Gallbladder Function and the Systems That Influence It
The gallbladder plays a key role in digestion by storing and releasing bile, which helps break down fats and eliminate waste products from the body. While many people think of gallbladder health in isolation, its function is influenced by several other systems and factors. Here are some of the most important connections:
Relative Estrogen Dominance
Excess estrogen in the body (when compored to all other steroid hormones), often referred to as estrogen dominance, can slow bile flow and increase cholesterol saturation in bile. This combination makes the bile thicker and more prone to forming gallstones. Women are especially vulnerable to gallbladder problems during times of hormonal fluctuation, such as perimenopause or when taking hormonal medications. Supporting hormone balance can help protect gallbladder health.
Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid function reduces metabolism and slows the liver’s ability to process cholesterol into bile acids. This can result in sluggish bile flow, a condition known as biliary stasis, which increases the risk of gallstone formation. People with hypothyroidism often experience poor fat digestion, bloating, and fullness after meals, symptoms that overlap with gallbladder dysfunction.
Toxin Load and Liver Congestion
Your liver produces bile not only to digest fats but also to remove toxins. When toxin load is high, from environmental exposures, alcohol, medications, or poor diet, the liver can become overburdened. Congested bile may flow sluggishly or become too thick, impairing gallbladder emptying and increasing the risk of discomfort or stones.
Very High or Very Low-Fat Diets
The gallbladder relies on dietary fat to trigger bile release. Very low-fat diets can reduce this stimulation, leading to stagnant bile that becomes thick over time. On the other hand, excessively high-fat diets, especially those rich in processed fats, can overwhelm the gallbladder, making it harder to release bile efficiently. Balance is key for keeping bile flow healthy.
Dehydration
Bile is made mostly of water. Without adequate hydration, bile becomes concentrated and sluggish, making it harder for the gallbladder to contract and release it properly. Dehydration can also contribute to constipation, which indirectly burdens the liver and gallbladder system. Regular water intake supports smooth bile flow and efficient fat digestion.
SIBO and Gut Dysbiosis
The gut microbiome has a direct influence on bile metabolism. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and dysbiosis can deconjugate bile acids, making them less effective in breaking down fats and irritating to the gut lining. This not only causes digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea but can also send feedback signals that alter gallbladder function.
Supporting Gallbladder Health Holistically
Gallbladder symptoms are rarely caused by one single factor. Hormone balance, thyroid health, liver detoxification, hydration, nutrition, and gut function all play a role. Through functional testing, naturopathy, and clinical nutrition, we can uncover the underlying causes of gallbladder dysfunction and create a personalised plan to restore balance.
Functional Testing for Gallbladder-Related Concerns
Because gallbladder health is influenced by multiple systems, testing can help identify underlying imbalances:
Hormone Testing (saliva, urine, or blood panels) – to assess estrogen and progesterone balance.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, antibodies) – to identify underactive thyroid function.
Liver Function Tests (blood) – to check the livers capacity to process cholesterol and toxins.
Stool Testing (GI-MAP, CDSA, microbiome analysis) – to evaluate microbiome balance, bile acid metabolism, and markers of dysbiosis.
SIBO Breath Test – to confirm bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Nutrient and Hydration Markers (serum electrolytes, blood urea, osmolality) – to assess hydration status and nutrient sufficiency.
Ultrasound – to detect gallstones or bile flow issues directly.
