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Can Eggs Cause Gallbladder Problems?

Beverly Meyer

Better Digestion, Health Conditions, Podcast

Cracking an egg into a bowl

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Can eggs cause gallbladder problems?

Yes! I have seen a wide variety of Clients’ digestive and gallbladder symptoms improve after eliminating eggs.

This is true whether you have a gallbladder or not.

What Does the Gallbladder Do?

The liver makes bile and sends it to the gallbladder underneath the liver. The Gallbladder 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.

How Eggs Cause Gallbladder Problems

  • Food sensitivity to eggs
  • Or Fat and Cholesterol?

Food Sensitivity to Eggs

Dr. Jonathan Wright cited a study by Dr. J.C. Breneman in 2018 that tested food sensitivities and the gall bladder with an elimination diet.

The test showed that eggs were by far the #1 food sensitivity causing gallbladder spasm when eating eggs after the elimination period.

92.8% of participants reported pain after eating eggs. 

See Slides #15 and #16 here.

Fat and Cholesterol in Eggs

The medical view of fats and gallbladder disease relate only to the saturated fat and cholesterol content in eggs. Conventional wisdom says to avoid meats, fats, butter in general.

Most websites discussing what to eat for the gallbladder refer only to the fat content of egg yolks as being bad for gallbladder health.

Some medical sites say to avoid egg yolks, some say they are OK.

But, science no longer supports this. Read more here on cholesterol and heart disease – what does the science say?

This article and Podcast review the 2015 USDA report that quietly declared cholesterol safe – a food no longer “a nutrient of concern”.

Eating Eggs Without a Gallbladder

I don’t recommend it without first doing an elimination and provocation trail.  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, eggs are not good for your particular gallbladder – even if it has been removed. The occasional egg may be fine but not every week.

Gluten and Gallbladder Problems

Gluten intolerance is also known to contribute to Gallbladder inflammation – but not to gallstones.

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.

Gut inflammation from gluten may be a contributor to biliary inflammation.

Cause of Biliary Stones or Congestion

What causes gallstones or biliary 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 bile ducts? Can food sensitivity contribute to 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, certain medications, hydrogenated oils and poor Liver and Thyroid function all contribute to Biliary “Sludge”.

Supplements if You Have No Gallbladder

I ask every client without a Gallbladder to take some form of Bile Salts with every meal. 

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 bile ready when it’s time 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.

cracking an egg into a bowl and asking if eggs can cause gallbaldder problems

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed medical doctor and cannot advise you on medical matters. However, by studying my website you may be better able to communicate with your wellness provider. If you need medical assistance, please seek support from a qualified physician. Click here to read my full disclaimer.
AFFILIATE LINKS: There are affiliate links in some of my articles, which means I may get a small commission if you decide to purchase something after clicking on the links. I only recommend products I trust or have used so I know you'll be in good hands.

Beverly Meyer recording a podcast episode

About Beverly

In practice since 1985.

Beverly Meyer is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been in practice since 1985. Her Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast has published over 200 episodes since 2010. In 2012 she founded The Center For Life, which is the largest natural health center in San Antonio, with 11 doctors and practitioners. Her Diet and Health Center San Antonio is also the longest serving health and wellness center in the area. Beverly has an MBA in Finance and BA in Economics, has owned and managed several businesses, including a franchising company and a large kitchen goods store.

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