Gallstones, pebble-like deposits made of cholesterol or calcium bilirubinate that form in the gallbladder, can be painful or asymptomatic. According to the book "Professional Guide to Diseases," gallstones not only are the fifth-leading cause of hospitalization among American adults, but the condition accounts for 90 percent of all duct and gallbladder disease. Female gender, heredity, lifestyle, aging and body mass index are factors associated with the prevalence of gallstones. While it is vital to consult with a physician to treat symptomatic gallstones, home remedies may warrant a try in helping to prevent attacks.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to change cholesterol to bile acids and may help to decrease the risk of developing gallstones. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a 2002 German study of more than 2,000 subjects ages 18 to 65 indicated that taking vitamin C regularly may protect against the formation of gallstones. This study was conducted on animals, however, and offers no conclusive evidence of the efficacy of treating gallstones with vitamin C on humans.
Another study reported by the website PeaceHealth.org, found that alcohol drinkers who took vitamin C supplements had only half the number of cases of gallstones compared to drinkers who did not take vitamin C and non-drinkers who did consume the vitamin. Again, the supporting evidence of the efficacy of vitamin C against gallstones is weak.
After consulting with a doctor about giving vitamin C a try, take 500 mg twice daily.
Exercise
Lifestyle can have a lot to do with the development of gallstones. Vegetarians, coffee drinkers and slim individuals have less chance of developing the condition. A 2008 University of Illinois study found that physical exercise also decreases gallstone development. The study showed that mice who exercised regularly had smaller stones than sedentary mice. "Mice in this study show how exercise training could simultaneously improve cholesterol levels while also inhibiting gallstone formation," said Kenneth Wilund, assistant professor in kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois.
Consult with a physician before beginning any exercise regimen.
Peppermint Oil
One of the most popular herbs in the world, peppermint tones and settles the digestive system. Herbalists use it to help relieve indigestion, flatulence, spasms, diarrhea, cramps and gall bladder pain. Although the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that it may make gallstones worse, according to PeaceHealth.org, preliminary research found that taking peppermint oil with chenodeoxycholic acid, a prescription medication, reduces gallstones by 10 percent.
Consult with a physician before taking one or two enteric-coated capsules of peppermint oil three times a day before meals.
References
- "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Springhouse; 2008
- Peace Health: Gallstones
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Vitamin C supplement may protect against gallstones
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
- Science Daily: Exercise to Avoid Gallstones
