Gallstones are stone-like substances that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The gallbladder is an organ located under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps with fat digestion. Small gallstones do not cause problems in most people. However, large gallstones can block ducts and prevent the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder or liver to the intestines. Certain foods may help prevent gallstones.
Low-Cholesterol Diet
Gallstones made from cholesterol are the most common type. Cholesterol is a waxy and sticky substance produced by the body to help with various body processes. Cholesterol is also found in animal products such as red meat, organ meats such as liver and kidneys, whole milk and whole milk dairy products. Patients at risk for gallstones should avoid overeating these high-fat animal products. Patients should opt for low-cholesterol foods such as low-fat milk, lean meat, fish, skinned poultry, beans, peas, lentils and enriched breads.
Low-Fat Diet
Patients who eat high-fat foods are at increased risk for colicky pain caused by gallstones attacks. High-fat foods trigger contraction and squeezing of the gall bladder. If gallstones are present in the gallbladder, the contraction and squeezing causes sharp abdominal pain that radiates to the shoulders. Patients should eat low-fat foods rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Fasting and Weight Loss
Gallstones can be caused by prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss. Patients should avoid skipping meals. The liver produces bile juice regularly to help with digestion of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released to the stomach and intestines during digestion. Skipping meals or fasting causes bile juices to remain in the gallbladder, where they harden and form gallstones.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Symptoms of gallstones most often occur when a gallstone blocks the hepatic, cystic or common bile ducts. Patients experience symptoms such as sudden upper right abdominal pain, cramping pain in the middle upper abdomen, back pain between shoulder breasts, pain in the right shoulder, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, clay-colored stools and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
