Excess estrogen is a cause of low bile. Estrogen is a hormone, and it increases steadily during pregnancy. That's why women who are pregnant or those with high levels of estrogen can get gallstone disease. Bile salts are stored in your gallbladder when they’re not being used. If your gallbladder is removed, it can lead to a bile salt deficiency. This condition can also be caused by other diseases of the bowel.

Fatty liver - The liver is your body’s bile factory—so if it’s damaged, bile production will slow down. Diets high in carbs and omega-6 fatty acids are especially damaging to the liver. What’s the difference between bile salts and bile acid? Most of the time, these terms are used interchangeably, but technically they are different because of their structure and biological characteristics. Bile salts make up the collective term that’s used for bile acids and bile alcohol sulfates, another major component of bile. When bile acid is combined with amino acids glycine or taurine, this forms bile salts. So bile acid actually turns into bile salts when conjugated with these amino acids. That being said, you may notice that bile salts are sometimes called bile acid. How to Increase Bile Salts Bile salts supplements are usually taken with a meal so they can aid in the absorption and digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When shopping for bile salts supplements, start with lower doses and monitor how you feel after meals. Look for a supplement that contains more cholic acid, which is a more water-soluble bile acid. You’ll also find that most supplements are made with chenodeoxycholic acid. Bile salt supplements are usually made from sterilized ox or bovine bile. It’s recommended to take bile salts supplements along with taurine, which can help restore healthy bile formation. Deficiency What are the symptoms of a bile salt deficiency? Incorporating ox bile extract into your daily routine can significantly improve overall digestive health while offering much-needed support for individuals with compromised liver function or existing gallbladder concerns. From enzyme support with pancreatin to stomach acidification using betaine hydrochloride, the benefits of Gallbladder Formula extend far beyond what you might expect from a digestive aid supplement. Gallbladder Formula, Extra StrengthThe gallbladder, unlike other parts of the digestive system, does not produce or digest anything. The gallbladder serves as a holding tank for bile made by the liver.

Citrus fruits like lemon and lime are an easy way to stimulate the liver and improve the production of bile. You can add them to almost anything! Add fresh lemon juice to your water, or squeeze some lemon juice and olive oil onto your salad. Remember to use fresh lemon juice, not the pasteurized bottled variety. 5. Dandelion greensProtease: Aids in protein breakdown by cleaving peptide bonds between amino acids, allowing for better nutrient uptake from consumed proteins. Cramping and constricting pains in the gallbladder and liver in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen extending to the right shoulder. Pain is aggravated by fatty foods and improves from warm drinks. Also indicated in jaundice in adults and new-borns, and for painful enlarged liver from excess alcohol. Nausea and vomiting in the morning on waking. Congestion of the portal venous system. Bile is a digestive liquid that’s produced in the liver and contains bile salts and other substances that help to break down fats from our diet. Each day, the liver produces approximately 500–600 milliliters of bile, which consists primarily of water and electrolytes, but also contains organic compounds like bile salts, cholesterol, phospholipids, bilirubin and ingested compounds, such as proteins. ( 1) Your digestive system requires bile to digest fats. Inadequate bile flow slows down the digestion process, allowing food to sit in your digestive tract partially digested. This can cause gas, bloating, burping, and indigestion.

If your stomach acid is too alkaline, you may have damage to your small intestine or a hyperthyroid condition like Graves’ disease. In these situations, you shouldn’t take more bile salts.This is especially important for those who have had their gallbladder removed or suffer from bile salt deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency - Bruising, kidney stones, high blood pressure, joint aches, and calcified arteries. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Bile Salts: How They Work + 9 Reasons You Need Them