Re: Liver Stones.... or SOAP?

Both myself and my wife have Gallstones and I have been looking for alternatives to surgery- which includes the various 'flush' methods offered available. The results are not gallstones, and are actually results of the 'remedy' itself.

People, perhaps in wanting to believe, still provide arguments for the flush even though it is physically impossible to obtain the results claimed. As an example, lets take one common 'flush solution' and break it down- let's use the Apple Juice, Olive Oil, & Epsom Salt routine.

Before I go into those three components lets review the basic idea of what happens when we have gallstone attacks. The bile is made in the liver by liver cells and is sent through tiny ducts or canals to the duodenum (small intestine) and to the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores the bile to have it available in larger quantities for secretion when a meal is eaten. The ingestion of food and especially fats cause the release of a hormone, cholecystokinin, (CCK) which in turn signals the relaxation of the valve at the end of the common bile duct via receptors(the sphincter of oddi) which lets the bile enter the small intestine. It also signals the contraction of the gallbladder which squirts the concentrated liquid bile into the small intestine where it helps with the emulsification or breakdown of fats in the meal. If Gallstones are present they can block the exit of the gallbladder, and between the inflammation and increased pressure can be extremely painful when signalled.

As for the flush components, I've heard various explanations that are not true and can be disproved. Some claim that the mixture helps to soften the stones, 'grease' the passing stones, release/loosen the ducts, and so forth. First off, all those components in that 'potion' go into the stomach, none of it reaches the liver or gallbladder and therefore cannot do any of the above. Additionally, there is no electro-signal from the stomach nor any other to the receptors in the liver or gallbladder that can tell them to do that. There is also no way the liver and gallbladder could do that if it wanted- they don't have the capability- it's like asking your dishwasher to answer your email. And the size of those stones are just icing in the cake, it would be physically impossible to pass something as large as being reported through those little ducts (which is why surgery is so often required).

Apple Juice and Epsom are certainly not going to trigger the cholecystokinin that signals the gallbladder, but there is a chance the olive oil could. It's not likely, but also not impossible that some 'sludge' or miniscule stone might randomly make it out the duct at this same time... but the chances are no greater than any other time you eat fats. In fact, if triggered by the olive oil you could be starting another attack if you have previously experiencing gallstone attacks. Nothing in these 'flush' solutions are going to make any of your Gallstones go away any faster than anything else you put in your stomach.

People testify how they feel better afterwards and no more bloating, more energy, etc. I believe this, as your basically giving yourself an enema, and can alleviate a lot of issues that enimas normally due. Flushing of the upper and lower intestines removes bacteria, parasites, and other items that cause bloating, pain and discomfort, energy loss and more.

So all in all I was hoping, and wanted to believe, but once you really break it down it really isn't doing anything at all for your gallstones- but that's not to say it isn't helping others via the enema elements. I hope this helps someone.