People are known to consume some bizarre things, like live animals for instance, which even the biggest meat lover would probably not be able to stomach. It is also quite common for people to eat animal products without even knowing it - not everyone who enjoys Jell-O realizes that the gelatin that makes it wiggly is made from pig and cow hooves and bones. If you're the type who feels pretty aware of what goes into your food and body products, here's something that might throw you for a loop - did you know that bile from bears is used in some Chinese medicines?
A horrific article has been circling the web lately describing an insider's trip to a bear farm, where these burly animals are kept in cages so that their bile can be harvested; this story takes animal cruelty to a whole different level. With videos showing cow, chicken, and pig abuse in factory farms; fox and seal fun skinning; and dolphin slaughter, it's hard to believe there's yet another type of animal abuse happening in the world, and yet here we are.
Bear bile extraction is practiced mainly in China and Vietnam, where it's a valuable commodity. At least 12,000 bears across Asia are kept for up to 10 years in small cages where they can barely move. Tubes are implanted into permanent holes in their adomens and they are "milked" 1-2 times a day. Infections and cancer are common. When the bears stop producing bile they are usually killed for their meat, fur, or paws - the latter is considered a delicacy.
The bile is used in traditional Chinese Medicine because many doctors believe that it reduces fever, protects the liver, improves eyesight, cure hangovers and is an anti-inflammatory. Since more bile is produced that used in medications, the surplus is added to wine, shampoo, tea, eyedrops, and tonics. Of course, there are plant-based alternatives to the bile that give similar results, such as the herbs coptis and rhubarb - unfortunately they are currently not implemented often enough.
Unfortunately this cruel practice has made it's way into the United States as well. Although not as common as in Asia, there are cases of wild bears being poached for their gallbladders - this was documented as recently as 2010 by the LA Times.
So what can you do to make sure that bear bile doesn't end up in your stomach? You've already taken a big step by educating yourself on a topic that doesn't get much exposure - you may want to do some more research on the web as well. Next, always make sure to find out what's in your food, medicine, and body products - the active ingredient in bear bile is called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) - never be afraid to contact companies and ask questions, and don't settle for "I don't know". You can also sign petitions, such as Stop the U.S. Bear Bile Trade. The best way to end animal cruelty is to vote with your dollar and let your voice be heard.
Whitney Lauritsen is a journalist, environmentalist, and vegan who promotes healthy living on her sitewww.ecovegangal.com. She shares tips on how to be kind to your body and the earth via video, photography, and writing. You can find her talking about being healthy and green on Twitter andFacebook.
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