Re: More Gut Pain!

 I am doing the lecithin granules although not daily and I am doing fiber daily in different forms. 

Both of these should be three times daily. Lecithin makes up about 80% of the bile and is responsible for the fat emulsification properties of bile. Emulsification is what keeps the cholesterol in solution rather than letting it precipitate out forming stones. Fibers are also needed to produce bile. And since women are more prone to gallstones than men you really need to be consistent with these and the bitters.

I'm still doing the other health protocols and supplements you've suggested to me over the last eight months or so as well.

Every few days is not going to do it though.

I have lost weight recently, about 30 pounds since January and I want to continue on my weight loss program. 

Lecithin also helps to reduce body fat. And the fiber and bitters also help.

The first part of the program was six weeks with no fat. I am thinking that's why when I began eating fats again on the second part of the program, my gallbladder had a fit about it.  I will take the transition much slower next round.  I will be starting back to the no fat portion of the program in two weeks. [I know you don't approve of 'extreme' weight loss measures but I feel this is good for me and the weight is dropping!]

So taking bitters at every meal will trigger the gallbladder to release bile, yes?  

Yes, along with stomach acid and digestive enzymes. They also help to cleanse the liver and flush fat out of the body.

Is the purpose of bile only to break down fat in the diet?  

Yes, and to aid absorption of fats and prevent gallstone formation.

If so, I won't need the bitters on the no fat portion of my program, correct?  

Since the bitters also raise stomach acidity and digestive enzymes they are still good. The cleansing action will also help with the fat reduction.

Is the liver secreting cholesterol into the gallbladder and normal thing? 

Yes, but if more is secreted than the bile can dissolve then the excess cholesterol will precipitate out forming stones.

What is the purpose of that? 

The bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol.

If it is not normal, can it be corrected and if so, how? 

It is normal, but as the cholesterol is excreted in the bile in to the intestines most of the cholesterol is reabsorbed. This is where the sterols come in. The sterols from plants and various oils such as olive oil bind tightly to the cholesterol preventing it from being reabsorbed. Instead it is excreted with the feces.

Can gallstones, if there are any, be dissolved or eliminated other than with flushes? 

Yes, but definitely not with the flushes:

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1534176#i

You need to increase your bile production to dissolve the stones. So back to the bitters, lecithin and fibers. The bitters will also help with the hormones, which are also major contributors to gallstone formation. Small amounts of oil with each meal will help keep the gallbladder contracting on a regular basis to keep the bile from becoming stagnant.

I've heard epson salts or bile salts help relax and open the ducts?  

Magnesium is a calcium channel blocker so it does help relax muscle including the smooth muscle of the bile ducts. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate. But dilating the bile ducts does not ensure stones can be passed.

What ongoing things can one do to keep the gallbladder healthy and functioning properly?

Basically what I have already recommended. Bitters, lecithin, fiber, small amounts of oils with  meals and balance the hormones.