Prevent Gallstones: Healthy Eating Tips and Essential Information

The gallbladder is located on the right side of the liver and is like a storage tank for bile, which helps digest fats. When needed, it releases bile into the digestive system. 

If there’s too much cholesterol in the blood or an increase in bilirubin levels, it can lead to blockages in the bile ducts, causing the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

People of different ages suffer from this problem. When a stone is in the gallbladder, it is not understood at first. Many people experience common stomach pain and take gas medicine, which doesn’t help at all. 

As a result, patients suffer even more. The main symptom of this disease is stomach pain. Regular stomach pain indicates that there is a stone stuck in the gallbladder.

Types of gallstones 

There are usually two types of stones found in the gallbladder:

1. Cholesterol Gallstones:

This is the most common type of gallstone, occurring when the gallbladder’s cholesterol increases. These gallstones are mainly composed of dissolved cholesterol but may contain other components. They are yellow in color.

2. Pigment Gallstones:

These gallstones form when there is too much bilirubin in the gallbladder. They are dark brown or black.

Causes

1. A prolonged empty stomach increases the risk of gallbladder stones.

2. Increased weight puts pressure on the gallbladder, causing stones to accumulate.

3. The risk of this disease is higher after forty, so strict adherence to hydration guidelines is important from this age onward.

4. People with diabetes are also at higher risk of gallstones.

5. Family history can increase susceptibility to gall bladder stones.

6. High cholesterol or bile levels increase the risk of gallstones.

7. Excess bilirubin in the body can also contribute to gallstone formation.

Symptoms

1. Gallstones can cause inflammation, known as cholecystitis, leading to severe pain in the right side of the abdomen, lasting from minutes to hours.

2. Pain may radiate to the back, shoulders, mid-abdomen, and chest, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and occasionally mild fever.

3. A stone stuck in the bile duct may cause jaundice due to halted bilirubin metabolism.

4. Diagnosis typically involves ultrasonography, possibly supplemented by ERCP to locate or remove stones.

5. Conditions like stomach ulcers, liver issues, or heart disease can mimic these symptoms, necessitating a proper diagnosis.

How to prevent gallstones?

1. Avoid skipping meals; maintain regular eating patterns.

2. If needing to lose weight, do so gradually to reduce the risk of gallstones.

3. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to prevent gallstone formation.

4. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise to minimize the risk of gallstones.

Foods to avoid with gallstones

1. Stay away from fried chicken, fries, and related greasy items.
2. Avoid bacon, sausage, and other high-fat foods.
3. Don’t drink full-fat milk, cheese, cream, and butter.
4. Avoid chips, pastries, and fast food.
5. Limit eating candies, cakes, and sodas.
6.  Limit coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
7.  Avoid heavy drinking as it can worsen symptoms.

Foods to eat with gallstones

1. Fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, spinach, carrots, and broccoli.
2. Brown rice, oats, and whole-grain bread.
3. Chicken breast, turkey, fish, and plant-based options like tofu.
4. Healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts in small amounts.
5. Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
6. Low-Fat Dairy: Skim milk, low-fat yogurt, or alternatives like almond milk.
7. Stay hydrated to help digestion.