Your gallbladder stores a fluid produced by the liver known as bile. Bile consists of water, bilirubin, fats, salts, proteins and cholesterol. Sometimes, it contains excess cholesterol, and, as it sits in the gallbladder, small, hard deposits called cholesterol gallstones can form. Other times, excess bilirubin combines with calcium salts, cholesterol and other elements to form pigment gallstones. Regardless of the type, gallstones can eventually lead to an inflammation of the gallbladder, obstructions in the bile duct and even increase your risk of gallbladder cancer.
Formation
While almost anyone can develop gallstones, diets high in cholesterol can increase your risk of developing cholesterol gallstones, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Reducing your intake of dietary cholesterol, which is often found in red meat, pork, eggs, poultry and in dairy products such as whole milk, butter and cream, can help reduce your risk. With pigment gallstones, the excess bilirubin is often associated with an underlying condition, such as cirrhosis of the liver, biliary tract infections, sickle cell anemia and other hereditary blood disorders.
Other Risk Factors
High dietary cholesterol and underlying medical conditions aren't the only factors contributing to gallstones. Age, gender, genetics and other dietary factors can influence the development of this condition, explains the Mayo Clinic. Women are far more likely to get gallstones than men, and your chances of developing these deposits are greater after the age of 60 and if you have a family history of the condition. Diets high in fat or low in fiber can eventually lead to gallstones. Even rapid weight loss, diabetes and cholesterol lowering medications are known to increase your chances of gallstones, as well.
Symptoms
Although not everyone with gallstones experiences symptoms, some people suffer from pain in the upper right abdominal region. The pain can also manifest just below the breastbone, between the shoulder blades or right shoulder, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
If your gallstones cause no discomfort, you may not need treatment for the condition. As soon as symptoms manifest, however, your doctor may recommend medications to break up the hardened deposits of cholesterol or removing the gallbladder altogether. The intensity and frequency of your symptoms and the size and number of your gallstones can influence the form of treatment.
Prevention
Diets low in cholesterol and fat, while high in fiber, may help to prevent the development of gallstones in some people. You can also prevent their development by losing weight gradually with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Skipping meals can also contribute to the development of the condition, so try to eat at least three regular meals a day.
