THE GALLBLADDER

 

The gallbladder is a thin, pear shaped organ located on the bottom of the liver (inferior portion).  This sac like organ is green in color and quite small.  In fact, it is around 8 cm long and 4 cm wide and has a storage capacity of 40-70ml. (1.5 – 2.5 ounces).  It is connected to the liver (which produces the bile) by the hepatic duct.  With the absorption of water, salts, and electrolytes through the gallbladder mucosa, the bile becomes between 4-12 times more concentrated than it was in the liver.

Bile is an emulsifying agent that helps break down fat to be transported and helps to keep cholesterol levels in check. It also assists with absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D E and K.  Bile is composed of water, bile salts, fatty acids, cholesterol, lecithin, bilirubin (waste product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin molecules from worn out red blood cells), and mucus. The liver can make around one quart of bile daily and whatever isn't sent directly to the duodenum to emulsify fat is sent to the gallbladder and stored until needed.

When fat from a meal reaches the duodenum (the first part of the small intestines); cholecystokinin (a hormone) is secreted into the circulation. Upon reaching the gallbladder, it causes the gallbladder to contract. This contraction causes the sphincter of Oddi (located in the small intestines) to relax and the bile enters the duodenum. With a rather fatty meal, the gallbladder can completely empty within one hour.

 

Some Causes of Gallbladder Problems

 

  • Poor diet choices (fried foods, fatty foods, dairy, etc)
  • Production of toxic bile by the liver
  • Sluggish bile flow
  • Inadequate production of bile
  • Infection of the gallbladder
  • Excess amounts of cholesterol in the bile
  • Contraceptives and some other types of hormone replacement therapy

 

Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

 

  • Abdominal bloating
  • Belching and or gas
  • Intolerance to fatty foods
  • Vomiting attacks
  • Indigestion and nausea after eating, especially fatty foods
  • Pain in the upper abdomen, just under the rib margin which can radiate pain into the right shoulder and back

 

Gallstone Formation

  • As the liver starts secreting bile that is saturated with too much cholesterol, and not enough bile salts, the cholesterol starts to crystallize to form stones.
  • Stones can form because the amount of bile acids and bile lecithin are low.

 

Some Prevention Ideas to Avoid / Help With Gallbladder Problems