Many cultures regard bovine gallstones as an aphrodisiac, and milk from dairy cows can sell for $1000 an ounce. As a result, meat-packing industries routinely test their workers for gallstones. If they are present, they can cause a condition known as porcelain gallbladder, which causes calcium to build up in the gallbladder wall, making it brittle and breakable.
Despite the negative effects on the bear’s welfare, bear bile remains a highly-prized commodity. Many people are unaware of the history of bear bile farming and its current practice. Bear farms are notorious for relying on poaching in the wild to capture the bears that are used to extract bile. In addition to not being under strict regulation, bear farms are not regulated, making wild bile 65 times more expensive. Most bear farms are in North-East China, where the wild bear population is located. Illegal bear cub captures are commonplace for farm breeding and poaching. In addition, the practice of collecting bear bile is promoted in China.
Cholesterol modifying medications
The availability of cholesterol modifying drugs in the market is becoming more important than ever. New drug developments are being made all the time, with some aimed at boosting their value and improving their performance. The next generation of PCSK9 drugs may be administered twice a year. Meanwhile, Esperion Therapeutics, a Michigan biotech, is developing a pill that targets LDL cholesterol. While it is many years away from approval, Esperion believes that its drug will be financially lucrative if it can reduce the LDL level of patients.
A CT scan is a powerful X-ray that is highly useful in diagnosing gallstone disease. It can also detect complications of gallstone disease such as abscesses and cholecystitis. CT scans of the gallbladder and its stones are also valuable commodities, as they can reveal any complications related to gallstones. An MRI, on the other hand, uses strong magnetic waves to detect gallstones. This imaging technique is highly effective in evaluating the gallbladder for gallstones. This technique is useful in detecting the presence of cholecystitis, a potentially fatal condition, when the stones obstruct the duct.
Endoscopic ultrasound scans
An ERCP, or endoscopic ultrasound, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the interior of the digestive and pancreatic tract. It can also be used to collect tissue samples, such as from lymph nodes. A biopsy needle is inserted through the endoscope and the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. EUS can be a viable alternative to exploratory surgery in cases of enlarged lymph nodes or pancreas.
Natural interventions to reduce the risk of oxgallstones
In addition to reducing cholesterol gallstone risk, a variety of other nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help lower the formation of oxgallstones. These include the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and plant terpenes. Other approaches include following a vegetarian diet and avoiding allergenic foods. Other treatments include dietary supplements, exercise, and a gallbladder flush.
Why Oxgallstones Are a Valuable Commodity 2022