Sometimes the digestive fluids in your gallbladder harden and form pebble-like substances, called gallstones. These gallstones can cause pain under your right shoulder, in your right upper abdomen or between your shoulder blades. If gallstones block your bile ducts and don't move on their own, they can cause a serious infection.
Prevention
Some healthy lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing gallstones, according to the Mayo Clinic. First, stick to regular mealtimes. Inactivity increases your risk, so try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you you need to lose weight, do it slowly, as fast weight loss also increases your risk of developing gallstones. Aim for a loss of 1 to 2 lbs. per week. And once you've reached your goal weight, maintain it.
Treatment
Some gallstone attacks resolve on their own without treatment. Possible treatments include sound-wave therapy, which dissolves the stones, medication and surgery. Once you have an attack of gallstones you are more likely to have another, so surgery to remove the gallbladder is often recommended.
Diet
Although dietary changes cannot cure gallstones, they may lower your risk of developing gallstones. These changes include following a diet that has healthy unsaturated fats and plenty of fiber. If your levels of calcium or vitamins C or E are low, you may be at a higher risk of developing gallstones, so consuming foods high in these nutrients or taking supplements containing them may lower your risk somewhat.
Considerations
Large or high-fat meals often precede gallbladder attacks, so consider consuming smaller meals that are lower in fat. If you suspect you have gallstones, see your doctor for a diagnosis, as the symptoms are similar to other serious medical conditions, including a heart attack. Do not try to self-treat your gallbladder attack. Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
