Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. “I have a strange and unusual question, and have not received an adequate answer from my physician. I have a very bad taste in my mouth. I guess I would say it’s on the order of a bitter taste and somewhat metallic. Have you ever come across any research that would give a clue as to why I would have this bad taste?” Esther H., San Antonio, TX A. Dear Esther, From my experience, it may well be that the reason you’re having this bad, bitter, metallic taste may be due to a poorly functioning gallbladder. When the bile cannot flow freely from the gallbladder and continue on through the intestines, it tends to back up. This bile can enter the stomach, and might be the culprit for the bitter metallic taste you describe. There are times when some people say they regurgitate or burp up a taste as bitter as gall. Nothing truer could be said, so you really want to improve the function of the gallbladder. There has been research in Europe on the effectiveness of artichoke extract for improving gallbladder function. Also, there is a good deal of research on curcumin being beneficial for gallbladder function and the support of proper liver function. Studies show that 320 mg of artichoke extract and/or 375 to 750 mg of curcumin should be taken with each meal to address gall bladder and liver concerns. The only exception is if you know you have large gallstones, increasing bile flow can be a problem. Therefore, if you know or suspect you have large gall stones, talk to your healthcare provider prior to use. Last, but not least, a good probiotic may enhance the function of your intestinal tract. Therefore, I would look for a high quality probiotic with approximately 5 billion count per capsule.