Gallbladder & Liver Supplements

Your gallbladder and liver are two unique organs that perform numerous functions. Your gallbladder is a small, hollow organ that helps your digestive processes and stores bile. Your liver, notes MayoClinic.com, also helps you digest food as well as absorb nutrients and sequester and eliminate toxic substances from your body. Gallbladder and liver supplements may help improve the functions of these organs. However, supplements should always be used under the care of a licensed healthcare provider.

Gallbladder and Liver Problems

There are many gallbladder and liver problems that can arise. Possible liver problems include:

• fatty liver
  
• viral hepatitis
  
• alcoholic hepatitis
  
• enlarged liver
  
• liver failure
  
• alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
  
• liver cancer
  
• parasitic infections of your liver

Abdominal pain or discomfort may be one of the most common symptoms associated with gallbladder and liver conditions.

Helpful Supplements

More research evidence may be required to determine these supplements' health benefits.

A Commonly Used Supplement

Celandine may be one of the most commonly used nutritional supplements in treating both gallbladder and liver problems or dysfunction. This supplement may be used in treating chronic liver and gallbladder diseases, notes Tilgner.

Considerations

Gallbladder and liver problems should always be managed by a qualified and competent healthcare professional. Before ingesting dietary supplements to help improve your gallbladder or liver function, speak with a clinical nutrition expert about what supplements may be most appropriate for you and your health problems. Avoid using dietary supplements in place of other treatments prescribed by your primary care provider, and always ask your doctor about appropriate dosage and potential drug interactions before using supplements.