View source for Biliary Stasis / Insufficiency

== What Does It Mean? ==
Biliary stasis, or bile insufficiency, occurs when bile production is inadequate or bile flow is sluggish, leading to poor fat digestion, impaired detoxification, and metabolic dysfunction. Bile is essential for fat breakdown, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and the removal of waste and toxins from the liver. When bile flow is compromised, toxins accumulate, digestion becomes inefficient, and inflammation increases.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===
• Poor Liver Function & Cholestasis – Toxin overload and liver stress impair bile synthesis.

• Gallbladder Dysfunction (Sluggish or Low Motility) – Leads to incomplete bile release.

• Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance) – Estrogen slows bile flow and can increase gallstone formation.

• Gut Dysbiosis & Microbial Overgrowth (SIBO, Candida, H. pylori) – Disrupts bile metabolism and digestion.

• Deficiencies in Bile-Supportive Nutrients (Choline, Taurine, Magnesium, Glycine) – Essential for bile production and transport.

• Chronic Stress & Poor Diet – High inflammatory diets and stress impair gallbladder and liver function.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===
• Fat Malabsorption – Loose, pale, or greasy stools, bloating after fatty meals.

• Nutrient Deficiencies – Poor absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

• Right Upper Quadrant Discomfort – Mild pain or discomfort in the liver/gallbladder region.

• Itchy Skin (Pruritus) – Due to bile acid accumulation in circulation.

• Brain Fog & Fatigue – Toxin accumulation and fat malabsorption impair cognitive function.

• High Cholesterol & Fatty Liver – Stagnant bile contributes to poor lipid metabolism.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
|Decreased
|45.00-100.00 IU/L
|-
|ALT (SGPT)
|Increased
|10.00-26.00 U/L
|-
|Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
|Altered
|10.00-30.00 U/L
|-
|Bilirubin, Total
|Increased
|0.50-0.90 mg/dL
|-
|Cholesterol, Serum
|Increased
|180.00-220.00 mg/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
The goal is to stimulate bile production, support liver function, and improve fat digestion.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Novo Hepatic
|Improves liver detox pathways and bile flow
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Advanced Vita-Biotic R
|Delivers active organisms shown to promote healthy gut flora and immune function
|1 capsule with food, daily 
|-
|Endura
|A naturally-flavored hydration powder containing essential electrolytes for endurance and hydration
|3 packets with or without food, three times daily 
|-
|CoQ-10 300 mg
|Supports cell energy production and provides wide-range antioxidant support
|2 capsules with food, daily 
|-
|Vita-Glutathione
|Master antioxidant in the body that supports healthy detoxification pathways
|1 capsule with or without food, daily 
|-
|Vita-Digestyzyme
|Supports healthy digestion while working to maintain gut balance and function
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily 
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Supports B vitamin levels for hormone balance
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|-
|Magnesium
|Aids stress response, detoxification, and hormone metabolism
|2 capsules with or without food, daily 
|-
|Vita DIM
|Promotes estrogen metabolism and detoxification
|2 capsules with or without food, daily 
|-
|Vita Defense
|Provides antioxidant protection and immune support
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Enhances detoxification and adrenal function
|¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily 
|-
|SBI Powder
|Helps maintain gut barrier integrity and microbiome balance
|1 scoop of powder in cold water without food, daily 
|-
|Vita Microbe
|Supports gut flora for estrogen recycling and detox
|3 capsules with or without food, daily 
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Aids urinary tract and vaginal microbiome health
|1 tsp of powder without food, twice daily 
|-
|Vita-Flux
|Enhances circulation and nitric oxide production
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to meal, twice daily 
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress
|1 capsule without food, daily 
|-
|Vita Candid
|Helps maintain healthy yeast balance
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
|-
|V-Pax
|Comprehensive multivitamin for overall health
|2 capsules with or without food, twice daily 
|-
|V-Collagen
|Supports skin, joint, and gut health
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily 
|-
|Gluta Protect
|Provides glutathione support for detoxification and immunity
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily 
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|Supports gut microbiome and immune system
|4 capsules without food, daily 
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===
• Increase Bitter Foods (Dandelion, Artichoke, Milk Thistle) – Stimulates bile flow.

• Hydration & Lemon Water – Helps maintain bile fluidity.

• Low-Inflammation Diet – Reduce processed fats and increase fiber intake.

• Intermittent Fasting – Supports gallbladder contraction and detox.

• Optimize Fat-Soluble Vitamin Intake – Ensure proper absorption of A, D, E, and K with bile support.