Sludge in GallBladder

The gallbladder plays a key role in the digestion of food. This organ is found behind the liver and is placed on the right side of the rib cage. Although, it is a small organ, it does a very important job of storing the bile that is released by the liver. The bile is a liquid used by the body to digest food. As we all know, the intestines are involved in the digestion process. The bile (digestive juice) flows from the gallbladder into the intestine and helps to break the fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the food. These nutrients are then distributed into the different parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Sludge in GallBladder
However, in some cases, the stored bile in the gallbladder does not entirely pass down to the intestines. A small amount of bile still remains in the gallbladder. This concentrated liquid that stays behind, is generally made up of cholesterol crystals and calcium salts, and is known as sludge. Experts believe that sludge consists of microscopic gallstones. Over time, the quantity of sludge increases, which may obstruct the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder.

Symptoms
In many cases, it has been observed that the person does not show any symptoms, even if sludge is present in the gallbladder. The symptoms appear only when surplus sludge gets accumulated in the gallbladder. The most common symptom associated with this medical condition is abdominal pain that aggravates with time. Other symptoms include digestive disorders such as nausea and vomiting. Serious symptoms such as inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas may develop in the near future.

Treatment
Sonography is commonly used to detect abnormalities in the gallbladder. This medical procedure produces images that determine the presence of sludge in the gallbladder. Once, it is diagnosed, following treatment options are used to eliminate this problem.

GallBladder Flush: A natural way to reduce pain and decongest gallbladder is to use gallbladder flush. that involves taking liquids like lemon juice or olive oil. There are also quite a few herbal solutions available in the market that help to cleanse the gallbladder.

Medications: Medicine such as ursodiol, also referred to as ursodeoxycholic acid is commonly used to break gallstones and ease the bile flow in the gallbladder.

Surgery: People facing severe symptoms are advised to undergo surgery in which the entire gallbladder is removed. One can lead a normal life even without gallbladder and in such a case, the bile directly travels into the intestines to aid in digestion process. This is a minor operation and surely eliminate severe pain associated with sludge in gallbladder.

Diet: A proper diet low in fats is very important for people who have excess build up of sludge in their gallbladder. Consuming foods high in fats such as pizza or red meat can worsen this gallbladder problem and trigger formation of stones. Whether it is healthy fat or lean fat, intake should be restricted to a minimum. Spicy foods or those that come under list of acidic foods, can also make matters worse. Intake of citrus fruits such as orange or even tomato products can increase residual matter in the gallbladder. So it is best to stay away from these foods, until the gallbladder starts functioning normally.

What to Eat: A high fiber diet rich in raw vegetables, nuts, fruits and whole grain, is recommended for proper digestion of food. Foods that minimize the risk of gallbladder problems include prunes, apples, coconut and artichokes. A diet high in calcium and vitamin C is equally important to stimulate normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. Use of flaxseed oil can also contribute to reduce congestion in gallbladder. Drinking coffee in moderate amounts, too can help to combat gallbladder issues. Eating small low-calorie meals (5-6 times) in a day will also prevent further accumulation of gallbladder sludge.

This gallbladder problem can always be prevented by avoiding too much intake of fatty and high cholesterol foods (butter). However, in case of gallbladder issues (if any), proper diagnosis and treatment is also necessary, so that large gallstones do not form in this sac like organ.