stones. Vitamin C should be combined with various other supplements. A good general choice is a lipotropic ('fat-metabolising') combination, containing milk thistle, choline, inositol and methionine, which bolsters liver function and promotes a healthy flow of fats and bile from the liver and gall bladder. The herb milk thistle, for example, alters bile composition, thus helping to dissolve Gallstones and eliminate stones that may have formed. Choline and inositol (related to the B vitamins) and the amino acid methionine aid in fat and cholesterol metabolism as well. They also strengthen liver and gall bladder function. Methionine may increase levels of another amino acid, taurine, which improves bile flow and helps to dissolve existing stones. Choline and inositol are also vital to the fatty bile component lecithin (inadequate levels of lecithin may precipitate gallstones). Other supplements may be worth adding to the mix, either singly or together. Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids that may be useful in preventing or even dissolving gallstones. Peppermint oil, taken in enteric-coated capsules, also has gallstone-dissolving effects. And daily doses of psyllium can promote bowel movements, which may be of value in blocking the formation of gallstones. Herbs which may be helpful include dandelion root (make a tea from 1 teaspoon of powdered root and drink three times a day) and artichoke (take 500 mg extract, standardised to contain 15% cynarin, three times a day).

Supplement recommendations
Vitamin C Dosage: 500 mg twice a day.
Advice: reduce dose if diarrhoea develops.
Lipotropic combination Dosage: one or two tablets or capsules twice a day.
Advice: should contain 250 mg milk thistle extract (take extra if necessary); may also include choline, inositol, methionine and dandelion.
Lecithin Dosage: two capsules (1200 mg) twice a day.
Advice: or 2 teaspoons granular form twice a day before meals.
Flaxseed oil Dosage: 1 tablespoon a day.
Advice: can be mixed with food; take in the morning; also available as capsules.
Peppermint oil Dosage: two capsules (containing 0.2 ml of oil each) twice a day.
Advice: buy enteric-coated capsules; take between meals.
Psyllium Dosage: 1 tablespoon powder, dissolved in water or juice, twice a day.
Advice: drink extra water throughout the day.