Some may even pose health risks.
The cleanse is believed toremove gallbladder sludgeor build-up in the gallbladder that can causegallstonesor gallbladder attacks.
In some cases, they can be unsafe.
Natalia Gdovskaia / Getty Images
What Is Gallbladder Sludge?
Do They Work?
The oil in a gallbladder cleanse has a laxative effect.
People following gallstone cleanse are likely to get their information from the Internet.
One study evaluating online content regarding gallbladder disease found that 56% of videos on YouTube were misleading.
Potentially Unsafe Gallbladder Cleanses
Extreme cleanses can pose a risk to your overall health.
Many dietary supplements contain ingredients with strong effects that may interact with an existing medical condition or medication.
Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated as medications in the United States.
Many cleanses require fasting and limiting food intake, which can be hazardous for people managing certain health conditions.
Discuss any changes, includingcleanses or detoxeswith a healthcare provider before adjusting your eating patterns.
Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of developing gallstones.
Additionally, quick weight loss can stop the gallbladder from emptying.
Losing and regaining weight (weight cycling) can increase the risk of gallstones.
Healthcare providers recommend:
Gallstones May Be Asymptomatic
Gallstones can be asymptomatic (without symptoms).
Some flushes may have adverse health effects.
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