Certain herbs, spices, and supplements can help ease gallbladder pain naturally. Applying heat and making changes to your diet and exercise routine might also be beneficial.
The gallbladder is an organ that
The gallbladder also sends bile to your small intestine, a process that helps the bloodstream easily absorb vitamins and nutrients.
When any of these processes are interrupted, you could develop a number of issues and infections from gallbladder disease. The most common symptom of gallbladder disease is pain from inflammation. The pain typically occurs in the upper-right section of your abdomen.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- diarrhea
- dark urine
Doctors often treat gallbladder pain with anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication. However, some of these medications have dangerous side effects and can increase the chance of dependency.
Natural approaches to pain relief have become an alternative to harmful drugs. Before pursuing natural treatments, consult with your doctor about your options and risks. Below are seven natural treatment options for your gallbladder pain.
Getting regular physical exercise
The
In addition, a
Consult with your doctor before performing any strenuous activity. While exercise is helpful, some activities cause strain on your abdomen and may worsen your symptoms.
Poor eating habits and consuming foods high in sugars and fats can contribute to gallbladder disease and gallstones. A diet with less fat and more fiber
Fried foods and other foods or condiments that contain fats — even salad dressings — are more difficult to break down and can cause pain. Increasing nutrient-rich foods in your diet, such as vegetables and fruits,
Some foods you should consider incorporating into your diet are:
- dark, leafy greens
- nuts
- brown rice
- whole grains
- fish
- olive oil
- beans
- citrus fruits
- low-fat dairy
Learn more about what to eat for a healthy gallstone.
Applying heat can be soothing and relieve pain. For gallbladder health, a heated compress can calm spasms and relieve pressure from bile buildup.
To relieve gallbladder pain, wet a towel with warm water and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or hot water bottle for the same effect. Repeat this process until the pain goes away.
Just be careful not to place the hot surface directly on your skin, as you could burn yourself.
Research from 2018 has found an association between taking more magnesium and a lower chance of gallstones. This means magnesium deficiency can increase the chance of gallstone formation.
To ease pain symptoms, mix a teaspoon of magnesium powder in warm water to drink every few hours. Magnesium is also available as an oral supplement. Discuss appropriate dosages with your doctor.
Dandelion
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However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings, especially how dandelion might affect gallstone disease.
A common way to consume dandelion is through tea. However, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before trying it.
Lysimachiae herba is a herb commonly used in Chinese medicine. It has also
Specifically, animal
However, more research on human subjects is needed to confirm this effect.
Acupuncture is known for helping relieve pain from biliary cholic.
There is no research evidence on the effect of acupuncture on gallbladder disease or gallstones specifically, but several
What is the fastest way to relieve gallbladder pain?
You can try a warm compress for some pain relief, but for fast relief, you’ll most likely need to see a doctor to determine the cause and get a prescription for medication.
What pain relief can you take for gallbladder pain?
You may be able to take some over-the-counter pain relievers. This includes
Can drinking water help with gallbladder pain?
Water helps maintain your bile fluid, so staying hydrated can help you prevent the formation of gallstones, which can help you avoid gallbladder pain.
Natural treatments can help to soothe gallbladder pain. But, traditional medical treatments shouldn’t be ignored. While home remedies can reduce symptoms of gallbladder disease and infection, they may not treat the underlying cause.
Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss your options and expectations with your doctor.
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