Gallstones & Gallbladder Pain: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
My personal journey and how I help clients support their gallbladders naturally
Have you ever felt a dull or sharp pain under your right ribcage, especially after a rich or fatty meal? Or maybe you’ve noticed bloating, nausea, or trouble digesting certain foods?
If so, you’re not alone—and your gallbladder may be the organ asking for help.
As a Holistic Nutritionist, I see this often. But it’s also personal. After the birth of my first child, I started experiencing intense digestive pain. I was eventually diagnosed with gallstones and told my only option was surgery. At the time, I didn’t know what else to do, so I had my gallbladder removed. I’ve learned a lot since then—and now I help others explore natural ways to support their gallbladder health before it gets to that point.
Why Gallbladder Issues Are So Common—Especially After Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes—including to our digestion. Hormonal shifts can slow down the flow of bile, the fluid that helps you break down and digest fats. When bile becomes thick or stagnant, gallstones are more likely to form. Another factor many women don’t realize? The type of folic acid often recommended during pregnancy is synthetic and harder for the body to process—especially if the liver is under stress. This can make bile production sluggish and put even more pressure on the gallbladder, particularly in the postpartum phase when the body is trying to reset.
What Does the Gallbladder Do, and Why Is It So Important?
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile—a digestive fluid made by your liver. When you eat, bile is released to help break down fats and absorb important nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
When bile isn’t flowing properly, symptoms start to show up.
Common Signs of Gallbladder Imbalance:
• Pain or pressure under the right ribcage
• Bloating or nausea after eating
• Floating or greasy stools
• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Trouble digesting fatty foods
• Burping or acid reflux
These are all signs your gallbladder needs support—not necessarily removal.
What Happens If the Gallbladder Is Removed?
Gallbladder removal is sometimes necessary—but many people aren’t told what to expect afterward.
Without a gallbladder, bile trickles into your digestive tract constantly, rather than being released when you eat. This can lead to:
• Difficulty digesting fats
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially fat-soluble vitamins)
• Bloating, constipation, or loose stools
• Hormonal imbalances
• Gut inflammation
• Low energy
I see these issues often in clients who’ve had their gallbladder removed—and I’ve experienced them myself. That’s why I now focus on prevention and support whenever possible.
Can Gallstones Be Supported Naturally?
Yes, in many cases they can. With the right nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to improve bile flow, reduce inflammation, and support your gallbladder in doing its job.
Some tools I use with clients include:
• Whole food nutrition with a focus on digestive support
• Bitter herbs to stimulate bile flow
• Nutrients like magnesium, taurine, choline, and ox bile
• Gentle liver detox practices
• Stress-reducing rituals and movement
Some helpful herbs include:
• Chanca Piedra (“stone breaker”)
• Dandelion root
• Artichoke leaf
• Milk thistle
• Turmeric
Please keep in mind: every person is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. That’s why a personalized approach matters so much.
How I Help Clients With Gallbladder Support
At Down to Earth Holistic Wellness, I begin with a complete intake and a Live Blood Cell Analysis. This non-invasive test allows us to look at signs of liver stress, poor fat digestion, inflammation, or other imbalances that might be contributing to your symptoms.
From there, I create a customized wellness plan that includes nutrition, supplements, and gentle lifestyle shifts—all tailored to your body and your goals. The plan usually spans 6 to 8 weeks and is designed to be sustainable, supportive, and empowering.
You Deserve to Feel Good in Your Body Again
Gallbladder issues can be frustrating and even scary, but you’re not alone—and there are natural ways to support your body through this.
Whether you’re trying to avoid surgery, dealing with postpartum symptoms, or still struggling after gallbladder removal, I’m here to help you get to the root of what’s going on and guide you toward real, lasting relief.
Book a Free Discovery Call
Let’s chat about what’s going on and how we can work together.
Book your free discovery call here
Or email me at info@downtoearthholisticwellness.ca
Let’s take the first step towards healing—together.