Fast Facts about Gallstones
- Approximately 20% of all American develop gall stones once in their lifetimes; however only 1% to 3% of them actually develop symptoms.
- Nearly 80% of all gallstones are cholesterol gallstones and the remaining 20% are calcium carbonate or calcium bilirubin.
- People who are at most risk of developing gallstones are women, overweight or elder people.
- Pregnancy, birth control or hormone therapy increases a woman’s chance of developing gallstones.
- Gallstones don’t show up in x-rays and 80% of them don’t even come with a warning sign.
- 90% of people suffering from gallstones receive a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to have gallbladder and stones removed.
Gallstones are tiny stones or lumps that develop in the bile duct or gallbladder when chemical substances harden. The hardening occurs to imbalance of chemicals such as cholesterol, calcium carbonate and calcium biliribinate. These solidify into small stones or one larger one. Upon blocking the bile duct, these can be extremely painful to pass. There are two kinds of gallstones –cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are yellowish-green in color. 80% of all gallstones are cholesterol stones developed due to excess cholesterol in the body. Pigment stones on the other hand, are much darker in color and smaller than cholesterol stones. These are of made of bilirubin –a fluid that one’s liver secretes.
Although there aren’t any known causes of gallstones, there are many who are at a higher risk of developing them. A person will be at risk if:
- He/she is obese or overweight
- He/she is consuming cholesterol-enriched diets frequently
- He/she has experienced rapid weight loss
- He/she has diabetes mellitus
Other risk factors involve:
- Being a female
- Being pregnant
- Belonging to an American/Indian or Mexican-American background
- Having a history of gallstones in the family
- Being over 60
Symptoms
There are a few indications to help one know for sure they have developed gallstones.
These symptoms include:
- Abrupt intensifying pain in the upper right of the abdomen
- Abrupt intensifying pain in the centre of the abdomen, just below the breastbone
- pain in the right shoulder
- Pain in between the shoulder blades
- back pain
- Vomiting or nausea
In case the pain and discomfort persists, one must not waste time before seeking medical assistance as it could even result in one’s death in rare cases.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage gallstones, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing gallstones and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for gallstones. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with gallstones:
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle protects one’s liver from degeneration. It has been pre-eminent in keeping the liver healthy against toxic damage cause by frequent alcohol consumption, environmental toxins, drugs and other poison. It does so by lowering the formation of unwanted enzymes and prevents harmful secretions into the bile that turn into gallstones. Thus, it reduces the chances of developing gallstones.
Artichoke
The roots, leaves and stems of artichoke are used to make extracts which is a combination of the many chemicals present in the plant. The extract is then used to treat multiple digestive disorders like gallstones, where it stimulates the flow of bile and secretions from the liver. Artichoke also helps lower cholesterol, fight irritable bowel syndrome, reduce fluid retention and prevent liver damage and bladder infections.
Cascara Sagrada
It is one of the most effective over-the-counter therapy and herbal medication for digestive health conditions including constipation and gallstones. Cascara sagrada is normally considered safe; however, when consumed in higher does, it can have some adverse effects such as injuring the liver. Therefore, whenever using Cascara for pain relief during gallstones, one must always consult their physician first.
Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape Root is another great herbal remedy to treat multiple infections and digestive conditions such as gallstones. It functions s a tonic to stimulate the flow of secretions and bile in the intestines. It also has many antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that further prevent gallstone formation.
Valerian
Known as the most popular western herbal painkiller, Valerian works as a pain sedative and is widely used to treat a number of different health conditions including gallstones. It helps the muscles relax; lowering levels of pain when one suffers from abdominal cramps, menstrual cramps, kidney stones or gallstones.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing [gallstones], but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition