Functions of the gallbladder

    The gallbladder is a small storage pouch located below the liver. Its main job is to hold bile, a digestive greenish liquid produced by the liver. Your gallbladder springs into action when you enjoy foods loaded with fats like butter, nuts, eggs, and oils. When fats pass into the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder releases bile into your small intestine. Bile breaks down these fats into smaller pieces so your body can absorb them. Fats are important for keeping your body in top shape—they help repair cells, give you lasting energy¬, and make hormones. Plus, fats are needed to absorb key vitamins like A, D, E, and K.  This process ensures you can get the nutrients you need from your diet!

Water

Makes up about 97-98% of bile and acts as the liquid base that dissolves the other ingredients. Being hydrated is essential.

Bile Salts

Produced from cholesterol in the liver, combined with amino acids, primarily glycine and taurine. Bile salts are the primary driver of bile ­owing from the liver into the gallbladder and out into the small intestine.

Fats that are essential in transporting fat out of the liver. Additionally, they aid in bile being slippery and moving out of the gallbladder when needed. Phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine)

Bilirubin

A product of the breakdown of red blood cells.

Electrolytes

Sodium and potassium keep bile slightly alkaline with a pH between 7 and 8. This alkalinity is crucial because bile neutralizes stomach acid as it moves into the small intestine. Electrolytes also support su‑cient water moving into the bile, allowing bile to ­ow out of the gallbladder.