PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your bile storage + fat digestion buddy

THE GALLBLADDER

Think of your gallbladder as a small storage jar in your digestive kitchen.
It holds and releases bile — a special fluid from your liver — to help break down fats.

It’s not always busy, but when you eat something rich or oily, it jumps into action, giving your digestive system the tools it needs to process fat efficiently.

Your gallbladder:

  • Stores bile made by the liver

  • Releases bile into the small intestine when you eat fats

  • Helps break fats into smaller pieces so enzymes can digest them

  • Supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

  • Assists in removing waste products like cholesterol from the body

LIVER BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for liver related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Bile - A fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats

Bile Ducts - Tubes that carry bile from the liver/gallbladder to the small intestine

Gallstones - Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can block bile flow

Cholecystectomy - Surgery to remove the gallbladder

Bile Salts - Components of bile that break fats into smaller droplets

Biliary System - The network of organs and ducts that make and transport bile

WHAT THE GALLBLADDER WORKS WITH

THE GALLBLADDER + OTHER SYSTEMS

  • Liver → Produces bile that the gallbladder stores

  • Small Intestine → Receives bile for fat digestion and nutrient absorption

  • Pancreas → Sends enzymes that work alongside bile to digest fats and proteins

  • Digestive System → Coordinates the release of bile when needed

  • Bloodstream → Transports absorbed fatty acids and vitamins

A healthy GALLBLADDER:

  • Makes fat digestion smoother and more efficient

  • Helps your body use important vitamins

  • Supports cholesterol balance and waste removal

When the gallbladder is not working well, it can cause bloating, pain, or poor fat digestion. Without it, your body can still digest fats, but it has to work a bit harder — which can impact nutrient absorption over time.

Your gallbladder may be small, but it’s the unsung hero of every creamy avocado toast and crispy roasted potato. 🥔✨