A gallbladder cleanse, also known as a gallbladder flush, a liver cleanse or a liver flush is an alternative remedy for potentially ridding the body of gallstones and other toxins. Gaining popularity as a way to quickly eliminate toxins from the liver and the gallbladder, one of the most popular recipes calls for drinking a combination of Epson salts, grapefruit juice, various herbs and olive oil.
It is said, following the cleanse, people see what looks like gallstones in their stools the next day, but what they are actually seeing is globs of oil, juice and other materials – not gallstones.
Gallbladder cleanses are not without risk, as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur during the cleansing period. Dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can be the result of the colonic effect of Epsom salts. Furthermore, Epsom salts in high dosages can lead to dangerous magnesium toxicity. If taking medications, Epsom salts may cause a dangerous interaction, so it’s best not to take any medications during the cleansing process.
Also at risk are individuals taking medications when grapefruit juice interacts with them, particularly channel blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs such as Zoloft, Zocor and Lipitor. Because a large amount of oil can cause the gallbladder to contract, causing the stones to get lodged in the narrower openings of the gallbladder, a gallbladder cleanse could be dangerous for individuals who require surgery to remove them.
Finally, pregnant women and people who are in poor health should not use a gallbladder cleanse.
The best means of supporting a healthy gallbladder is to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, lose weight slowly and maintain a healthy weight.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.
