Good Lifestyle

In traditional Asian medicine, predominantly in China, fish bile (also known as "hiel") has been used for centuries to treat digestive and liver problems, in addition to its anti -inflammatory properties. It has also been used for respiratory conditions and as a colirio for cataracts. But recently reports of cases of poisoning and serious renal failures have been given in China, India and Indonesia for the consumption of this ingredient. The authorities of these countries have alerted citizens in this regard, in addition to recommending prudence. What is happening? We tell you what is known about it.

What is the hiel?

The fish hiel is a yellow liquid that is in the gallbladder of some fish; such as salmon, cod, tent and trout. This liquid is composed of bile acids, pigments, enzymes, mineral salts and cholesterol. To extract it, the fish abdomen opens and the gallbladder is extracted, and from there its bile is removed. It is believed that this substance has digestive properties thanks to bile acids, which help digest fats; Anti -inflammatory properties, because the component of pigments helps reduce inflammations in the body; Hepatoprotective properties, because antioxidants help protect the liver; And a choletic effect, because their consumption would help people with gallbladder problems produce more bile.

Is it safe?

The use of fish hiel is so old that it is even reflected in the Bible. For centuries, traditional Asian medicine has used this ingredient to treat digestive problems, constipation, liver damage, arthritis, colitis and cataracts in the eyes. Since it is a little known and unleashed use remedy, there is no recommended maximum dose, because how much to use and how to use it is something that has always been limited to the ancestral knowledge of the healers and artisanal producers in those Asian countries. However, there are allergic people to fish who may experience adverse effects when using hiel. In addition, the most recent cases of serious poisoning have been due to a consumption of this substance in its purest, unprocessed state.

The most recent cases

The scientific magazine Kidney International Reports He published a report in which the case of a man who presented vomiting, diarrhea, hepatic insufficiency and renal failure after consuming three bile vesicles of raw fish. In Java (Indonesia), another man consumed five pieces of biliary gallbladder from Barbo Silver and on the days he entered the hospital due to a picture of respiratory distress, vomiting and edema in the extremities and scrotum. In another case, a woman from Ranchi (India), suffered severe renal damage and vomiting after having consumed the raw hiel of a fish known as Rohu ( Labo Rohita ), As part of a "natural" treatment for diabetes. He had to be subjected to hemodialysis.

Professionals explain

The report indicates that although fish bile has been traditionally used for centuries, the current problem lies in a new trend: use it raw. According to the researchers, “the fish gallbladder and its bile, including those present in the herbivorous tent, may contain toxic substances, microorganisms and parasites. Some toxins present in the fish gallbladder of fish, such as sodium cyprinol sulfate, are thermostable and do not break down when cooking. The known as "multiorgan dysfunction syndrome" caused by sodium cyprinol, with a high probability of being deadly.

Better prevent than cure

Although researchers point out that "to avoid food poisoning caused by toxic substances, it is recommended not to consume bile fish vesicles, or raw or cooked," the truth is that the hiel that has been processed by traditional Asian medicine is still used by many people. It is important that those who use it, always choose high quality suppliers and that they never exceed the dose they recommend. Above all, it is recommended to pay attention to the symptoms of poisoning; as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea; If you have a similar picture, you must go to a health professional immediately. If in addition to this painting, Oliguria or Anuria, jaundice, lumbar pain or pain in the liver area is presented; It is recommended to go immediately to emergencies, because it could be liver damage.