Hi Jodi, Here's some information on GS I found through Mayo Clinic back in 2012.
Gilbert's syndrome is a common, mild liver condition in which the liver doesn't properly process a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Gilbert's (zheel-BAYRZ) syndrome typically is harmless and doesn't require treatment.
What is Bilirubin? Bilirubin is the major breakdown product that results from the destruction of old red blood cells (as well as some other sources). It is removed from the blood by the liver, chemically modified by a process called conjugation.
Conjugation makes the bilirubin water soluble, this allows the bilirubin to be excreted into the bile. The Bile is excreted into the small intestine via the bile ducts. The bile is required to digest food. The bile is the pigment that gives feces their brown color.
Diagnosis: People with GS predominantly have elevated unconjugated bilirubin, while conjugated bilirubin is usually within the normal range & is less than 20% of the total. Levels of bilirubin in GS patients are reported to be from 20 μM to 90 μM (1.2 to 5.3 mg/dL)[21] compared to the normal amount of < 20 μM. GS patients will have a ratio of unconjugated/conjugated (indirect/direct) bilirubin that is commensurately higher than those without GS.
Causes: GS is caused by an abnormal gene that you inherit from your parents. The gene controls an enzyme that helps break down bilirubin in your liver. With an ineffective gene, excess amounts of bilirubin build up in your blood. You're born with Gilbert's syndrome, though it often goes undiscovered for many years, often by accident, when a blood test shows elevated bilirubin levels.
Lifestyle and home remedies; Certain life events, such as stress, can trigger episodes of higher bilirubin levels in Gilbert's syndrome, leading to jaundice. Doing what you can to manage those situations can help keep bilirubin under control.
Tell every doctor about your Gilbert's syndrome. Gilbert's syndrome affects the way your body processes certain medications. This can worsen side effects.
Eat a healthy diet. Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid extremely low-calorie diets.
Stick to a routine eating schedule and avoid fasting or skipping meals.
Manage stress. Find ways to deal with the stresses in your life. Consider exercise or quiet time alone to cope with stress.
Stay Hydrated. Filtrated Water & Lemon
Gilbert’s Syndrome is generally harmless and does not produce any symptoms. GS does not require medical treatment or long term medical attention, and patients with this syndrome should not be led to believe that they have a liver disease but rather a liver disorder.
General recommendations: Those with Gilbert’s Syndrome need only follow a healthy diet and avoid liver toxins such as excessive alcohol and liver toxic drugs. Bilirubin levels tend to rise if the diet is poor, and during fasting, or mild illnesses. Some common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, irritability, abdominal pain and digestive conditions. Some people may also experience liver pain, nausea, jaundice and loss of appetite.
Home remedies
Peppermint: commonly used to flavor foods, candy and other consumable products. When used medicinally, peppermint may help soothe certain digestive orders as well as headaches associated with Gilbert's disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint helps relax the smooth muscles of the stomach and improve the flow of bile. Applying peppermint oil to the temple or forehead may help reduce headache pain. Peppermint tea may be consumed up to four times per day between meals to help with digestive disorders.
Chamomile: an herb that is commonly used as a calming and relaxing herb. According to the Medicinal Herb Info website, chamomile helps with muscle cramps, headaches and general pain. In addition, chamomile may help improve mild digestive orders. Add up to 3 tsp. of dried chamomile flowers to 1 cup of boiling water and allow the mixture to stand up to 15 minutes. Add honey or sugar for flavor.
Hope this answers some of your questions 