Gallstones are a perfect example of a Western diet–induced disease. Conservative estimates suggest that about 20 million Americans (10 percent of the U.S. adult population) and 5 to 22 percent of the population in the Western world have gallstones. Each year in the United States, one million more people develop gallstones and more than 300,000 gallbladders are removed due to the presence of gallstones. Clearly gallstones are more than just a nuisance; they constitute a serious health concern. 

Gallstones may occur without symptoms or may be associated with periods of intense pain in the abdomen that radiates to the upper back. Ultrasound provides a definitive diagnosis.

Gallstones are easier to prevent than to reverse. Once gallstones have formed, therapeutic intervention involves avoiding aggravating foods and employing measures that increase the solubility of cholesterol in bile and possibly dissolve the stones. If symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be required.  

Natural treatment for gallstones

Lecithin is the main cholesterol solubilizer in bile, so low levels may be one of the causes of gallstones. Studies have shown that ingesting lecithin can make cholesterol more soluble. Taking as little as 100 mg of lecithin three times per day will increase the concentration of lecithin in the bile, while larger doses (up to 10 grams) produce even greater increases. However, lecithin supplementation alone hasn’t shown any significant effects on gallstones. 

Animal studies have shown that deficiencies of either vitamins E or C have been shown to cause gallstones.

Several animal studies have shown that fish oil supplementation can reduce gallstone formation. In human studies, fish oil supplementation has been shown to improve bile acid content and produce an ability to improve the solubility of cholesterol in the bile in obese women losing weight. Fish oils increase acid content of the bile and lower triglycerides, which is why fish oils are a very important recommendation in gallstone prevention and treatment.

The natural approach to treating gallstones has typically involved the use of lipotropic and choleretic formulas. Lipotropic factors are, by definition, substances that hasten the removal or decrease the deposit of fat in the liver. Common lipotropic compounds include choline, methionine, betaine, folic acid and vitamin B12. Often these nutritional factors are used with herbal cholagogues and choleretics. Cholagogues stimulate gallbladder contraction to promote bile flow, and choleretics increase bile secretion by the liver.

Many herbal choleretics improve the solubility of bile. Choleretics that are appropriate to use in the treatment of gallstones include dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), silymarin from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and boldo (Peumus boldo).

One animal study in 1992 in the Indian Journal of Medical Research demonstrated that curcumin supplementation reduced gallstone formation. Animals fed a gallstone-promoting diet had only a 26 percent incidence of gallstone formation if they were given curcumin, compared with a 100 percent incidence in the group fed the same diet but not given curcumin.

Treatment summary

In most cases, gallstones can be prevented with a healthy diet that is rich in dietary fiber and limits excess calories and saturated fats. Once gallstones have developed, it’s important to take measures to avoid gallbladder attacks and increase the solubility of the bile. Avoid fatty foods and work with your healthcare provider to identify any other foods that might be aggravating your symptoms. Then you can work on increasing the solubility of the bile by using nutritional and herbal supplements. Here’s a list of the specific supplements and dosages I recommend:

• High-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula
• Key individual nutrients

1. Vitamin C: 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily 
2. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 100 to 200 IU daily 
3. Vitamin D3: 2,000 to 4,000 IU daily (ideally measure blood levels and adjust dosage accordingly)
4. Fish oils: 1,000 mg EPA+DHA daily 

Choose one of the following:

1. Grape seed extract (at least 95 percent procyanidolic oligomers): 100 to 300 mg daily 
2. Pine bark extract (at least 90 percent procyanidolic oligomers): 100 to 300 mg daily 
3. Another flavonoid-rich extract with a similar flavonoid content (such as a “super greens formula” or other plant-based antioxidant that can provide an oxygen radical absorption capacity of 3,000 to 6,000 units or higher per day)

Specialty supplements

Choose one of the following:

• Lipotropic formula providing:

1. 1,000 mg of betaine
2. 1,000 mg choline
3. 1,000 mg of cysteine or methionine
4. SAMe: 200 to 400 mg daily

• Phosphatidylcholine: 500 mg daily
• Fiber supplement (guar gum, pectin, psyllium, or PGX®): 2.5 to 5 grams per day

Botanical Medicines

Choose one or more of the following:

1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): three times/day—4 grams of dried root, 4 to 8 ml of fluid extract (1:1), or 250 to 500 mg of solid extract
2. Pneumus boldo: three times/day—250 to 500 mg of dried leaves or by infusion, 2 to 4 ml of tincture (1:10), or 0.5 to 1 ml of fluid extract
3. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): 70 to 210 mg of silymarin three times/day
4. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract (15% cynarin): 500 mg three times/day
5. Curcumin: 300 mg three times/day
6. Gallstone-Dissolving Formula (Rowachol®)

Editor’s Note: This information was excerpted with permission from The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Third Edition (Atria Books, 2012).