One of the least understood organs in the human body is the gallbladder. Despite this fact (or perhaps because of it), gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), has become the number one elective abdominal surgery in the United States. It seems that the medical community has already made up its mind, based on scant evidence, that the gallbladder isn’t important, let alone essential. So if it’s causing a patient duress, why not simply remove it? In other words, if your gallbladder ever starts causing you pain, chances are extremely high that some medical professional will recommend surgical removal as the first resort, rarely discussing (let alone acknowledging) the long-term consequences to your health beforehand. Catherine Sarchenko and Dr. Richard Sarchenko, the husband-and-wife team behind Gallbladder Matters, believe that removing an organ from your body should always be considered the very last resort. Their straightforward guide to gallbladder health will help you understand the role your gallbladder plays in your body and outline many holistic approaches to keeping it healthy. Gallbladder Matters covers the full range of gallbladder Chapter 1: What Is the Gallbladder? Chapter 2: What Is Gallbladder Dis-ease? Chapter 3: Symptoms and Risk Factors of Gallbladder Dis-ease Chapter 4: Surgical and Nonsurgical Options Chapter 5: Current Research in Gallbladder Health and Nutrition Chapter 6: Do I Really Need My Gallbladder? The Long-Term Consequences of Gallbladder Removal Chapter 7: A Holistic Approach to Gallbladder Stress Chapter 8: Recipes for Gallbladder Health Along with recipes and research, you’ll also find a glossary of important terms. Let Gallbladder Matters take you on a journey of health and discovery. Because the first step in reducing the number of unnecessary gallbladder surgeries in this country may begin with your own. Your gallbladder matters. Keep yours for life. About the Authors Catherine has a Bachelor of Integrated Studies in Nutrition Education, Health Science, and Health Administrative Services from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and is currently finishing her Masters of Business Administration. As a certified chiropractic assistant who strives to inspire and educate her patients in every aspect of whole food nutrition and natural health, Catherine has a deep firsthand knowledge of the dual struggles so many American families face in eating a healthy diet and teaching their children how to make good food choices. Dr. Sarchenko, DC, specializes in whole food nutrition and a variety of chiropractic techniques. His years of clinical experience have taught him that nutrition is a vital element not just for maintaining health but also in recovering from trauma and sickness. Along with coauthoring Gallbladder Matters together, the Sarchenkos own and operate the Salt Valley Chiropractic and Nutrition Clinic in Utah, where their goal is to provide noninvasive, natural solutions to a variety of health issues.