What are gallstones? Gallstones are hardened collections of bile materials that develop in your gallbladder.
Our gallbladder plays a very important role in storing and concentrating bile from the liver. This bile juice helps in the digestive process, thus keeping the body’s metabolism rate high and digestive issues at bay. This bile juice is released into the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum), where it helps your body to break down and absorb fats from food. But have you ever thought, about what may happen inside your body when the gallbladder is not functioning properly? Our gallbladder is one of those organs that you probably don’t think too much about unless something goes wrong. Today, in this article, we will talk about one of the most common illnesses related to gallbladder —- gallstones.
We spoke to Dr Parvesh Jain, Prof and Head, Medical Gastroenterology, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, to understand more about gallstones and how one can prevent them. Scroll down to know what the doctor wants you all to keep an eye on.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. When a gallstone causes a persistent blockage or an infection, the patient may notice symptoms of acute inflammation. This may include:
- Constant pain
- Fever and chills
- Heart rate accelerations
- Jaundice
- Sunken eyes
- Dark-coloured pee
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
How Can You Prevent Gallstones Naturally?
When it comes to our overall well-being, taking care of our gallbladder might not be at the top of our minds. However, by adopting a lifestyle centred around wellness, we can proactively reduce the risk of gallstone formation and promote optimal gallbladder health. Here are some lifestyle choices that can help us maintain a healthy gallbladder
A Nutrient-Packed Diet for Gallbladder Health
The food we consume plays a pivotal role in preventing gallstones and ensuring a healthy gallbladder. Embracing a balanced and nutritious diet not only helps us in maintaining a healthy weight but also reduces the likelihood of developing gallstones.
To ensure optimal gallbladder function, it’s essential to incorporate fibre-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into our meals. These choices contribute to a well-rounded diet and support the overall health of our gallbladder. On the other hand, it’s wise to limit our intake of unhealthy fats, cholesterol, and refined carbohydrates, as they may increase the risk of gallstone formation.
Focus on a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is not only beneficial for our overall well-being but also plays a vital role in gallstone prevention. Obesity and excess weight are known risk factors for gallstones. By adopting a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity, we can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thus reducing the likelihood of gallstone formation.
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Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is often underestimated when it comes to gallstone prevention. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps maintain the proper flow of bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. By staying hydrated, we prevent the bile from becoming too concentrated, thereby reducing the risk of gallstone development.
Active Lifestyle
Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine offers numerous benefits for our overall health, including gallbladder health. Exercise not only helps us in managing weight but also improves digestion and promotes overall wellness. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five times a week to reap the benefits and support your gallbladder’s well-being.
Exploring Advanced Techniques for Gallstone Management
Although adopting a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of gallstone formation, there are instances where gallstones may still develop despite our best efforts. In such cases, medical interventions become crucial in managing gallstone-related conditions. One such procedure is ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), which combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to visualize the bile ducts and bile duct stones.
This technique serves both diagnostic purposes and the removal of gallstones in the bile duct causing blockages or symptoms. Another innovative approach is cholangioscopy, a procedure that directly visualizes and treats bile duct stones. By inserting a specialized endoscope into the bile ducts, cholangioscopy offers precise imaging and enables the removal of large bile duct stones by fragmenting them using a laser. This advancement has revolutionized the process of stone removal, significantly improving success rates and reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
The Power of Proactive Choices
By embracing a healthy diet and lifestyle, we can significantly reduce the risk of gallstone formation and maintain a healthy gallbladder. Incorporating a balanced diet, striving for a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity are key strategies for gallstone prevention. However, in cases where gallstones do develop despite preventive efforts, therapies and treatment can effectively diagnose and treat gallstones.
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