OLIVIA HAAS

In this podcast episode, Olivia Haas, an integrative nutritionist who specialises in gallbladder health joins me to talk all things gallbladder health. Olivia delves into the crucial role the gallbladder plays in our overall health and its link to thyroid conditions.

The gallbladder is a small yet powerful organ located in the upper right abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a substance produced by the liver that aids in fat digestion. Olivia emphasises the importance of maintaining gallbladder health as it can influence our general well-being.

The episode takes us through understanding the bi-directional relationship between the gallbladder and thyroid. Hypothyroidism can increase the risk of gallbladder problems through various mechanisms, including decreased liver cholesterol metabolism. Conversely, poor gallbladder function can affect thyroid health, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these vital body parts.

We cover hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum and their potential impact on gallbladder health. It turns out, hormones can significantly influence gallbladder function, adding another layer to the complexity of gallbladder disease.

One of the key takeaways from the episode was the role of diet and lifestyle in managing gallbladder health. Olivia highlighted that unhealthy dietary habits, particularly the consumption of low-quality fats and lack of fiber, can lead to gallbladder issues. Conversely, a diet rich in healthy fats, whole foods, and adequate fiber can help maintain gallbladder health.

For those who have had their gallbladder removed, Olivia offered strategies for supporting liver health, emphasising the importance of this organ in relation to gallbladder problems. It’s crucial to note that even without a gallbladder, one can still benefit from these dietary tips and live a healthy life.

Olivia also highlighted the importance of diagnostic testing for gallbladder issues and the available methods in both medical and integrative settings.

The episode concluded with a reflection on the importance of dietary changes. Her top tips for gallbladder nutritional health support are:

1.  Keep it simple with nutrition. Focus on eating real foods.
2. Avoid or limit some of those gallbladder disease promoting foods as much as possible to process foods, vegetable oils, refined sugars.
3. Make sure you prioritise enough fiber in the diet and then support your bile flow through some of the key bitter foods artichokes, beets, lemon, turmeric, dandelion and various herbs.

Olivia Haas is a integrative nutritionist with a passion for helping individuals with gallbladder and fatty liver disease. Struggling with gallbladder disease personally she has found the benefits of an integrative approach to gallbladder symptom management through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Now as a passionate board-certified nutritionist, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals work to save their gallbladder or restore their health after gallbladder removal.

Connect with Olivia:

gallbladderdiet.com

@gallbladder.nutritionist on Instagram & Pinterest

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