Left Side Abdominal Pain Under Ribs – Causes & Remedies Covered by Dr. Berg

Summary

This video script delves into left-sided abdominal pain, focusing on the potential issues with the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It explains the bile production process and the risk of pancreatitis due to gallstones or obstructions. The script highlights biliary sludge as a possible cause of pain, which is hard to detect but can lead to gallstones. It suggests solutions like reducing carbs, managing insulin levels, and taking purified bile salts to improve bile flow and reduce inflammation. The video also touches on the importance of diet and lifestyle changes to prevent such health issues.

Takeaways

• 📍 Pain under the left rib cage can be related to organs like the liver and pancreas.
• 🧪 Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and helps in fat digestion.
• 🔗 The bile ducts and pancreatic ducts join in the mid-part of the abdomen, which can be a site for blockages.
• 💧 Pancreatitis often results from excessive alcohol, gallstones, or in 40% of cases, an unknown cause.
• 🌡 Biliary sludge is a pre-gallstone condition with thickened bile that's hard to detect in medical imaging.
• 🚫 Biliary sludge is not from high cholesterol levels but from a lack of bile to regulate cholesterol.
• 💊 Adding purified bile salts can help thin cholesterol and improve drainage.
• 🍚 Reducing carbohydrates and grains can help decrease insulin levels, which can deplete bile reserves.
• 🚫 High estrogen levels, from birth control or pregnancy, can increase the risk of gallstones by affecting bile.
• 🥜 Omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and nuts can increase insulin and create resistance, affecting bile flow.
• 🍺 Alcohol consumption should be limited to reduce irritation and potential for pancreatitis.
• 🌽 GMO corn with glyphosate can irritate bile ducts and should be avoided for better bile health.
• 📅 Taking purified bile salts in the morning and evening on an empty stomach can help maintain bile flow and reduce inflammation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to discuss the potential causes of left-sided abdominal pain, particularly under the rib cage, and the role of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder in this condition.

What are the two main organs located on the left side of the abdomen mentioned in the script?

The two main organs located on the left side of the abdomen mentioned in the script are the liver and the pancreas.

What is the function of bile and how is it stored and used in the body?

Bile is made in the liver, drains through ducts, and is mostly stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. It is then released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats when eating.

What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?

The pancreas produces enzymes that aid in digestion, particularly lipase for breaking down fats, and other enzymes for digesting proteins and carbohydrates.

What is pancreatitis and what are its common causes?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, gallstones, or, in up to 40% of cases, an idiopathic (unknown) cause.

What is biliary sludge and why is it hard to detect?

Biliary sludge is a thickened bile that is a precursor to gallstones. It is hard to detect on imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound because the crystals are very small.

How does a lack of bile lead to an increased risk of gallstones?

A lack of bile can lead to an increase in concentrated cholesterol, as bile is essential for regulating cholesterol levels in the body. When bile is lacking, cholesterol can become concentrated and form biliary sludge, which can lead to gallstones.

What dietary changes can help reduce the risk of gallstones?

Dietary changes that can help reduce the risk of gallstones include reducing carbohydrates, practicing intermittent fasting, decreasing grain consumption to lower insulin levels, and avoiding too much estrogen which can deplete bile reserves.

Why are vegetable oils and nuts potentially problematic for gallbladder health?

Vegetable oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase insulin and lead to insulin resistance, potentially causing problems with bile production. Nuts and nut butters, which are also high in omega-6, can irritate the gallbladder area.

What is the role of alcohol in the development of pancreatitis?

Excessive alcohol consumption is a common cause of pancreatitis because it can lead to the production of toxic substances that irritate the pancreas and cause inflammation.

What is the suggested solution for improving bile flow and reducing inflammation?

The suggested solution is to take purified bile salts, preferably one in the morning and one in the evening on an empty stomach, to help thin the cholesterol material and allow for proper drainage and reduced inflammation.