Page 30 - Summer2018

We need vitamins (the noble vitamins A, D, E and K) will Standard lab tests are valuable for indicating

fat-soluble pass right through her bowels as well. Unfortu- whether there is another problem in the area,
nately, she needs those fat-soluble vitamins for such as an infection, but only sometimes—
vitamins myriad reasons, one of which is (you guessed it) and not always—can they point to liver and
for myriad proper liver and gallbladder function! gallbladder stasis (congestion). Tests include
reasons, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS a complete blood count (CBC) as well as tests
to assess levels of bilirubin (a marker of liver
one of which The signs and symptoms of gallbladder function), albumin (a protein made by the liver)
is proper problems are many and diverse, and range from and various enzymes: ALP (alkaline phospha-
liver and mild to incapacitating (see below). tase), AST/SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase/
Severe or advanced gallbladder inflamma-
serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) and
gallbladder tion (cholecystitis) can lead to sharp, urgent pain GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase). It also may
function. on the right side (often felt as a sharp band of be wise to run some thyroid tests—thyroid-
pain around the middle) and/or pain in the mid- stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, reverse T3
shoulder blade area that can be severe enough and free T4—because low thyroid function is a
to lead to an emergency room (ER) visit. These significant factor in gallbladder issues.
pains may come and go, depending on diet and During the medical visit, it is prudent to ask
stress levels. for an abdominal exam, which should include
palpation of the gallbladder reflex point (mid-
DIAGNOSING GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS right rib border) and a “Murphy’s Sign” test
Imaging (such as an x-ray) often misses (also called a “Murphy’s Rebound” test). With
gallbladder congestion issues, as many gall- the latter, pain or tenderness in the gallbladder
stone symptoms are caused by thickened bile, area gets worse after the pressure is abruptly
not mineral-based stones. Unfortunately, the removed (that is, the “rebound” pain is worse
modern set of typical lab tests also can easily than the direct pressure pain). This usually means
miss a chronic gallbladder problem. This can trouble. An oral pH test can also be a good idea;
lead practitioners astray if they are “treating a pH of under 7-7.2 can be related to low stom-
by paper” (lab results) rather than “treating by ach enzyme production, low fat absorption and
patient” (signs, symptoms and physical exam). subsequent low bile output. Primarily, however,

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS
Gallbladder troubles may include some (or many) of the following signs and symptoms:

• MOOD: irritability, anxiety and/or moodiness (traditionally “melancholy”).
• ENERGY: insomnia, fatigue.
• CRAVINGS: persistent sugar or carbohydrate cravings.
• AVERSIONS: fat or protein avoidance or intolerance; side pain or shoulder blade area pain, aversion, belching
or nausea after eating eggs, dairy, onions, pork (especially bacon), chocolate, corn, citrus, beans, nuts, processed
foods or any fats.
• DIGESTION: burping after meals, gas, bloating, reflux/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• ELIMINATION: light-colored, clay-like or pasty stools that may come and go; stools that float; diarrhea (especially
diarrhea that changes with the fat content of the diet); alternating diarrhea and constipation.
• WEIGHT: persistent obesity.
• SKIN: fat-soluble vitamin deficiency symptoms like persistent white “bumps” on the outer upper arms or around
the eyes; thick callouses on the heels; dry skin.
• FOOD ALLERGIES
• THYROID PROBLEMS
• OTHER: shadows under eyes, bad breath (especially after fatty meals), thick coating on tongue, suboptimal
cholesterol ratios.

28 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2018