Bile

Definition of Bile:

A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver.  Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.

Topics Related to Bile

Allergy to Foods (Hidden)

...our question about Gallbladder attacks
“...Dr. Breneman, who conducted this study, believes the ingestion of allergy-causing substances causes swelling of the bile ducts, resulting in the impairment of bile flow from the gallbladder...”

Artichoke Extract

...as a treatment
“...Artichoke also has a choleretic (bile stimulating) effect...”
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More topics Related to Bile

Aspirin

...as a treatment
“...When cholesterol-saturated bile accumulates and becomes lodged in the cystic duct, gallstones are formed...”

Bacterial Dysbiosis

...the condition
“...It increases bile flow and induces bacterial urease activity...”
...relationship to Colon Cancer
“A putrefaction dysbiosis is accompanied by an increase in fecal concentrations of various bacterial enzymes which metabolize bile acids to tumor promoters.”
...relationship to Breast Cancer
“...A putrefaction dysbiosis is accompanied by an increase in fecal concentrations of various bacterial enzymes which metabolize bile acids to tumor promoters and deconjugate excreted estrogens, raising the plasma estrogen level.”

Bayberry

...as a treatment
“...Myricitrin acts as a choleretic and stimulates bile flow.  But it is also an agent toxic to bacteria, paramecia and sperm...”

Beet Leaf

...as a treatment
“...The fact that beet leaf tops stimulate the production and movement of bile as well as have an affinity for fat, make it an excellent agent to add to tonics for both the liver and gall bladder...”

Bile Duct Cancer

...the condition
Bile duct cancer – or cholangiocarcinoma – is the second-most common cause of bile duct obstruction after gallstones...”
...recommendation Surgery
“...Unfortunately, by the time symptoms develop, the cancer has usually spread throughout the bile ducts and into the liver, meaning that the tumor cannot be entirely removed.”

Bile Salts

...as a treatment
Bile salts are detergent-like chemicals produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder...”

Biliary Dyskinesia

...related topic
“Inability to secrete bile.”

Biliary Excretion

...related topic
“...Removal of the drug metabolites formed in the body through bile, especially important for compounds with higher molecular weights (greater than 500).”

Bilirubinuria

...related topic
“Presence of bilirubin (yellow-red pigment of bile) in urine.”

Black Radish

...as a treatment
“...Traditionally, black radish roots have been used in Europe as a gastrointestinal stimulant, bile duct cleanser and choleretic...”

Carcinoid Cancer

...the condition
“...distributed within the body but found in greatest amounts in the small intestine and then in decreasing amounts in the appendix, rectum, lung, pancreas and very rarely in the ovaries, testes, liver, bile ducts or other locations...”

Celandine

...as a treatment
“...Celandine's long history of use to stimulate bile secretions has recently been confirmed by German researchers...”

Chanca Piedra (Break-Stone)

...as a treatment
“...It is believed to help stimulate the production of bile and to promote healthy liver, kidney and gall bladder function...”

Cholagogue

...related topic
“Agent that stimulates bile flow from the gallbladder into the duodenum.”

Cholangiography

...related topic
“An imaging test that looks at the bile ducts to see if they are blocked, narrowed, or dilated...”

Cholangitis

...related topic
Bile duct inflammation.”

Cholecystitis

...related topic
“...Cholecystalgia: Cramps or tenesmus of the gall bladder or bile ducts.”

Cholelithiasis

...related topic
“Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct.”

Choleretic

...related topic
“Agent stimulating the liver to increase bile production.”

Cholestasis

...related topic
“Cessation or suppression of bile flow.”

Cholestatic

...related topic
“Often Cholestatic liver disorder: An arrest in the flow of bile from the liver.”

Chologenic

...related topic
“Producing bile.”

Cirrhosis of the Liver

...the condition
“...Blocked bile ducts.  When the ducts that carry bile out of the liver are blocked, bile backs up and damages liver tissue...”
...our question about Itchy skin
“Some people with liver or biliary cirrhosis experience intense itching due to bile products that are deposited in the skin.”

Coffee Enema

...as a treatment
“...Physiological Chemistry and Physics has stated that "caffeine enemas cause dilation of bile ducts, which facilitates excretion of toxic cancer breakdown products by the liver and dialysis of toxic products across the colonic wall...”

Consequences of Gallbladder Surgery

...the condition
“...One of the most serious complications of gallbladder surgery is injury to the common bile duct.  Because of limited visibility, this injury is more common with laparoscopy surgery than open surgery...”
...recommendation Activated Charcoal
“If a change in your diet fails to relieve diarrhea, then the next step in treatment is to use bile acid sequestering agents, such as activated charcoal or doctor-prescribed cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid).”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Fat Diet
“...Fat is the primary stimulus for bile acid production...”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“Dietary fiber (which is only present in plant foods) will combine and deactivate bile acids, thus protecting the bowel.”
...recommendation Bile Salts
“Once a gallbladder is removed it is important to be on bile acid supplements...”

Cryptosporidium Infection

...the condition
“...These include malnutrition, severe dehydration, weight loss, and bile duct, gallbladder or liver inflammation...”

Cystic Fibrosis

...recommendation Bile Salts
“...Pancreatic enzymes and bile salts may help.”

Dandelion

...as a treatment
“...Dandelion root and its extracts have been used extensively as a liver tonic, to promote bile, and through its liver "cleansing" actions, various skin conditions...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...Bile salt deficiency due to biliary tract obstruction, cholestatic liver disease, bacterial overgrowth or excessive stool losses (IBD, terminal ileal resection) also can lead to maldigestion but...”

Digestive Enzyme Need

...recommendation Bromelain
“...The combination of ox bile, pancreatin, and bromelain is effective in lowering stool fat excretion in patients with pancreatic insufficiency and resulting in a symptomatic improvement in pain, flatulence and stool...”

Dosha

...related topic
“...They are vata, pitta and kapha, represented in the body by wind, bile and mucus respectively...”

Elevated Bilirubin Levels

...the condition
“...The levels of bilirubin in the body are normally low, so elevated levels may indicate certain diseases such as those that impair liver function, bock bile ducts, or cause increased destruction of red blood cells...”
...relationship to Pancreatic Cancer
“Certain diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, can block the bile ducts and lead to an accumulation of bile in the body.”
...relationship to Gallbladder Disease
“Certain health conditions, such as gallstones or an infected gallbladder, can block the bile ducts and lead to an accumulation of bile in the body.”

Enlarged Liver

...the condition
“...As part of the digestive system, the liver aids the body in fat digestion, manufactures and secretes bile, regulates the levels of chemicals in the blood, synthesizes proteins, filters waste products from the bloodstream, and receives nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and either...”

Gallbladder

...related topic
“A small, digestive organ positioned under the liver, which concentrates and stores bile.  Problems with the gallbladder often lead to gallbladder attacks, which usually occur after a fatty meal and at night...”

Gallbladder Cancer

...the condition
“...Factors that increase one's risk of developing gallbladder cancer include ... Choledochal cysts (bile-filled sacs that are attached to the bile duct)...”

Gallbladder Disease

...the condition
“...Gallstones are "pebbles" within the gallbladder – a pear-shaped sac located under the liver which concentrates and stores bile, which is a fluid made in the liver...”
...our question about Burping after meals
“The gallbladder acts as a storage unit for the bile made by the liver, which is used to help digest fatty foods...”
...relationship to Cirrhosis of the Liver
“If cirrhosis prevents bile from reaching the gallbladder, a person may develop gallstones as a result.”
...relationship to Low Melatonin Level
“...Melatonin inhibits cholesterol secretion from the gallbladder, helps convert cholesterol to bile, and as an antioxidant can reduce oxidative stress on the gallbladder...”
...recommendation L-Taurine
“Taurine and beet concentrate are very effective at thinning the bile in the gallbladder.”
...recommendation against Ginger Root
“Avoid medicinal amounts of ginger (e.g. large doses of dried ginger extract) if you have gallstones because it increases bile flow.”
...recommendation Liver/Gall Bladder Flush
“...The regular use of this flush will help prevent the development of gallstones, and helps to remove thickened bile by mobilizing it.”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“In research published in 1983 from the University Department of Medicine, scientists stated, "Bile is significantly more saturated with cholesterol after 6 weeks on a refined carbohydrate diet (white flour and sugar) than after a similar period on an unrefined carbohydrate diet (whole wheat...”
...recommendation Ultrasound Imaging
“...During the same procedure, the physician can check the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas and quickly scan the gallbladder wall for thickening (characteristic of cholecystitis)...”
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“...During surgery, bile was taken from the gallbladder of each patient...”
...recommendation Beetroot
“Consuming beets, or beet extracts, and taurine has been shown to thin bile and cause it to flow more freely...”

Gallstone

...related topic
“Stone-like objects in either the gallbladder or bile ducts, composed mainly of cholesterol and occasionally mixed with calcium...”

General Detoxification Requirement

...the condition
“...The liver helps transform many toxic substances into harmless agents, dumping them via bile into the intestines for passage out of the body...”
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More topics Related to Bile

Giardiasis Infection

...the condition
“...This diet will ensure adequate amounts of lignins and insoluble and soluble fibers are consumed, which can increase mucin production in the small bowel, sequester bile acids, and help to mechanically sweep trophozoites out of the small intestine...”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Fat Diet
“...Dietary fat is also the main stimulator for the release of bile acids into the intestinal lumen, which giardia trophozoites depend on for survival in the small bowel.”

Ginger Root

...as a treatment
“...Digestion: It has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite...”

Glycine

...as a treatment
“A "non-essential" amino acid, glycine is necessary for the synthesis of bile acids, nucleic acids and other amino acids...”

Goldenseal

...as a treatment
“...In addition to its antiseptic properties, goldenseal has general bitter properties which have been shown to increase bile secretion and improve digestive complaints...”

Gugulipids

...as a treatment
“...It has also been implicated to increase bile secretion and decrease cholesterol synthesis, possibly due to the increased LDL receptors on liver cells...”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...Although acid is a primary factor in damage caused by GERD, other products of the digestive tract, including pepsin and bile, can also be harmful...”
...our question about Bitter taste in mouth
“Reflux of acid, bile and/or gastric juices into the esophagus may cause a sour or bitter taste.”

Hepatitis

...our question about Your usual urine color
“Dark urine color can be caused by abnormally high levels of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the bloodstream that is excreted through the kidneys...”

High Total Cholesterol

...recommendation Animal/Saturated Fats Avoidance
“...A properly functioning liver regulates the blood cholesterol level by storing, producing, releasing and excreting cholesterol as appropriate – primarily as bile.  Even vegans, whose dietary intake of cholesterol is by definition essentially zero, have cholesterol in their blood (usually at very healthy levels) because their bodies manufacture it.”
...recommendation L-Taurine
“Taurine lowers serum cholesterol levels by combining with cholesterol to form bile.”

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“...HCl also stimulates the pancreas and small intestines to produce digestive enzymes and bile that are needed to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins...”

Hyperthyroidism

...recommendation Selenium
“...are major thyroid disruptors but not when sufficient selenium is available: selenium binds to mercury and makes it completely inert; it also binds to cadmium and facilitates its excretion through bile.  Selenium and iodine are both essential for thyroid hormone production and a deficiency in either will cause problems...”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...our question about Green, orange, or other color stools
“Irritable Bowel Syndrome can lead to faster movement of bile through the intestinal tract, which impairs nutrient absorption and changes the normal makeup of stool...”
...recommendation Dandelion
“...These bitters are responsible for dandelion's effectiveness against digestive disorders such as IBS, stimulating the functions of the stomach, liver and bile.  They also increase urine production, help remove toxins and metabolic waste, and increase production of digestive enzymes which help to calm indigestion and other symptoms of IBS.”

Ileum

...related topic
“...The last foot of the ileum is the only absorption site available for important dietary substances such as vitamin B12, folic acid, some essential fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins, and recycled bile acids.”

Jaundice

...the condition
“...Normally the bilirubin is removed from the bloodstream by the liver and eliminated from the body in the bile, which passes from the liver into the intestines...”
...relationship to Gallbladder Disease
“The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestines through a tube called the cystic duct, which connects to the bile duct...”

Lactoferrin

...as a treatment
“A protein that is found in milk, tears, mucus, bile, and some white blood cells and is being studied in the treatment and prevention of cancer...”

Lecithin / Choline

...as a treatment
“...It is found in soybeans, liver and other animal organs, bile, oatmeal, cabbage, and cauliflower...”

L-Glutathione

...as a treatment
“...The sulfur molecule is able to stimulate the secretion of bile in the liver...”

Lipase

...as a treatment
“...In order for fat to be digested properly, the liver starts this process by emulsifying the large fat molecules, and bile breaks it down to small droplets, allowing the lipase to start its work...”

Liver

...related topic
“...Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth...”

Liver Abscess

...the condition
“...is relatively rare, affects mainly the elderly, and is often caused by bacteria spreading through the blood from nearby abdominal structures such as the appendicitis, intestines (diverticulitis), or bile ducts.  Because of the liver's excellent ability to remove bacteria, infection is relatively rare...”

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

...the condition
“...Bile flow can be restricted also by extrahepatic means such as gallstones, pregnancy, or other physical causes such as tumors...”
...recommendation Coffee Enema
“The coffee enema causes the liver to produce more bile (which contains processed toxins) and moves bile out towards the small intestine for elimination...”

Liver Detoxification Phase II Support

...as a treatment
“...The role of these various enzyme activities in the liver is to convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble substances that can be excreted in the urine or the bile depending on the particular characteristics of the end product...”

Liver Function Test Requirement

...the condition
“The liver is the chemical factory of the body: it stores and releases energy and minerals, makes bile and controls fat absorption...”

Liver/Gall Bladder Flush

...as a treatment
“...juice is a stone solvent; olive oil stimulates strong gallbladder contraction; and Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) stimulate gallbladder contraction and relax the muscles controlling the release of bile into the intestines...”

Low Total Cholesterol

...the condition
“...Fat absorption requires the presence of bile as an emulsifier...”
...recommendation L-Taurine
“Taurine and beet concentrate are very effective at thinning the bile in the gallbladder.”
...recommendation Liver/Gall Bladder Flush
“The liver/gallbladder flush helps to remove thickened bile by mobilizing it.”

Methionine

...related topic
“...Important for proper growth in infants, nitrogen balance in adults, healthy nails and skin and the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), bile, carnitine and endorphins...”

Oregon Grape Root

...as a treatment
“...This is due to the fact that it increases bile production...”

Pancreatitis

...the condition
“...Pancreatitis develops when gallstones travel out of the gallbladder into the bile ducts, where they block the opening that drains the common bile duct and pancreatic duct (ampulla)...”
...our question about Yellow skin tone
“Jaundice may be due to blockage of the bile duct from the inflamed pancreas.”

Peritonitis

...the condition
“...The condition can also occur when pancreatic enzymes leak into the peritoneum during pancreatitis or when bile leaks from the biliary tract due to injury because these chemicals can irritate the peritoneum...”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...The duodenum receives bile from the liver and gallbladder, to decrease the surface tension between the large fat globules and water, and break them into smaller globules that can be acted upon by lipase...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...relationship to Gallbladder Disease
“Factors such as pregnancy that decrease the flow of bile increase the risk of developing gallstones.”

Probiotics

...as a treatment
“...Problems with Lactobacillus administration include the failure of organisms to adhere to the intestinal mucosa or to survive damage from gastric acid and bile.  The acidophilus sweepstakes has led to the search for newer and better strains for medical uses...”

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

...relationship to Gallbladder Disease
“...This may be a result of lower levels of bile salts relative to cholesterol in the bile causing a higher risk for cholesterol supersaturation and the formation of stones.”

Psyllium

...as a treatment
“...Psyllium has been shown to bind to bile acids, an activity that can lower fat intake and serum cholesterol concentration...”

Rapid Intestinal Transit

...the condition
“...Bile and bacteria are what gives stool its final brown color...”
...our question about Green, orange, or other color stools
“...Bile is green and gradually changes to brown through the digestive process, which takes time...”

Silymarin / Milk Thistle

...as a treatment
“...Silymarin is considered a liver protectant, a choleretic (moving bile), and a liver-specific antioxidant...”

Small Intestine Cancer

...the condition
“...grounds, or black stools), severe nausea and vomiting (because of the blockage caused by the cancer in the small bowel), jaundice (when the cancer involves the upper small intestine and blocks the bile ducts draining the liver)...”

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

...the condition
“Alternative names: SOD The Sphincter of Oddi is a smooth muscular valve surrounding the shared end of the bile and pancreatic ducts...”

Steatorrhea

...the condition
“...Digestive disorders affect the production and release of the enzyme lipase from the pancreas, or bile from the liver, which are substances that aid digestion of fats; absorptive disorders disturb the absorptive and enzyme functions of the intestine...”

Sulfur Requirement

...the condition
“...Sulfur contributes to fat digestion and absorption, because it is needed to make bile acids.  Sulfur is also a constituent of bones, teeth, and collagen (the protein in connective tissue)...”

Supplemental Fiber

...as a treatment
“...When the liver detoxifies these substances, the end products are frequently eliminated in the bile, a liquid substance made in our liver and secreted via the gall bladder into out intestinal tract...”

Taurine

...related topic
“...Taurine's role in bile formation is important for fat metabolism and blood cholesterol control.”

Test Copper Levels

...as a treatment
“...Excess copper is excreted through bile.  Serum copper may be elevated with infection, inflammation, stress, copper supplementation, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy...”

Turmeric Extract, Curcumin

...as a treatment
“...Curcumin is believed to be converted to a bile production stimulating compound, perhaps caffeic acid...”

Ultrasound Imaging

...as a treatment
“...Ultrasound is used to provide images of the following ... gallbladder (locating gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts)...”

Vaginal Itching

...the condition
“...Causes of itchy skin in general can include ... During pregnancy, a liver abnormality called intrahepatic cholestasis (pooling of bile salts)...”

Vitamin D

...as a treatment
“Vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamin requiring bile for absorption, and occurs naturally in animal foods such as salmon, herring, sardines, egg yolks, cod liver oil and dairy products...”

Vitamin E

...as a treatment
“...Vitamin E requires the presence of bile for absorption and only 20-30% of normal dietary vitamin E is absorbed (the percentage decreases with increasing dose)...”

Vitamin E Requirement

...the condition
“...Bile salts, produced in the liver, are required for the absorption of fats...”

Yarrow

...as a treatment
“...Yarrow has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, astringent, antibacterial and choleretic (bile stimulating) activities...”
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