Having your gallbladder removed is not ideal, but more than half a million Americans have theirs removed each year.  The gallbladder is not necessary for survival, but certainly plays an important part in digestion and overall health.  The gallbladder is responsible for creating and storing bile, which is used in the digestive process to break down fats (oils) and fat soluble vitamins.  The liver also produces bile, but not in the quantity that the gallbladder does.  This breakdown of fats is a very important role and here’s why: Fats are an important part of the diet and essential to many parts of the body  and their abilities to function well, including the skin, hair, nails, the function of nerves and the brain.  Fats are so important that some of them are called “Essential Fatty Acids or Omegas” and they are truly essential, meaning we must get them from our food and our body needs them to function properly.

At Hanna’s Herb Shop, we get asked about how to clean the gallbladder (see  Gallbladder Health and How to Cleanse Your Body- Proper Order of Cleansing for this information) and we also get asked, “I’ve already had my gallbladder out, what do I do now?”  If you have already had your gallbladder removed and are concerned with how to keep your body healthy, we have some answers!  Everyone is different so this is general information and does not replace medical advice, but there are common supplements and eating habits that can go a long way in helping you to have good health:

1. Make sure to take enzymes at the beginning of every meal!  Hanna knew how important enzymes were and created two formulas: Digestive Enzymes (formerly called D.E.) and Enzymes (formerly called ENZ), the latter formula being stronger and probably more appropriate for someone without their gallbladder. These formulas do not contain enzymes but instead provide an herbal combination that supports your body’s natural production of enzymes.
2. Supplement with bile.  Yep, believe it or not, you can take bile as a supplement.  One great product is Ultra-Zyme, which has enzymes and ox bile in it, which can really help break down those fats.
3. Make sure to take probiotics!  Probiotics are the good bacteria in the digestive system and will naturally help to break down food.  Taking probiotics is always recommended, especially if your digestive system is compromised (no gallbladder means you!).
4. 

   Hanna’s Liver Formula contains Goldenrod, Goldenseal Root and Cloves to tone and cleanse.

   Take care of your liver!  Your liver cleans out toxins, heavy metals, and other pathogens from the blood, lymph and food all day every day.  Because it doesn’t have the gallbladder to do its job of breaking down fats, the liver has to work harder.  Do not overlook how important this is! The quality of your life after your gallbladder is removed is significantly impacted by the care you provide for your liver.  You can take supplements like Hanna’s Liver Formula for a month for cleansing or Milk Thistle Complete Concentrate or Dandelion Root Tincture for long-term support.

5. Take an antioxidant!  Antioxidants drastically decrease the toxic load the liver has to deal with and have numerous health benefits.  For more information on antioxidants read our antioxidant section on the blog.
6. Do not overeat!  Overeating puts stress on the whole system and makes digesting food hard.  Your stomach is approximately the size of your two fists put together and meals should be able to fit in this space.  You may find you need to eat smaller, but more frequent meals, which will help you get more energy out of your food.

It may take a little time to incorporate these things into your routine, but once you do, your whole digestive system will be grateful, which means a happier you! Want to learn more about how to support your liver through proper eating and supplementation? Check out our post outlining the foods and herbs that are best for a healthy liver!