Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
Can eggs cause Gallbladder Problems? Yes! I have seen many client’s digestive and Gallbladder symptoms improve after eliminating eggs. If you’ve already lost your gall bladder, even more reason to study this connection now.
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The liver makes bile and sends it to the Gallbladder under the liver. It concentrates and stores bile until needed to digest fats.
The Gallbladder is connected to the top of the small intestine (the Duodenum) by a bile duct. As you eat, the gallbladder pumps bile through the duct and into the intestine, emulsifying fats for digestion by the enzyme Lipase. These fats carry the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, K and E throughout the body.
Can Gluten and Eggs Cause Gallbladder Problems?
In my experience… YES! Studies report a link between eggs, gluten and biliary inflammation.
Gluten intolerance is known to contribute to Gallbladder inflammation – but not to gallstones. If you have had your Gallbladder out or have symptoms, ask your doctor to check for Celiac Disease. Even if you don’t have Celiac, I ask my clients and podcast listeners to avoid the gluten grains (and most other grains as well). They’re inflammatory, hard to digest, high in Omega 6 (the bad fat) and have too much Phytic Acid which binds minerals from your food.
But EGGS?? Why are they associated with Gallbladder issues? I first learned this in Jonathan Wright’s 1984 book “Guide to Healing Nutrition”. A top Allergy Association study in 1968 reported eggs were the number one provocative food causing gall bladder attacks after an elimination diet. Dr. Wright worked with this idea in his clinic for many years and found it to be true.
Can I Eat Eggs if I Don’t Have a Gallbladder?
In short, no, I don’t recommend it. Eggs are eliminated in Paleo Autoimmune Protocols and Dr. Terry Wahl’s diet as well. Eliminate them 100% (mayo, dressings, baked goods, etc.) for at least 2 to 3 months and watch for beneficial changes in digestion, pain and bowels.
Then try 1 to 2 eggs a week, starting first with a gently cooked pastured yolk. Do this for a few weeks. I find yolks easier to digest, especially when lightly cooked.
If that goes well (and you’re paying attention), try a cooked egg white, 2 per week for several weeks. Try the whole egg 2 or 3 per week if no issues.
If you’re nauseous, burping, dizzy or in pain, you’ve got your answer. The occasional egg may be fine but not every week.
Gallbladder/Biliary Dysfunction
There are ducts in the liver bringing bile to the Gallbladder as well as the duct going from the Gallbladder to the Small Intestine. All of this can become inflamed and congested with bacteria, cholesterol, stones, and other waxy substances (“sludge”).
This is often overlooked by patients and doctors who don’t monitor the biliary system until a gall bladder attack sets off a crisis. It may be too late to save the Gallbladder if the blockage, sludge or number of stones is too great. Doctors often remove the Gallbladder even when the blockage is not that bad. You may be told you don’t really need your Gallbladder and can eat whatever you want once it’s gone.
If possible, take it as a warning, get the facts, and change your diet ASAP. You need that Gallbladder! Removing the Gallbladder may not remove the actual cause of the problem. It may not be the Gallbladder’s fault it became congested.
Symptoms of Inadequate Bile Flow
The Human Digestive Tract
- Elevated Bilirubin lab test (best at .3 to .8)
- Burping or digestive distress after eating fat
- Pain under the right rib, in your neck or under the scapula (the “wing” under your shoulder)
- Constipation, Diarrhea, light-colored stools, mushy stools
- Nausea, mild Vertigo, headaches
- Feeling too full after eating
What Causes Biliary Stones or Congestion?
We’re not sure! Why is the Gallbladder emptying too slowly? Why are stones being formed? Is the problem in the Gallbladder or in the ducts? Can sensitivity to eggs be one cause of gallbladder problems?
Gallbladder problems run in families so ask about your relatives’ history and genetics.
Bacteria, viruses, lack of healthy Microbiome, food additives, food intolerances like eggs and gluten, hydrogenated oils and poor Liver and Thyroid function all contribute to Biliary “Sludge”.
The Vitamin K2 Connection to Gallstones
In my research (see my blog posts and podcasts including those with Robb Wolf and Mark Sisson) I find Vitamin K2 commonly deficient. Without K2 we can form calcium deposits in the joints and arteries, and stones in the Gallbladder and Kidneys. I have all my clients on K2 either from this Walkabout Emu Oil (the highest natural source of K2 in the world) or from these K2 capsules.
Never take Vitamin D without K2. Ever! Find a D3 Complex like this one or this one in my online store that have A, D and K2 together. Take K2 or Emu Oil with Rosita Cod Liver Oil too – it contains Vitamin D but not K2.
Supplements if You Have No Gallbladder
I ask every client without a Gallbladder to take some form of Bile Salts with every meal. Forever…
Here’s a good one in my online store.
The Liver will continue to make and “drip” bile into the Small Intestine, but it does this 24 hours a day. You may not have enough when time comes to digest your steak and avocado salad. In addition, bile is an important detoxifier of heavy metals and chemicals. This Liver formula in my online store can help with that.
Beets are an excellent food for the Gallbladder. This product contains dried beet, or eat a small amount of raw or cooked beets regularly. Neither Kvass or Pickled Beets will work for this purpose.
I don’t recommend Gallbladder flushes by the way…. eat right and fix or prevent the problem. But do get an Ultrasound or other Gallbladder tests to see what the situation is. If you lose it, you’ll be ok with the diet and supplements such as these.
