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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 particle 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
led 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,anaemia, acne and other lesions.
Varicose veins, haemorrhoids 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 carbo-hydrates 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.
The
Cure
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.
Water
Treatment :
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
faecal 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.
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