Why Your Gallbladder Deserves More Credit
Did you know that in the United States, gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries? It’s often done when someone has gallstones or inflammation—and in many cases, it happens quickly in an emergency setting.
We’re often told the gallbladder is no big deal and that we can live just fine without it. But I believe our bodies were created with intention—and that every organ plays a role in supporting our health. If we were born with it, it was there for a reason.
What the Gallbladder Actually Does
The gallbladder is a small organ, but it has a big job in digestion. While bile is made in the liver, the gallbladder stores and concentrates that bile until your body needs it—usually when you eat a meal that includes fat. At that point, it releases the bile into your small intestine to help break those fats down.
If the gallbladder is removed, bile is no longer released when it’s needed. Instead, it drips slowly into the small intestine all the time. This can make it harder for your body to digest fats properly, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies, bloating, or other digestive issues over time.
Gallbladder Issues Are Often a Symptom
Gallstones and inflammation don’t usually happen out of nowhere. They’re often signs of deeper imbalances in the body—like poor diet, dehydration, or too many processed foods. Removing the gallbladder doesn’t fix those root issues. It just takes out one of the organs that was helping your body function properly.
So, while removal is sometimes necessary, especially in urgent cases, it’s worth taking a step back and asking: Why was my gallbladder struggling in the first place?
How to Support a Healthy Gallbladder
The good news is, there’s a lot you can do to take care of your gallbladder—or to support digestion even if it’s already been removed. Here are a few simple habits to help:
Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps bile flow more easily. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of filtered or purified water each day.
Eat more fiber. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber, but they aren’t the only ones. Foods like oats, chia seeds, flaxseeds, lentils, beans, quinoa, and nuts are also rich in fiber. These help keep digestion moving and support your liver and gallbladder. They also assist your body in eliminating toxins more effectively.
Include healthy fats. Your body needs fats to function—just the right kinds. Olive oil, wild-caught fish, avocado, and coconut oil are great options. Try to avoid heavily processed seed oils like canola, vegetable, and soybean oil, which can cause inflammation.
Cut back on refined carbs and sugars. White bread, pasta, pastries, and sugary snacks can put stress on your digestive system. Swap them out for more whole foods that fuel your body with real nutrition.
You may not hear much about it, but the gallbladder plays a key role in how your body breaks down fats and absorbs nutrients. Supporting it through small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you feel.
If you’ve had your gallbladder removed—or think your digestive system could use some extra support—I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out at info@brywell.co. You don’t have to figure it out alone!