Lemon juice has become a popular home remedy for gallbladder issues. Some claim that drinking lemon juice can help prevent and treat gallbladder problems like gallstones. But does the science support these assertions? Here’s a detailed look at the evidence.
What is the gallbladder and what does it do?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just underneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver.
When you eat, your gallbladder contracts and releases bile through a small tube called the common bile duct. The bile travels to your small intestine where it helps digest and absorb fats.
Without a functioning gallbladder, your liver still produces enough bile to digest food. However, the bile drips continuously into the small intestine instead of being stored for release when you eat.
What are gallstones and how are they treated?
Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, which are waste products formed during the breakdown of red blood cells. The excess cholesterol or bilirubin crystallizes and hardens into stone-like deposits that can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
Gallstones don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, the most common ones are:
- Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the shoulder or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and gas
Gallstones that block the bile ducts can also cause more serious complications like cholecystitis, an inflamed gallbladder that may require emergency surgery.
If you have mild symptoms from gallstones, doctors often recommend trying to dissolve them with ursodeoxycholic acid or waiting to see if they pass on their own. But if you have severe pain, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary.
Some people also try natural remedies like lemon juice to manage gallstones, either to relieve symptoms or attempt to dissolve stones.
Does lemon juice dissolve gallstones?
Some claim that lemon juice softens gallstones, allowing them to more easily pass through the bile ducts without surgery. But contrary to popular belief, there’s very little scientific evidence that drinking lemon juice actually dissolves existing gallstones.
However, one older study from 1985 did find some potential benefit. Researchers divided 25 people with cholesterol gallstones into two groups:
- Group 1 drank 120-180 mL of undiluted lemon juice daily for 2 weeks
- Group 2 drank the same amount for 6 weeks
After treatment, gallstone dissolution was observed in 1 person from group 1 and 7 people from group 2. The researchers concluded that drinking a high volume of concentrated lemon juice daily may help dissolve cholesterol gallstones.
While interesting, this single small study doesn’t provide very strong evidence. The majority of people in the study still didn’t experience gallstone dissolution even after 6 weeks of lemon juice treatment.
Additionally, a more recent 2012 review looked at several studies on potential natural remedies for gallstones, including lemon juice, apple juice, and magnesium salts.
The researchers stated there was a lack of high quality evidence to recommend any of these home remedies for treating existing gallstones. More research is needed.
So while lemon juice may provide a little benefit in some cases, it likely won’t dissolve most gallstones on its own without additional medical treatment.
What about preventing gallstones with lemon juice?
There’s better evidence that drinking lemon juice regularly may help prevent cholesterol gallstones from forming in the first place.
In one 2006 study, researchers divided 300 obese patients undergoing rapid weight loss into three groups:
- Group 1: Placebo
- Group 2: 800 mg ursodeoxycholic acid (a medication used to dissolve gallstones)
- Group 3: Two lemonades daily, each containing 45-50 mL lemon juice
After 12 weeks, new gallstone formation was:
- Group 1 (placebo): 27%
- Group 2 (medication): 8.6%
- Group 3 (lemon juice): 15.1%
While not as effective as the medication, the researchers concluded that lemon juice may have modest preventive effects against gallstone development.
Other studies also show promise for lemon juice’s ability to improve some of the underlying risk factors for forming gallstones, such as high triglycerides.
In one 2007 study, researchers gave rats feed that contained 5% lemon juice powder for 8 weeks. The lemon juice significantly reduced serum triglycerides compared to rats not given any lemon juice. High triglycerides are linked to gallstone formation.
The citric acid in lemon juice may be responsible for this beneficial effect on lipid levels. Citric acid has antioxidant properties and can inhibit fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis.
So lemon juice may possibly help prevent cholesterol gallstones by keeping triglyceride and cholesterol levels in check. But more research in humans is still needed.
Are there any risks to drinking lemon juice if you have gallstones?
Lemon juice is very acidic, with a typical pH around 2-3. Some sources claim that this high acidity can contribute to gallstone-related symptoms like pain and nausea.
The idea is that the acidic lemon juice may irritate the gallbladder and bile ducts already inflamed by stones passing through. However, there’s no direct scientific research to support that lemon juice makes gallstone symptoms worse.
In fact, one study in patients with existing gallstones found that drinking a glass of lemon juice actually decreased pain levels more than drinking a glass of water.
So despite being acidic, lemon juice likely doesn’t exacerbate gallstone pain and symptoms. There are very few risks to trying it.
However, you should avoid drinking large amounts of concentrated, undiluted lemon juice over long periods. The acid can damage tooth enamel and may cause reflux in sensitive people.
It’s better to use diluted lemon juice or lemon water. Start with small amounts and gradually increase to avoid upsetting your stomach.
Should you try a gallbladder cleanse with lemons?
You may come across home cleanse or “flush” recipes involving olive oil, lemon juice, and epsom salts to purge gallstones. However, there is no scientific evidence that these cleanses work and they can be downright dangerous.
For instance, rapidly drinking large amounts of oil and lemon juice to induce diarrhea can lead to:
- Dehydration
- Changes in electrolytes
- Impaired kidney function
- Gallbladder inflammation
Some cleanse protocols even suggest performing enemas, colonics, or castor oil packs before drinking the oil mixture. This is completely unnecessary and carries more risks.
Rather than attempting do-it-yourself cleanses, it’s much safer to have a medical professional properly assess your gallbladder and decide if surgical removal or other treatment is warranted.
The bottom line
So should you drink lemon juice for gallbladder problems? Here’s a quick summary:
- There’s little evidence lemon juice dissolves existing gallstones, though it may provide some benefit in a small subset of people.
- Regularly drinking lemon juice may help prevent cholesterol gallstones by improving lipid profiles and metabolism.
- Despite being acidic, lemon juice is unlikely to worsen gallstone pain and symptoms.
- Gallbladder cleanses and flushes with lemon juice can be harmful and are not scientifically supported.
While not a cure-all, lemon juice is easy to add to water or tea and may offer preventive benefits. But be sure to consult your doctor about any bothersome gallbladder symptoms.
Other natural remedies for the gallbladder
Besides lemon juice, a few other natural remedies may support gallbladder health. However, always check with your doctor before trying alternatives to prescribed medication. Potential options include:
1. Milk thistle
Some research indicates the herb milk thistle may decrease gallstone formation and improve gallbladder function. The active ingredient silymarin has antioxidant effects and may help prevent cholesterol buildup.
2. Dandelion
Traditionally used to support liver health and digestion, dandelion root extract may stimulate bile production and help detoxify the gallbladder. But clinical studies are lacking.
3. Turmeric
The spice turmeric contains the compound curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Taking turmeric capsules may help relieve gallbladder inflammation and pain.
4. Peppermint oil
One study found enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules reduced pain and cramping in people with gallbladder issues. The mint may relax muscle spasms and help bile flow smoothly.
5. Coffee
Some research shows people who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing gallstones, possibly due to coffee’s effects on hormones that influence cholesterol levels.
6. Nuts
Eating more healthy unsaturated fats from nuts and seeds may help reduce cholesterol saturation in bile and lower gallstone risk. Walnuts and almonds are good choices.
7. Basil
Animal studies report sweet basil extracts may contract the gallbladder and stimulate bile flow. This ayurvedic herb shows potential for relieving gallbladder symptoms.
When to see a doctor
Make sure to consult your healthcare provider if you experience any persistent gallbladder symptoms like:
- Severe upper right abdominal pain that may radiate to your back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)
- Clay-colored stools
These could be signs of serious complications that require prompt medical attention. Don’t try diagnosing and treating yourself with lemon juice or cleanses.
Let your doctor determine if your gallbladder needs surgical removal or if you can manage your condition through medication, dietary changes, and natural remedies.
The takeaway
Some people claim lemon juice is a natural remedy to dissolve and prevent gallstones. However, studies show lemon juice is unlikely to dissolve existing gallstones but may help prevent them from forming. Speak to your healthcare provider before attempting to treat gallbladder problems with lemon juice. While relatively safe, it’s not a substitute for professional medical assessment and care.