Gallstones - what are they?Some 10% of adults develop gallstones, which are crystallised pellets in the gall bladder that can suddenly cause painful spasms a few hours after eating a meal. The gallstone is a rock-like clump of cholesterol, calcium or other substances that form in the gall bladder. The pear shaped organ that sits in the upper right section of the abdomen just under the liver. The gall bladder stores and concentrates bile, a thick greenish yellow fluid that is produced by the liver, and eventually releases it through the bile duct into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. Gallstones can develop if the bile contains very high levels of cholesterol, bile acids, pigments or other substances. Whether they are really tiny or as big as golf balls, gallstones often produce no symptoms and need no special care. Sometimes though, they can block the bile duct or inflame the gall bladder causing intense abdominal pain and requiring prompt treatment. What causes you to develop gallstones:Though the exact cause of gallstones is not known, several factors are known to contribute to their formation, including a low fibre diet, high fat diet, intestinal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or other disorders of the digestive tract. Gallstones tend to occur in people over the age of 40 and are three times more common in women than in men. Obesity is also strongly linked to gallstones, as is rapid weight loss. There may be a genetic component as well. What you can do about gallstonesThe supplements recommended may aid in preventing or dissolving gallstones and three months of treatment can be effective in dissolving small existing stones. Extra Vitamin C is important because it lowers bile cholesterol levels, and it can be combined with various other supplements. A good general choice is a lipotropic ('fat-metabolising') combination containing milk thistle, choline, inositol and methioine, which bolsters liver function and promotes a healthy flow of fats and bile from the liver and gall bladder. The herb milk thistle, for example, alters bile composition thus helping to dissolve gallstones and eliminate stones that may have formed. Other supplements to consider adding to the mix would include flaxseed oil, peppermint oil, both of which have gallstone-dissolving effects, and daily doses of psyllium to promote bowel movements which may be of value in blocking the formation of gallstones. Digestive enzymes are also useful. - Eat a diet high in fibre and low in refined carbohydrates, sugar and fat
- Fruit and vegetables, especially apples, bananas, cabbage, carrots, oranges, peas and okra which can be important in preventing and dissolving gallstones.
- Keep your bodyfat and weight down and drink plenty of water every day
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