LIFESTYLE NEWS - Many people can develop gallstones and never know it. Gallstones are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile (a digestive fluid made in the liver).
Gallstones may consist of cholesterol, salt, or bilirubin, which are discarded red blood cells. Stones can range in size, from tiny sand grains to large ones the size of golf balls.
Gallstones may develop when there is too much cholesterol in the bile secreted by your liver. Bile usually dissolves or breaks down cholesterol. But if your liver makes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, hard stones may develop.
Your gallbladder needs to empty bile in order to be healthy and function properly.
If it fails to empty its bile content, the bile becomes overly concentrated, which also causes stones to form.
You may be at risk if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Being female
- Being age 60 or older
- Being overweight or obese
- Being pregnant
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Eating a high-cholesterol diet
- Eating a low-fibre diet
- Having a family history of gallstones
- Having diabetes
- Losing weight very quickly
- Taking medications that contain oestrogen, such as hormone therapy drugs
Diagnosis is made on a clinical basis and confirmed by an ultrasound.
Surgery is often the first option if you have symptoms. A surgeon may perform a commonly used technique called laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
You can't prevent gallstones, but you can reduce your risk with lifestyle strategies. Eat a balanced diet.
Do not skip meals. Drink sufficient amounts of water each day to keep your body hydrated.
If you plan to lose weight, do it slowly. Aim to lose no more than two pounds a week. Quick weight loss may increase your risk for gallstones and other health problems.
This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or email us at questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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