How to Get Rid of Gallstones Naturally gives the recipe for a gallbladder cleanse that allows the passing of gallstones easily and without surgery. Natural remedies do work!
Do you have gallstones, sludge or know someone who does? Maybe you just want to make sure you don't? This is for you!
UPDATE: Have you read this post and still have questions about how to get rid of gallstones using this gallbladder cleanse for passing gallstones? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom.
Have you ever had a gallbladder attack? Talk about painful! But there is hope - here is how to get rid of gallstones naturally!
Thankfully, I have found something that works like a charm, is not invasive and lets me keep my gallbladder! Plus, it doesn't hurt - yeah!
Can You Dissolve Gallstones Naturally?
The short answer is "YES"! It is possible and has worked for me and many others as shown in the comments.
Natural Remedies for Gallstones Without Surgery
My Experience
I had my first when pregnant with our 8th child and after an all-you-can eat pizza buffet - a high fat meat! It was no fun, in fact, it was quite painful!
As a nurse, I knew that I was a prime candidate for gallbladder surgery. Having cared for gallbladder patients, I knew that it was a difficult surgery and I did not want it!
In seeking an alternative to gallbladder surgery, my father introduced me to a gallbladder cleanse, also called a gallbladder flush.
I have continued to use the recipe that I will give below, as needed with success.
Until I started the GAPS diet, I would use the flush once a year or so. Once starting the GAPS diet, interestingly, my gallbladder attacks increased during the first 8 - 10 months or so.
During this time, I did the gallbladder cleanse monthly until my attacks subsided.
Whatever the reason, the GAPS diet seemed to accentuate my gallbladder problem. My gallbladder was not functioning properly and through the process of the GAPS diet allowing my digestive system to function properly, it is now much better. The need for a gallbladder cleanse is almost unnecessary.
You might also be interested in my how to get rid of bladder infections naturally guide.
Before I give the recipe ...
Did you know that nearly 1 million gallbladders are removed yearly?
Over 20 years ago, gallbladders were removed surgically and the recovery period was slow and painful.
The traditional "open" gallbladder surgery has almost completely been replaced with the introduction of laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy uses small instruments and a lighted tube equipped with a video camera, all inserted through tiny abdominal incisions. The recovery period is quicker and less painful with a laparoscopy making it the preferred method of removal.
Unfortunately, the number of gallbladder operations has risen 40 percent since the introduction of the laparoscopy!
Perhaps the doctors would prefer to avoid severe attacks so, the gallbladder is removed with vague symptoms like bloating and gas. This equals unnecessary surgery!
Laporascopic removal of the gallbladder while used commonly is not without risk!
Accidental severing of the bile duct, which can cause permanent liver damage, occurs in 1 to 2 percent of laparoscopies—three times more often than in open surgery!
Function of the gallbladder
The gallbladder is located just under the liver and has a very important role in the digestive process.
According to Wikipedia:
In vertebrates the gallbladder (cholecyst, gall bladder, biliary vesicle) is a small organ that aids mainly in fat digestion and concentrates bile produced by the liver. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.
To put it another way, it emulsifies fats. Think of trying to wash greasy dishes without soap. It is almost impossible.
Why? Because soap emulsifies the grease. Similarly, the gallbladder stores bile and bile acids, which emulsify the fat eaten so it can be properly transported through the intestine into the blood stream.
Bile is made in the liver, then stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it to digest fat.
At that time, the gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube--called the common bile duct--that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. Under certain conditions the bile can harden into stones.
Types of gallstones
You may wonder how to get rid of gallstones naturally but, what about the different types of stones. Will one natural solution work for all types?
According to WebMD, there are two types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones made up of hardened cholesterol are usually yellow-green. 80 percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones. They are caused by too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or not enough bile salts or when the gallbladder does not empty as it should.
- Pigment stones made of bilirubin are small, dark stones. Their cause is uncertain although they tend to occur in people with cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia - these conditions cause too much bilirubin to form.
You can see both types in the photo below.
Either type of gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop either one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or almost any combination.
Symptoms of a Gallbladder Attack:
If gallstones lodge in any of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestines, a gallbladder attack occurs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms have a rapid onset and may include:
- Steady pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- Pain under the right shoulder
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Recurring intolerance of fatty foods
- Belching
- Gas
- Indigestion
An easy way to determine if your pain is related to the gallbladder is to press down below on your last rib on your right side and lined up with your nipple - if there is pain there is a good chance that you have a gallbladder problem.
Curing Symptoms Not the Problem:
The removal of the gallbladder is a procedure called Cholecystectomy. Following is information about the surgery from the American College of Surgeons.
Of the 1 million cholecystectomys or gallbladder removals that are done yearly, it is estimated that only a few thousand actually need to come out!
Sadly, as many as half of the patients continue to have pain after the gallbladder is removed.
Rather than treat the symptoms, more care should be taken to heed the warning signals and determine why the gallbladder is not functioning properly.
One way to relieve congestion in the gallbladder is a gallbladder cleanse or flush.
Healthline states:
There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, however. The body is able to cleanse and flush itself.
Medical News Today states:
A 2009 paper states that although scientific evidence to support a gallbladder cleanse is minimal, anecdotal reports indicate it may be helpful for some people.
I am not a medical doctor and do not pretend to give medical advise. But, I do want to share what has worked for me and how to get rid of gallstones naturally. That is, passing gallstones using the following gallbladder cleanse.
Even with "minimal" scientific evidence that this cleanse works, if you are one (like me) that it works for, it is completely worth giving it a try!
The following recipe is one I have used since my first attack in 2002.
I use it when I begin to experience pain in my right side, just under my ribs. It is a pain that once you have, you recognize instantly.
While I normally do not have severe pain (because I do the flush before it gets too bad), I have procrastinated and had sever pain, nausea and vomiting - all of which have been relieved for me by the following cleanse and passing gallstones.
How to Get Rid of Gallstones - Passing Gallstones Naturally
Gallbladder Cleanse Recipe
Days 1 - 6:
Drink 1 qt of apple juice each day for 6 days. Drink the apple juice in addition to your regular diet.
There is no specific time that you must drink it - I drink it throughout the day.
The apple juice contains limonoid which helps soften any gallstones and alleviate any pain you are experiencing.
Here is a link to the brand that I use: 100% Apple Juice
On the 6th day:
Do not eat anything after 6 pm.
At 6 pm, take 1 Tbsp Epsom salt with a full glass of water. Mix the Epsom salt in the water - it takes a bit of stirring. I take a big breath and down it quickly!
Around 8 pm repeat 1 Tbsp Epsom salt with a full glass of water.
Then at 10 pm - mix and drink quickly, 4 oz. olive oil and 4 oz. lemon juice.
Go to bed and in the morning you will pass any gallstones you may have. I normally have varying sizes of bright green gallstones visible in the toilet. The Epsom salt acts as a laxative to quickly remove the gallstones from the intestinal tract.
Here are links to the products that I use for this natural solution:
- 100% Apple Juice
- Epsom Salt
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice - Fresh lemon juice can also be used but since I normally have the bottled on hand so I use it.
FAQ
In an effort to make it easier for you, here are some of the most common questions that I receive about how to get rid of gallstones naturally using this gallbladder cleanse.
Passing gallstones can be done without surgery and I know your questions are important. I want to help you as quickly as possible. Hopefully, this section will help you get the answers you need when you need them. If you do not find what you are looking for, please leave a comment.
Is this gallbladder cleanse safe?
I personally have done this cleanse multiple times without any problems. I consider it safe or I would not do it.
Can Natural Remedies Have Side Effects?
You can expect diarrhea as a result of the Epsom salt. That is to be expected as the Epsom salt is used for its laxative effect.
It has been suggested by some critics that a stone may become lodged in the bile duct. In my fourteen years of experience, no one has reported this to me nor have I read reports of this happening. The apple juice is thought to soften the stones so they pass without any problems.
When passing gallstones, do the stones pass through the urine or stool?
They pass through the stool. I normally begin passing them in the next morning with my first bowel movement.
I started having diarrhea after the first dose of Epsom salt - is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal. Epsom salt is used for its laxative effect to clear the intestines so the stones can be quickly eliminated before they are potentially reabsorbed through your intestinal walls.
How large a stone will this work on?
I cannot say how large is too large. I have never known the size of my stones while they are in my gallbladder. The apple juice works to soften the stones so passing gallstones does not cause any pain.
Will I get sick from this gallstone remedy?
I have never gotten sick from this cleanse. I normally feel full and gassy after the Epsom salt.
After taking the lemon juice/olive oil mixture, I do feel yucky but I have never vomited. (Even though I have wanted to!)
From the comments, there have been a couple of readers who did vomit after taking the mixture but again, I never have.
Can I use sea salt, table salt or rock salt instead of Epsom salt?
The other salts listed are forms of sodium chloride. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. They are two very different salts not to be used interchangeably.
Will Epsom salt raise my blood pressure?
No. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate not table salt which is sodium chloride.
Can natural remedies raise blood pressure?
The natural remedies that I have used will not raise the blood pressure. Of course, if you have an underlying condition or are in doubt, please seek the medical advice of your doctor.
What brand of Epsom salt do you use - will any do?
As long as there are no added fragrances, any will do - mine has the directions for laxative usage on the back of the package.
Here is the Epsom Salt that I use.
Pin It!
What about the sites claiming this gallstone remedy is a hoax and you are not really passing stones?
There are several online sites claiming this is a hoax and I have read them. But, I disagree and if you have a gallbladder attack and try this cleanse, I think you will too.
The apple juice provides relief from the pain almost immediately. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, traditional medicine stands to lose a lot of money if and when people begin to take responsibility for their health with natural solutions that work.
There are are several readers who have had their stones resulting from this cleanse analyzed by a lab and they were indeed gallstones.
Other readers who had ultrasounds before the cleanse showing gallstones and after the cleanse showing none. There is one reader who showed a decreased number of stones and was planning on doing another cleanse to get of rid them.
Are these really stones that result from the gallbladder cleanse?
Gallstones are not stones as in pieces of granite. There are two types of stones:
- Stones made of cholesterol stones
- Pigment stones made up of bilirubin. Like other fats, they float.
Do I take apple juice on the 6th day also?
Yes, you take it on the 6th day also.
Do I take the Epsom salt, olive oil/lemon juice mix only on the 6th day?
Yes, this completes the cleanse and is only done on the last day.
Is there an alternative to the apple juice - I don't want all the sugar?
I have never used anything else but a couple of readers report success with grapefruit juice and another with tart cherry juice.
What brand of apple juice do you use?
I use store bought that has no added sugar.
The brand that I use can be seen here 100% Apple Juice.
Can I juice my own apples?
Yes, but I have no idea how many it would take.
When do you drink the apple juice?
I drink it throughout the day - no specific time.
How much is 1 quart of apple juice?
1 quart = 32 oz = 4 cups = 0.95 liters
What type of olive oil do you use?
I use virgin olive oil. The flavor of extra virgin olive oil is just too strong for me.
This is the brand I use: Olive oil
Can I use other types of oil?
I have never tried it but I would think other healthy oils would be fine.
Do you use fresh squeezed lemon juice or store bought?
I have used both with success but, since I keep bottled lemon juice in the fridge, I normally use it.
This is the brand I use: Lemon juice
How do you get and keep the lemon juice/olive oil mixture down?
This, to me, is the most difficult part of the cleanse. It does not taste good but, if you mix it well, take a big breath and gulp it down, you can do it! After all, it is much easier than surgery! I then brush my teeth to get the taste out of my mouth.
How often can I repeat this cleanse?
I had a doctor say this could be repeated every 2 - 4 weeks for a time of healing. While on the GAPS diet, I did it monthly. Now I do it yearly as a maintenance, just to make sure nothing is building.
Can I do this cleanse while pregnant?
Passing gallstones with this cleanse can be done while pregnant. I have done it while pregnant without any problems. In fact, my first cleanse was when I was pregnant with our eighth child!
Can I do this cleanse while nursing?
I have done it while nursing without any problems.
Should I do a colon cleanse before the gallbladder cleanse?
I never have done a colon cleanse before doing the gallbladder cleanse and it still works great. Despite what others say, the colon cleanse is not necessary to do before doing the gallbladder cleanse.
After completing the gallbladder cleanse, do I need to lay on my right or left side?
I just lay down in bed and try to go to sleep. I find it more comfortable on my right side.
Do I have to go to bed after the olive oil/lemon juice mixture?
That is what the recipe says. It is easier to go to bed and go to sleep rather than stay awake and feel the effects of the Epsom salt. But, be prepared to get up and run to the bathroom for diarrhea! In my experience, passing gallstones occurs in the morning with my first bowel movement.
What type of diet do I eat during this gallbladder cleanse?
I eat a normal diet during the cleanse and afterwards. Our normal diet consists of low amounts of processed sugar, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and veggies. Oh, and fresh raw dairy from our milk cow.
Marci says
I have been told I have gallstones [via ultrasound] and tried a gallbladder flush about 10 years ago [way before I knew I had gallstones], when I was just learning about natural health and the experience was NOT pleasant. Ended up in the E.R. twice and when I'd try to eat my heart would race and I'd be in great pain. I think stones were getting stuck in the duct. I didn't know it THEN, but I think that's what happened. It took two weeks before I could eat again! Anyhow I am still reluctant to try this again. I do eat very healthy and have for about 10 years, take supplements, try to do all the healthy things, etc. Do you or anyone know if there a good way to do or eat or drink things daily that would OVER TIME dissolve the stones and clean the gallbladder? GREAT ARTICLE by the way!
JV says
Within 5 years I was diagnosed with gallstones in my bladder but didn't know, until I went to see the emergency hospital last week. I had an ultrasound right away and found out the gallstones in my gallbladder is the caused of the pain. On the right side of my stomach under the ribs I feel it saw and in pain most of the time. Then I went thru the net for a research and came up with that recipe, epsom salt, water, virgin oil, lemons. I did it as required and it taste quite bad in your mouth but its good inside. I was so happy when I got my tummy running, it's a lots of gallstones in green color, most of them are from tiny to a marble sized gallstones. I am still doing this recipe everyday and there is a big change in my tummy and my whole body as well. My advice to you now is go and do it again don't give up, it's going to work. your tummy will get a bit of running after the next few hours of the process. Good luck mate
Dina-Marie says
JV, I am not sure what you mean by doing the recipe everyday unless it is the apple juice you are referring too, but then that is not bad tasting. I have never done the cleanse itself on a daily basis (the epsom salt, olive oil and lemon juice) and would now recommend it. This cleanse is meant to relieve the congestion of gallstones in the gallbladder not to be a daily diet. I would not recommend do this cleanse any closer that 1 month from each other.
tesha says
hi, i have a gallstone… it measures 2.3 cm… the doctor told me that it will not remove naturally because the sized is big… i’m afraid to undergo an operation.. but i want to know if is it ok for me to use the natural way to remove gallstone than surgical? i will wait for your reply.. thank you
Dina-Marie says
Tesha, that is a big gallstone and I have not heard of one that big - are you sure it was cm and not mm? If it were cm I would be afraid too try it - I would not try it.
Linda says
I use the Superphos 30 in my cleanse but I used yours for the last stages this time. I had the Epsom followed by the 4 ozs of oil/juice later. But the Epsom worked as a laxative on me before I could drink the oil and was so severe I was not able to lay on my right side right after drinking the oil. I had to wait about 10 minutes. Now it's morning and even though my insides are grumbling, nothing as of yet. I hope the laxative effect of the Epsom didn't clear me before the oil had a chance to flush them out? It's been 7 months since my last flush before an attack 2 weeks ago and that one was a doozy. It woke me from a dead sleep, at first I thought it was a heart attack! I laxed on my regimen. I have a shot of vinegar/apple juice every morning and drink a cup if Lipton tea. Thanks for providing this info. It's nice to find real people going through the same thing and trying to fix it without surgery.
lyz calderon says
recently diagnose with gallstone 1.5cm ..is this possible to pass thru this procedure?
Dina-Marie says
Lyz, I am not a doctor so I really can't say. O can tell you that I would do the cleanse since the apple juice's purpose is to soften the stones so they will pass.
lyz calderon says
In on my 5th day with the apple juice, can i continue to drink apple juice for a couple of days before i take epsom, olive oil and lemon?
ak says
the apple juice is ok but has so much sugar in it and u must drink so much ….use tart cherry juice or apple cider vinegar and also everyday upon arising drink a glass of warm water with a whole lemon squeezed into it….It is the b set thing i do for myself daily.
Tina says
Hi Dina. I have heard of this cleanse before but haven't tried it yet because I was told you had to use fresh squeezed apple juice. Is this true? Also I haven't been actually diagnosed with gallstones but I'm sure I have them as I have had trouble for years and have all the signs plus I'm sure I passed a stone before. Not knowing the size of stones you might have would it be safe to go ahead and do the cleanse? I sure don't want surgery If I can keep from it. Thanks for your input on this.
Dina-Marie says
Tina, I have not known what size stones I had beforehand and I knew that if I went in to the ER, I would be headed to surgery anyway - I felt that I had nothing to lose by trying the cleanse. I have always used bottled apple juice.
Catherine says
Can I use grapefruit juice instead of apple juice?
Dina-Marie says
Catherine, I have never heard of using grapefruit juice - has anyone else?
Treesa says
Yes, I have done it, but I ended throwing up all of it within hours and did not get a chance for the it to work. I think it is because, when you are using grapefruit juice, your have to consume 2 cups of it with one cup of olive oil. It tasted good, but I do not know may be because my stomach was not empty or may be I had been drinking water throughout the day.
Last week one I did another one with just quter cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and quarter cup of organic extra virgin olive oil in intervels of 15 minutes for 1hr. All together I consumed one cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 cup of olive oil. Each 15 minutes, mix the mixture really well and drink it immeadiately. Following morining, drink 4 cups of filtered hot water with 2 tsp of uniodized sea salt. If nothing is happening, keep on drinking more hot water with salt and you will see the stones coming out. Make sure to take a double dose of Magnesium Malate the week before you decide to do this cleansing. I couldn't imagine the number of stones, green and brown that came out.
dan says
Complete nonsense people. Please discuss with an actual doctor as this diet would have zero effect on formed gallstones.
Dina-Marie says
Dan, the doctors that I discussed this with were actual medical doctors and if you read through the comments, you will see that I am not the only one who has benefited from this cleanse. I respect your opinion but in this case, I know it has worked! It is not a diet but a gallbladder cleanse which flushes the stones out.
nirat says
I jst want to ask you that if i dnt include epsom salt in this whole procedure then what will happen?does olive oil n lemon juice can also remove stones?pls reply me as soon as possible...
Dina-Marie says
Nirat, the Epsom salt helps the stones pass through the intestines to be excreted as quickly as possible to prevent them being re-absorbed. The Epsom salt is used as a laxative.
Jen says
Dina-Marie! Thank you so much for this information. I have had minor issues with my gallbladder after my 2nd child in 2009, but it would only last a few days and go away for months at a time. I had gone to ladies' spa night and a local chiropractor had a detox foot bath set up for people to try. After a few minutes the water turned dark green. She looked at me and asked me if I was having gallbladder pain because the toxins coming out were from my gallbladder. I said no because I wasn't. She even examined my abdomin and there was no pain. Well, I changed my diet trying to get my pregnancy weight off after having our 4th child and being our last. We started eating a very low carb and low fat diet. On the 40th day of the diet, I woke up on Sunday morning and my gallbladder was really bothering me. I searched and asked friends about natural alternatives and they pointed me to a flush. I'm an RN and knew that the second I went to the doctor they would schedule for surgery immediately. God put that gallbladder there for a reason and it should probably stay there. All that to say, SUCCESS!!! The epsom salt and EVOO and lemon juice is tied for the grossest thing I've ever done. Tied with castor oil to go into labor with my first pregnancy. I am so much better today. I've only counted 20 stones, but I wasn't going to get an exact count. I'm still a little queasy from the oil! Thank you again. I am much better today!
Dina-Marie says
Jen, I am so glad it helped = the pain relief is wonderful! I agree but since I never took castor oil, I think the EVOO and lemon juice ARE the grossest things I have taken ;)
Bob says
Zero Affect ? I just did a gallbladder flush and removed at least 100 gallstones. I get very annoyed when people that are naive have so much faith in Dr's. I did that for 30 years and stayed sick , absolutely sick , and always out of work . They come across like they know what their doing, I'm talking conventional Dr.'s not alternati9ve , holistic, etc. They waist your time with their big ego , trust me doing a lot of my own research, I called their bluff many times. There are areas of health where I knew more than they. They focus on relieving symptoms , ignorant of knowing causes. Robbing you of your money and time.
Alma says
Bob god bless you for saying that about Dr! you are so right!
Ronda Kaufman says
I have mine out 22 yrs ago this month. It was the worst pain I'd ever had. Childbirth was easy compared to gallstones. I wished I'd known then about the flush. I have a large scar and 3 smaller ones from it. I had open surgery and had a stone stuck in my common bil duct and had to pass it. I came home from the hospital with drains it was terrible and I was only 24 yrs old and my baby was 4 1/2 months old.
Gaia says
I've just come across your website via a Facebook repost, and I really must THANK YOU for this information! I had my gallbladder removed about 10 years ago, when I was in my early 30s, before I heard about this cleanse. I still have stones in my liver, and have contemplated this very cleanse for years. I was concerned that I'd have to go on a strict low-fat vegan diet (which is the complete opposite of what my naturopath has prescribed), but am ready to do the cleanse now! Thank you for showing that it works for you on GAPS. May I ask if you go in for professional colonics when you do this cleanse?
Thanks Again, Great Article!
Dina-Marie says
Gaia, I have never had a professional colonic but the Epsom salt acts as a laxative.
Dan says
Hi again, I mean no disrespect, but I can assure you that it is physically impossible to dissolve actual formed gallstones with any food. Symptom relief is a different story, which may have been what the doctors you have consulted could have meant. But, readers should understand that the gallstones did NOT and will not disintegrate, and should be prepared for a potentially serious gall bladder attack in the future. If any symptom relief is experienced, is is likely due to the fact the fattier food may exacerbate symptoms, which will likely return when normal diet is resumed. A fuller explanation of why the "cleansing" concept of no benefit for any conditions other than prep for a colonoscopy can be found here, among other sources. I urge you to read and understand this- I do believe you will find it very interesting! http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/colon-cleanses-a-load-of-you-know-what/
Dina-Marie says
Dan, maybe I did not make it clear - the cleanse does not dissolve or disintegrate - they are merely softened by the apple juice and then the amount of olive oil taken triggers the flush which then passes the gallstones through the duct - the Epsom salt acts as a laxative to insure that they are evacuated from the bowels before being reabsorbed.
While your article sited is interesting, it deals mainly with a colon cleanse which is done before a colonoscopy - a medical procedure which looks at the colon. Often people will have gallbladder problems when they are not digesting properly which has been my case - hence the more frequent incident of attacks while on the GAPS diet. Thankfully, healing has occurred (as a result of the GAPS diet) and it has been several months since I have had any problems.
Connie says
I have done 2 gallbladder flushes. First one 2010 and second 2012. GREAT success with Huda Clarks recipe! Over 2000 stones flushed out both times! Very happy!
Patrice says
You can not pass 2000 stones. Your Gall bladder can not hold that many anyway. This flush may have benefits but the description of how it works is inaccurate.
Dina-Marie says
Patrice, I never said that I have passed 2000 stones!
Sherry Sheppard says
I just wanted to ask you if you though apple cider vinegar would work instead of the apple juice?
Dina-Marie says
I am not sure but maybe someone else does ...
Lee says
Yes. Read " The Liver and Gallbladder MIracle Cleanse" by Andreas Mortiz. He says you can mix raw apple cider vinegar with water instead of drinking apple juice. This is better for people who cannot tolerate apple juice or have blood sugar issues (which will probably go away after cleansing).
Aysha says
Hi, I have a gallbladder remnant with a gallstone, which was a surprise as I had got my gallbladder removed 7 years ago due to gallstones, now it's back! This time I refused surgery, but want to give a go to pass them naturally as I really don't want to go through surgery again (too painful), Do you feel any pain when passing the stones? I am really scared of getting another attack...
Dina-Marie says
Aysha, I had no pain when I have passed mine.
Cathy says
What if you have some large stones? Could they become lodged in the duct when passing from the cleanse? I would like to try this but I had an ultrasound and they said that some of the stones are quite large. Thank you.
Dina-Marie says
Cathy, that is a potential risk. The purpose of the apple juice is to soften the stones (even larger ones) so they will pass without lodging. With my gallbladder attacks, I know from my days as an RN that if I went to the emergency room, I would be headed for surgery so I am willing to take the risk and I have not had a problem - the stones pass easily and without pain.
RJ says
Dina-Marie, Can whole apples be used instead of juice if so what kind, how many or why not? Also what role does the lemon juice play when taken at the end of the cleanse (w/olive oil) and what kind of olive oil is best, organic? Also I see no mention of what a GAPS diet is or consists of?
Dina-Marie says
RJ, I think the purpose of the apple juice is to give the concentrated limonoid which helps soften any gallstones and alleviate any pain you are experiencing. I don't think whole apples would give enough of it. I use extra virgin olive oil but not organic - it would be fine to use though.
As far as the GAPS diet, if you go to the top menu bar and hover over REAL FOOD, a drop down menu will appear with GAPS as a catagory to click on - here is the direct link for posts explaining what it is and my experience with it - it has been life changing for me.
https://myculturedpalate.com/category/gaps/
Helen Mckenzie says
When I do the cleanse I have to use watered down apple juice because of full strength apple juice is entirely too sweet. It works just fine.