Question: Is there a natural way to get rid of gall stones?


Dr. Blaylock's Answer:

Gallstones can be caused by certain bacteria in the gall bladder or bilary ducts within the liver. They act as a point of accumulation for cholesterol or calcium-carbonate crystals.

A majority of such stones are composed of cholesterol, yet trials of cholesterol-lowering statins were shown to be ineffective. Improving bile flow, however, will help prevent stagnation within the gallbladder.

Several supplements are known to improve bile flow. These include curcumin in a dose of 250 milligrams three times a day and dandelion extract. Both also protect the liver and improve the phase II detoxification ability of the liver. The amino acid taurine has been shown to aid in the dissolving of gallstones, especially when used in conjunction with the substance ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC), brand-named Actigall and Ursofalk. One has to stay on the agent to prevent stone recurrence.

In some patients, external lithotripsy (stone-busting ultrasound) can be used to break up existing stones. For others, doctors inject into the gallbladder or bile ducts a drug called monoctanoin, which dissolves the stone. A recent study found that garlic oil was much more effective than monoctanoin. Oral garlic has not been tested as far as I am aware.

Once the stones are cleared, it would be important to use supplements that promote liver health, such as silymarin, taurine, curcumin, quercetin, alpha-lipoic acid and ellagic acid. The advantage of curcumin and dandelion extract is that they improve bile flow and gallbladder contraction, thus preventing bile stagnation, a leading cause of gallstones.

Using these before the stones have been passed or cleared can cause them to become impacted in the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts, which can result in bile duct spasm, excruciating pain, and a risk of severe complications.

Magnesium may also prevent gallstone formation. In fact, a number of studies have shown that people who have recurring gallstones have very low magnesium levels and higher pH levels in their bile than normal folks.

Treatment with magnesium can dramatically improve symptoms, mainly due to its ability to relax smooth muscles and reduce inflammation. A gallbladder attack is caused by the bile duct spasm triggered by the stone. I have used magnesium for kidney stones with dramatic effectiveness.

They also have higher calcium carbonate in their bile, especially for the calcified gallstones. Magnesium prevents the formation of the calcium carbonate stone.