Biliary Obstruction
What Does It Mean?
Biliary obstruction occurs when bile flow from the liver to the small intestine is partially or fully blocked due to gallstones, inflammation, liver dysfunction, or tumors. This obstruction prevents fat digestion, toxin elimination, and cholesterol metabolism, leading to bile buildup, systemic inflammation, and impaired detoxification.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
• Gallstones or Bile Duct Blockage – Hardened bile components obstruct normal bile flow.
• Liver Inflammation & Cholestasis – Impaired bile production due to toxins, infections, or poor liver function.
• Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance) – High estrogen levels slow bile movement and increase gallstone risk.
• Nutrient Deficiencies (Choline, Taurine, Magnesium) – These nutrients are crucial for bile production and flow.
• Gut Dysbiosis & Intestinal Overgrowth (SIBO, Candida) – Disrupts bile acid metabolism and impairs fat digestion.
• Toxin Overload & Heavy Metals – Increased toxic burden inhibits bile excretion and increases oxidative stress.
Signs & Symptoms:
• Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin & Eyes) – Bile pigment buildup due to obstruction.
• Dark Urine & Pale Stools – Reduced bile flow alters pigment metabolism.
• Right Upper Quadrant Pain – Due to gallbladder inflammation or bile duct blockage.
• Nausea, Bloating, & Poor Fat Digestion – Fatty food intolerance due to reduced bile secretion.
• Itchy Skin (Pruritus) – Bile acids accumulate in the bloodstream.
• Elevated Cholesterol & Fatty Liver – Reduced bile flow affects lipid metabolism.
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) | Altered | 1.10-4.0 ng/mL |
| AST (SGOT) : ALT (SGPT) Ratio | Increased | 0.00-1.00 |
| Bilirubin Indirect | Increased | 0.40-0.75mg/dL |
| Bilirubin, Total | Increased | 0.50-0.90mg/dL |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) | Increased | 140.00-200.00 U/L |
| Urobilinogen | Altered | Negative |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
The goal is to restore bile flow, reduce inflammation, and support liver detoxification.
Supplement Protocol
| 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 – Supports liver detox and bile production.
• Optimize Fiber Intake – Binds excess bile acids for proper elimination.
• Avoid Processed Fats & High-Toxin Foods – Reduces burden on liver and gallbladder.
• Intermittent Fasting – Promotes gallbladder contraction and bile renewal.