What can you actually do to support gallbladder health—before or after gallbladder removal? In Part 3 of our Gallbladder Series, we move from theory into practice. After exploring the relationship between the gallbladder, microbiome, hormones, and bile acids in Parts 1 and 2, we discuss the clinical tools, supplements, dietary strategies, and testing considerations we use to support patients with gallbladder dysfunction, bile acid disorders, and post-cholecystectomy symptoms. We explore why some patients continue to struggle with digestive symptoms long after gallbladder removal, how hormone fluctuations impact bile flow, and why supporting the microbiome may be one of the most overlooked pieces of gallbladder care. Whether you're dealing with gallstones, bile acid diarrhea, digestive symptoms after surgery, or simply want to better understand how to support healthy bile flow, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. ✔ Conventional approaches to gallbladder disease and gallbladder removal ✔ Why removing the gallbladder doesn't always solve the entire problem ✔ The long-term microbiome consequences of cholecystectomy ✔ The connection between gallbladder function, metabolism, and insulin resistance ✔ Taurine and glycine for bile acid conjugation and bile production ✔ Bitter herbs and how they support bile flow and gallbladder function ✔ Dandelion, gentian, chicory, and other classic digestive bitters ✔ Phosphatidylcholine, lecithin, and cholesterol balance within bile ✔ Choline supplementation and gallbladder support ✔ Magnesium and gallbladder motility ✔ Ox bile, TUDCA, UDCA, and digestive enzyme support ✔ Psyllium fiber and bile acid regulation ✔ Butyrate and microbiome support after gallbladder removal ✔ The estrogen–microbiome–gallbladder connection ✔ DIM and calcium-d-glucarate for estrogen metabolism ✔ NAC, milk thistle, and liver support ✔ Hormone replacement therapy considerations in patients with gallbladder disease ✔ Functional testing options for patients with gallbladder concerns ✔ How these concepts have changed our clinical approach to patient care ✔ Gallbladder removal may be necessary, but it should also prompt a deeper look at why gallbladder dysfunction developed in the first place. ✔ Taurine, glycine, bitters, magnesium, and phosphatidylcholine can all play important roles in supporting bile production and flow. ✔ The microbiome is central to bile acid metabolism and should be considered in patients with ongoing digestive symptoms. ✔ DIM and calcium-d-glucarate may help support healthy estrogen metabolism and reduce gallbladder stress in susceptible individuals. ✔ Post-cholecystectomy patients may benefit from additional support for digestion, microbiome balance, fat-soluble vitamins, and bile acid regulation. ✔ Hormones, bile acids, the liver, and the microbiome are deeply interconnected systems that influence one another in meaningful ways. Part 1: Gallbladder Physiology, Bile Acids & The Microbiome Part 2: The Estrogen–Gallbladder Connection: Hormones, Menopause & Bile Acids Part 3: Practical Strategies for Supporting Gallbladder Health Before and After Surgery Music provided by Blue Dot. 👋 Connect with the Turds! Rebecca Sand ND, LAc, MSOM https://www.drrebeccasand.com/@drrebeccasand Ilana Gurevich ND, FABNG, LAc, MSOM https://www.openwellnesspdx.com@openwellness_pdx@ilana.gurevich Ami Kapadia, MD, ABFM, ABIHM https://www.amikapadia.com/
