

Ep 184 The Gallbladder: Humor us
Aug 12, 2025
Discover the often-overlooked gallbladder and its dramatic role in digestive health. The hosts share humorous personal stories about gallbladder pain, including a harrowing journey to diagnosis. Dive into the fascinating world of bile — its history, functions, and quirky characteristics. Learn about gallstone formation, the health implications, and life after gallbladder removal. The light-hearted banter keeps the mood lively while exploring the gallbladder's historical ties to ancient medical theories and personal temperament.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Severe Nighttime Gallbladder Attack
- Maria described stabbing right-side pain and inability to sit up.
- She delayed care until symptoms recurred and required hospitalization and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Gallbladder: A Small Storage Pouch
- Erin Allmann-Updyke compares the gallbladder to a 7–10 cm water skin sitting under the liver.
- She explains its ducts connect the liver and pancreas and empty into the duodenum.
Gallbladder Concentrates Bile
- Erin Allmann-Updyke explains the gallbladder reabsorbs water via mucosal crypts to concentrate bile.
- The gallbladder releases concentrated bile after meals to aid fat digestion.