Gall-Bladder
Disorders
The gall-bladder is a pear-shaped
organ, 10 cm. long and three to five cm. wide, attached to the under-surface of
the liver on the right side. The main function of the gall-bladder is to store
the bile secreted by the liver. Bile is an excretion composed mainly of bile
salts and acids, colour pigments and cholesterol. Bile assists in the digestion
and absorption of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and
K, minerals and calcium. The gall-bladder is usually full and relaxed between
meals. During the process of digestion, when food reaches the duodenum, the
hormone cholecystokinin begins to be produced in the internal mucosa. When this
hormone reaches the gall- bladder through the bloodstream, it causes the
gall-bladder to contract, thereby releasing the bile concentrate into the
duodenum via a common duct.
The main problems which afflict the
gall-bladder are an inflammatory condition known as cholecystitis and
gall-stones. Gall-stones are usually caused by disturbances in the composition of
the bile. A change in the ratio of cholesterol and bile salts may result in the
formation of deposits. At the start, these may be in the form of fine gravel.
But these fine particles constitute the nucleus for further deposits,
ultimately leading to the formation of larger stones. An irritation of the
lining of the gall- bladder due to inflammation may also lead to the formation
of particles. The incidence of gall-stones is higher in females than males,
particularly in those who are obese.
Symptoms
Indigestion, gas, a feeling of
fullness after meals, constipation, nausea and disturbed vision are the usual
symptoms of gall-bladder disorders. Other symptoms are intolerance to fats,
dizzines, jaundice, anemia, acne and other lesions. Varicose veins, hemorrhoids
and breakdown of capillaries are also disorders associated with gall-bladder
troubles.
Causes
The main causes of gall-bladder disorders are digestive disturbances
due to a regular excessive intake of fats and carbohydrates in the diet. They
can also be brought on by disturbances of the liver and gall-bladder. Meals
rich in fats may cause an attack of gall-bladder pain or gall-stone colic.
Often the disorder is caused by a diet rich in refined carbohydrates such as
white flour and white sugar. Poor health, hereditary factors, stress, spinal
displacements, bad posture and muscular tension may also cause gall-bladder
disorders.
Types of gall stones
There are three types of gall-stones,
depending on the cause of their formation. These are:
·
cholesterol
stones caused by a change in the ratio of cholesterol to bile salts;
·
pigment
stones (composed of bile pigment) caused by the destruction of red blood cells
due to certain blood diseases, and
·
mixed
stones consisting of layers of cholesterol, calcium and bile pigment (bilirubin)
resulting from stagnation of the bile flow.
Treatment
Surgery becomes necessary if the
gall-stones are very large or in cases in which they have been present for
long. Smaller gall-stones can, however, cleared through nature cure methods.
Diet is the basic factor in the treatment of gall bladder disorders. In cases
of acute gall-bladder inflammation, the patient should fast for two or three
days, until the acute condition clears. Nothing but water should be taken
during the fast. After the fast, the patient should take carrot, beet,
grapefruit, lemon and grape juice for a few days. Ensure that the diet contains
an adequate amount of lacto-vegetarian, consisting of raw and cooked
vegetables, vegetable juices, and a moderate amount of fruit and seeds.
Yogurt, cottage cheese and a
tablespoon of olive oil twice a day should also be taken. Oil serves as a
stimulant for the production of bile and lipase, the fat digesting enzymes. All
meats, eggs, animal fats and processed and denatured fats as well as fried
foods should be avoided. The diet should also exclude refined carbohydrates,
especially sugar, sugar products, alcohol, soft drinks, cakes, puddings,
ice-cream, coffee and citrus fruits. The patient should eat small meals at
frequent intervals, rather than three large meals. The following is the
suggested menu for those suffering from gall-bladder disorders:
On rising: A glass of warm water
mixed with lemon juice and honey or fresh fruit juice,
Breakfast: Fresh fruit, one or
two slices of whole meal toast and a cup of skimmed powder milk.
Mid morning: Fresh fruit juice.
Lunch: Vegetable soup, a
large salad consisting of vegetables in season with dressing of lemon or
vegetable oil. Fresh fruit for dessert, if desired.
Dinner: Vegetable oil, one or
two lightly cooked vegetables, baked potato, brown rice or whole wheat chappati
and a glass of buttermilk.
Hydrotherapy
Regular applications of hot and cold fomentations
to the abdomen improve the circulation of the liver and gall-bladder. They also
induce concentrations of the gall-bladder, thereby improving the flow of bile.
A cold hip bath improves the general abdominal tone. The pain of gall-stone
colic can be relieved by the application of hot packs or fomentation to the
upper abdominal area. A warm water enema at body temperature will help
eliminate fecal accumulations if the patient is constipated.
Exercise is essential as physical
inactivity can lead to lazy gall-bladder type indigestion which may ultimately
result in the formation of stones. Yogic asanas which are beneficial in toning
up the liver and gall-bladder are: sarvangasana, paschimottanasana,
shalabhasana, dhanurasana and bhujangasana.
Source: www.healthlibrary.com through www.scribd.com
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