No Gallbladder? You Must Know this
Removing a Gallbladder: What Most Doctors Don’t Tell You
(This is NOT medical advice)
Gallbladder removal is often described as a simple fix — “You don’t need it,” or “You can live totally normally without it.”
Yes, you can live without a gallbladder.
But what’s often missing from the conversation is how its removal can affect digestion and health long-term, and that doctors aren’t taught how to support these changes beyond surgery, and the consequences of not doing something about it.
Why the Gallbladder Is Actually Important
The gallbladder’s main job is to store and concentrate bile, which is produced by the liver. Bile is essential for digesting fats properly, so the body can absorb the nutrients.
Healthy fats are important for good over all health because they contain essential nutrients like:
Vitamin A (immune health, skin, vision)
Vitamin D (hormones, metabolism, mood)
Vitamin E (antioxidant protection)
Vitamin K (blood sugar balance, bone health)
Essential fatty acids (hormones, brain function, inflammation control)
These nutrients are critical for:
Hormone production and balance
Brain and cognitive health
Healthy metabolism and weight regulation
Reducing inflammation
Energy production
Overall health
Without proper fat digestion, the body may eat “healthy foods” but fail to actually absorb what it needs.
What Happens When the Gallbladder Is Removed
When the gallbladder is removed, bile is no longer stored and released in a concentrated form during meals.
Instead, bile drips slowly from the liver into the intestine, not enough to properly digest fats, especially larger or higher-fat meals.
Over time, this can lead to:
Bloating, gas, or diarrhea after meals
Poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Hormonal imbalances
Increased inflammation
Digestive discomfort or food sensitivities
Fatigue and brain fog
Difficulty losing weight despite eating well
Nutrient deficiencies leading to more serious health issues down the road
These issues don’t always show up immediately, they can develop months or even years later, which is why many people don’t connect them back to gallbladder removal.
Supporting Digestion After Gallbladder Removal
Because the gallbladder is no longer there to release bile when needed, the body needs bile support.
This is where bile salt supplements (sometimes called ox bile) are important.
They provide the digestive support that the gallbladder would normally supply, helping the body break down and absorb fats more efficiently and absorb nutrients the body needs to function properly and stay healthy.
Bile salt supplements help:
Improve fat digestion
Reduce bloating and digestive issues/strengthen digestion
Improve nutrient absorption
Support hormone health
Lower inflammation
Support brain and cognitive health
Make weight loss easier when paired with proper nourishment
For many people without a gallbladder, bile support isn’t a short-term fix, it’s a long-term (lifelong) tool needed to support the body.
However, some people with specific conditions must be careful using bile salts (like those with inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and more).
(Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you have existing conditions or take medications.)
Where to find bile salts:
Bile salt supplements are available at reputable health food stores. It’s best to avoid purchasing them from Amazon, as counterfeit or low-quality products are common.
How to take bile salts:
Proper timing matters. Bile salts should be taken immediately before eating a meal. A typical dose is 1–2 capsules per meal, depending on individual needs and tolerance.
