https://www.mayoclinic.

org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in
your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on
the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. The
gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your
small intestine.

AI Overview
Learn more
…
Opens in new tab

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile in

the gallbladder. This imbalance can be caused by too much cholesterol,
bilirubin, or not enough bile salts. The excess cholesterol or bilirubin can form
tiny crystals in the bile that harden into a stone-like material. Gallstones can
also form if the gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, which
can cause the bile to become more concentrated.

Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include:
● Being female
● Being age 40 or older
● Being a Native American
● Being a Hispanic of Mexican origin
● Being overweight or obese
● Being sedentary
● Being pregnant
● Eating a high-fat diet
● Eating a high-cholesterol diet
● Eating a low-fiber diet
● Having a family history of gallstones
● Having diabetes
● Having certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or
leukemia
● Losing weight very quickly
● Taking medications that contain estrogen, such as oral
contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs
● Having liver disease
What effect does a gallstone have on your body?
Others have episodes of pain in the abdomen, back or right shoulder. These
might not happen often, but can be severe, and may develop after a particularly fatty
meal. Gallstones can sometimes cause other problems such as: jaundice — yellowing of
your skin and of the whites of your eyes.

How sick can gallstones make you?

In a small number of people, gallstones can cause more serious problems if they
obstruct the flow of bile for longer periods or move into other organs (such as the
pancreas or small bowel). If this happens, you may develop: a high temperature of 38C
(100.4F) or above. more persistent pain.
 What foods should you avoid if you have gallstones?

Foods high in saturated fat include:

● meat pies.
● sausages and fatty cuts of meat.
● butter, ghee, and lard.
● cream.
● hard cheeses.
● cakes and biscuits.
● food containing coconut or palm oil.

AI Overview
Learn more
…
Opens in new tab
If you have gallstones, you should avoid foods that are high in fat, especially
saturated and trans fats, because they can strain your gallbladder. Some
examples of foods to avoid include:

​
​ Fried foods
​ These are high in calories and unhealthy saturated fats, and can raise your cholesterol levels.

​
​ Dairy products
​ Whole milk, ice cream, and processed cheese are high in fat.
​
​ Meat
​ Fatty cuts of meat, like sausage, salami, and bacon, are high in saturated fat.

​
​ Pastries
​ Cakes, pies, cookies, and cinnamon rolls are high in fat.

instead, you can try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to
spread out your fat intake. You can also try replacing saturated and trans fats
with unsaturated fats, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole
grains, and low-fat protein foods.
Prevention - - - Gallstones - NHS

NHS
https://www.nhs.uk › Health A to Z › Gallstones

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

Complications
Complications of gallstones may include:
● Inflammation of the gallbladder. A gallstone that becomes
lodged in the neck of the gallbladder can cause inflammation of
 the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Cholecystitis can cause severe
pain and fever.
● Blockage of the common bile duct. Gallstones can block the
tubes (ducts) through which bile flows from your gallbladder or
liver to your small intestine. Severe pain, jaundice and bile duct
infection can result.
● Blockage of the pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct is a tube
that runs from the pancreas and connects to the common bile
duct just before entering the duodenum. Pancreatic juices, which
aid in digestion, flow through the pancreatic duct.
A gallstone can cause a blockage in the pancreatic duct, which
can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Pancreatitis causes intense, constant abdominal pain and
usually requires hospitalization.
● Gallbladder cancer. People with a history of gallstones have an
increased risk of gallbladder cancer. But gallbladder cancer is
very rare, so even though the risk of cancer is elevated, the
likelihood of gallbladder cancer is still very small.

Prevention
You can reduce your risk of gallstones if you:
● Don't skip meals. Try to stick to your usual mealtimes each day.
Skipping meals or fasting can increase the risk of gallstones.
● Lose weight slowly. If you need to lose weight, go slow. Rapid
weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. Aim to lose 1 or 2
pounds (about 0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week.
● Eat more high-fiber foods. Include more fiber-rich foods in your
diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
● Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and being overweight
increase the risk of gallstones. Work to achieve a healthy weight
 by reducing the number of calories you eat and increasing the
amount of physical activity you get. Once you achieve a healthy
weight, work to maintain that weight by continuing your healthy
diet and continuing to exercise.
Everyday Health

learn about generative AI

Cures for gallstones

Surgery to remove the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy, is the only
treatment that can cure symptomatic gallstones. The gallbladder is not a vital
organ, so the body can function well without it. After surgery, bile flows
directly from the liver to the small intestine instead of being stored in the
gallbladder. While gallbladder removal doesn't affect digestion, it can cause
temporary diarrhea

Medicines to stop gallstones

Ursodiol link (Actigall) and chenodiol link (Chenix) are medicines that
contain bile acids that can break up gallstones. These medicines work
best to break up small cholesterol stones. You may need months or
years of treatment to break up all the stones.
Treatment for Gallstones - NIDDK

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or
symptoms that worry you.
Seek immediate care if you develop signs and symptoms of a serious
gallstone complication, such as:
● Abdominal pain so intense that you can't sit still or find a
comfortable position
● Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
● High fever with chills
Freepik

Symptoms
Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a
duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may
include:
● Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of
your abdomen
● Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your
abdomen, just below your breastbone
● Back pain between your shoulder blades
● Pain in your right shoulder
● Nausea or vomiting
Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours.
 Queensland Health on X:
"#Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your
gallbladder, a small organ on the right side of your abdomen. Only 30% of
people with…
AI Overview

Different types of gallstones

The three main types of gallstones are cholesterol, mixed, and pigmented:

● Cholesterol gallstones: Make up 90% of gallstones

● Black pigment gallstones: One of the three most common types
● Brown pigment gallstones: One of the three most common types
What Is Gall Stone And How Are Stones Formed In Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under the liver on the
right side of the abdomen. It stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid
produced by the liver that helps break down and absorb fats from food. When
food is eaten, especially fatty foods, the gallbladder releases bile into the
duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, through a tube called the
common bile duct.The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It
stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the
digestion of fat and is released from the gallbladder into the upper
small intestine in response to food (especially fats).
Gallbladder Disease | Johns Hopkins Medicine
 Gallbladder: What Is It, Function,
Location & Anatomy

What are gallstones made of?

What are gallstones? Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of

material, usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin, that form in your
gallbladder. Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf
ball. The gallbladder can make one large gallstone, hundreds of tiny
stones, or both small and large stones.
Contents. Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the
gallbladder. In most cases, they do not cause any symptoms and do not need to be
treated.The most common type of gallstone, called a cholesterol gallstone, often
appears yellow in color. These gallstones are composed mainly of undissolved
cholesterol, but may contain other components. Pigment gallstones. These dark brown
or black stones form when your bile contains too much bilirubin.
Definition & Facts for Gallstones - NIDDK
Hair Analysis

When gallstones was first discovered

The earliest evidence of gallstones dates back to 1500 BC, when they were
found in the mummy of the Egyptian princess Amenen of Thebes. However,
the first written account of gallstones was in 1420 by Florentine pathologist
Antonio Benevieni, who described them in a woman who died from
abdominal.he first documented account of gallstones was in 1420 by
Florentine pathologist Antonio Benevieni, who described them in a woman
who died from abdominal pain. However, it's likely that gallstones have been
a problem for humans since ancient times. The earliest examples of
gallstones were found in the mummy of the Egyptian princess Amer, who
lived around 1500 BC, by Egyptologist and anatomist Sir Grafton Elliot-Smith.
Babylonian models from 2000 BCE and ancient Etruscan models from 200
BCE also depict the gallbladder and biliary tree, and, and are associated with
 divine workshipThe first account of gallstones was given in 1420 by a
Florentine pathologist Antonio Benevieni, in a woman who died with
abdominal pain. Centuries followed with ever-increasing recognition
of biliary colic.

Gallstones diet
A healthy, balanced diet can help lower your risk of developing gallstones.
Here are some dietary recommendations:
​ Eat more fiber
​ Fiber can help prevent gallstones from forming. Eat at least five portions of fruits and
vegetables a day, as well as whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat
bread. You can also try beans, peas, and nuts like peanuts or cashews.
​ Eat healthy fats
​ Healthy fats like fish oil and olive oil can help your gallbladder contract and empty
regularly. You can also try unsaturated oils and spreads.
​ Limit saturated fat
​ Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, like fatty cuts of meat, butter, cream, hard
cheeses, cakes, and biscuits.
​ Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugar
​ Try to eat fewer refined carbohydrates and less sugar.
​ Avoid caffeine
​ Caffeine can cause your gallbladder to tighten, which can be painful if you have
gallstones.

1mg

About cholesterol stones

Cholesterol gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in the
gallbladder and are made up of cholesterol. They are the most common type
of gallstone and can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.The most
common type of gallstone, called a cholesterol gallstone, often appears yellow in color.
These gallstones are composed mainly of undissolved cholesterol, but may contain
other components. Pigment gallstones. These dark brown or black stones form when

your bile contains too much bilirubin.

About pigment stones

Pigment gallstones are defined as any dark brown-to-black stone,
consisting of calcium salts of bilirubin, phosphate, carbonate and
other anions, and can be separated into carbonate- and

noncarbonate-containing groups.

about mixed stones

Mixed stones are the most common type of gallstone, making up 20–50% of
all gallstones. They are a combination of cholesterol and salts, and
sometimes pigment. Mixed stones often develop in clusters. mixed stones – the
most common type. They are made up of cholesterol and salts. Mixed stones tend to
develop in batches. cholesterol stones – made up mainly of cholesterol, a fat-like
substance that is crucial to many metabolic processes.
Gallstone sizes
Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, and can be
made up of cholesterol or bilirubin. They can be black, dark blue, or
yellow-green in color.

Gallstones can be single large stones, hundreds of tiny stones, or a mix of

both. The most common type is multiple small stones that are about 0.5 cm
in diameter, but large stones can be up to 5 cm in diameter. Smaller stones
are more likely to cause problems because they can travel and get stuck in a
blockage, while larger stones are more likely to stay in place. However, the
size of the stone is not always the most important factor, as it's more
important whether the gallstone is causing symptoms.

Gallstones that don't cause blockages and are painless are called "silent"
gallstones and usually don't require treatment. However, if gallstones do
block bile ducts, they can cause sudden and severe pain in the upper right
abdomen, known as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic. This pain can be
life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Larger gallstones,
especially those over 10 mm in size, can also lead to inflammation,
infection,and other compliations that may require surgical removal.
Gallstone pain

Gallstones can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain called biliary colic. The
pain can feel sharp or dull, and it can be constant or cramping. It's usually felt
in the upper right or middle of the abdomen, just below the ribs, but it can
spread to the side or shoulder blade. The pain can last from a few minutes to
5 hours, and it's not relieved by going to the toilet, passing gas, or being sick.
Eating fatty foods can trigger the pain, but it can happen at any time of day or
even wake you up at night. Gallstones cause pain when they get stuck in a
duct and block the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine, causing the
gallbladder to spasm. If left untreated, blockages in the bile ducts or
pancreatic duct can be fatal.

To relieve gallstone pain, you can try:

● Applying a warm compress to the affected area

● Drinking peppermint tea
● Taking a magnesium supplement to help empty your gallbladder

What does gallstone pain feel like?

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and

causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include: Sudden and rapidly
intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen. Sudden and rapidly
intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.
What are some fun facts about gallstones?

5 facts about gallstones

● The gallbladder is shaped like a pear. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped

pouch about three to six inches long. ...
● Gallstones are more common in women. ...
● Cholesterol is the main cause of gallstones. ...
● An ultrasound can spot gallstones. ...
● Sometimes gallstones do not require any treatment.

Are gallstones healthy?A gallstone can cause a blockage in the pancreatic duct, which
can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis causes intense,
constant abdominal pain and usually requires hospitalization. Gallbladder cancer.
People with a history of gallstones have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.

Is it OK to live with gallstones?Gallstones are common, and most people will never be
bothered by them. If they stay put, you may never know they're there. But once they
begin to move, they become dangerous.

Is it better to remove gallstones or gallbladder?Gallstones that cause no symptoms,

generally don't need any medical treatment. In certain cases (such as abdominal
surgery for other conditions), doctors may remove your gallbladder if you are at high risk
of complications of gallstones.

Can your body get rid of gallstones?In some cases, gallstones may travel down the bile
duct and into the small bowel. A person may then pass the gallstones naturally.
However, gallstones may return. Having surgery to remove gallstones prevents this.
 How many gallbladder attacks before removal?Most doctors recommend surgery if you
have had repeated attacks. If you have had one attack of gallstone pain, you may want
to wait to see whether you have more. Surgery is the best way to prevent gallstone
attacks. The surgery is very common, so doctors have a lot of experience with it.

What drink dissolves gallstones?In addition to medical treatments, there are several
natural methods that can help treat gallbladder stones. These include: Drinking apple
juice: This may help soften the stones and make them easier to dissolve. Taking apple
cider vinegar: This can help detoxify the body.

FUN FACTS ABOUT GALLSTONES

​ Size
​ Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. The largest gallstone
ever recorded was 13 lb 14 oz, removed from an 80-year-old woman in 1952.
​ Types
​ There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones.
Cholesterol stones are usually yellow-green and make up about 80% of gallstones,
while pigment stones are dark and made of bilirubin.
​ Causes
​ Cholesterol is the main cause of gallstones, but other risk factors include being a
woman, being over 65, obesity, and having a diet high in fat and cholesterol.
​ Symptoms
​ Most gallstones don't cause symptoms, but some can cause pain if they block bile
ducts. Other symptoms include jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and
whites of the eyes, and clay-colored stools.
​ Treatment
​ Gallstones that don't cause symptoms usually don't require treatment. For serious
gallstone pain, surgery is the main treatment, but medication may help if surgery isn't
an option.
​ Detection
​ An ultrasound is the best test for gallstones because it's quick, safe, and highly
accurate.
What does coffee do to your gallbladder? While sipping on coffee might help keep
gallstones at bay, it's a different story if you already have them. Caffeine, the natural
stimulant found in coffee, causes the gallbladder to tighten up. If you have gallstones,
this can cause pain.

Why remove gallbladder instead of stone?It is often better to remove the entire
gallbladder rather than just targeting the gallstones. This is because gallstones tend to
recur over time, and removing the gallbladder eliminates the risk of future gallstone
formation and associated complications.

What vitamin dissolves gallstones?Nutritional supplements that might help prevent

gallstones include vitamin C, soy lecithin, and iron. In addition, a mixture of plant
terpenes (Rowachol) has been used with some success to dissolve radiolucent
gallstones.

.What should you not drink with gallstones?It is important to stay hydrated if you have
gallstones by drinking at least two litres of fluid every day, such as water or herbal tea.
However, you should avoid drinking alcohol as this can worsen your symptoms.

What hot drinks are good for gallstones?Choose full cream milk as it will give you more
calories than a fat reduced milk. Try a glass of full cream milk, a latte, a malted milk
drink (Horlicks or Ovaltine), hot chocolate, Lassi, Indian tea or Complan between meals.

Can I eat eggs with gallstones?Boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs (no butter).
Low fat (good choices) White fish e.g. haddock, sole, plaice, cod, whiting, prawns, tuna
in brine/springwater. Higher fat (should be avoided) Oily fish e.g. sardines, mackerel,
kippers, tuna in oil. Low fat (good choices) Lean meats and poultry.

What can destroy gallstones?Ursodiol link (Actigall) and chenodiol link (Chenix) are
medicines that contain bile acids that can break up gallstones. These medicines work
best to break up small cholesterol stones. You may need months or years of treatment
to break up all stones. Shock wave lithotripsy.

What vegetables should I avoid with gallstones?A Gallbladder Diet focuses on eating
small or moderate meals and avoiding all fried and fatty groups, dressing and
condiments, and certain vegetables including Asparagus, corn, cucumbers, green
peppers, radishes, cabbage, sauerkraut, and onions.
Points to Remember About Gallstones

​ Gallstones form when bile hardens in the gallbladder.

​ Gallstones are more common among older adults; women; American Indians; Mexican
Americans; people with diabetes; those with a family history of gallstones; people who are
overweight, obese, or undergo rapid weight loss; and those taking cholesterol-lowering
drugs.
​ Gallbladder attacks often occur after eating a meal, especially one high in fat.
​ Symptoms can mimic those of other problems, including a heart attack, so an accurate
diagnosis is important.
​ Gallstones can cause serious problems if they become trapped in the bile ducts.
​ Laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment
What should you eat for breakfast if you have gallstones?

GALLBLADDER DIET

Breakfast. Fruit: All but Avocado. Cereal: Any. ...

Lunch. Soup: No creamy or fatty soups. Vegetable: Cooked vegetables only, such
as carrots, string beans, peas, beets, spinach. ...

Dinner. Meat: 1 serving of any lean meat, chicken, or turkey. No fried or fatty
meats allowed. ...

THE FOLLOWING FOODS MUST BE AVOIDED.

Is peanut butter good for gallstones?

Peanuts also contain many other bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols that may
lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting its absorption. Nuts, peanuts and peanut butter are
a good source of magnesium, which may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity and
hence may reduce the development of gallstones.

Can I eat bananas with gallstones?

The Best Dietary Choices for Managing Gallbladder Attacks: Eating foods such as
apples, bananas, oats, plant-based proteins, among others can aid with managing
gallbladder attacks.

What snacks can I eat with gallstones?

High fiber foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and consuming low-fat dairy may help
resolve symptoms and reduce the risk of gallstones returning.

Are potatoes OK for gallstones?

A healthy, well balanced diet is recommended to prevent formation of further

gallstones. Eat more fibre – choose mostly seeded wholemeal bread, oats, brown rice,
wholemeal pasta and noodles. Eat potatoes with skins. Eat at least 5 portions of fruits,
vegetables and salad every day.
 Is white rice bad for gallstones?

Refined Grains

Refined carbohydrates such as white rice and white flour contain low fiber contents,
increasing the risk of gallstone. You can replace refined carbohydrates with unrefined
grains such as whole grains, barley, and oats, essential nutrients.

Which size of Gallbladder stone is dangerous?

Gallstones can be dangerous regardless of their size, but different sizes can
cause different problems:

​ Small stones
​ Stones less than 5 millimeters in diameter, also known as microstones, can cause
serious issues. They can get stuck in the bile duct and cause blockages, which can
lead to pancreatitis, jaundice, and infection. Small stones can also erode the bile duct
over time and lead to a condition called Mirizzi Syndrome, which causes abdominal
 pain and jaundice. Patients with at least one stone smaller than 5 millimeters have
more than four times the risk of acute biliary pancreatitis.
​
​ Large stones
​ Stones larger than 2 centimeters can increase the risk of gallbladder cancer,
especially if they chronically inflame the gallbladder wall. Stones larger than 8
millimeters can also be a concern because they can block ducts.
​
​ Oral dissolution therapy
​ Oral dissolution therapy can be effective for stones up to 10 millimeters in diameter,
but it's most effective for stones smaller than 5 millimeters.

AI Overview

Learn more

…
Opens in new tab

Gallstone shapes

Gallstones can come in many shapes and sizes, from as small as a grain of
sand to as large as a golf ball, and can be diamond-shaped. They can also
vary in color, appearing black, dark blue, yellow-green, or light yellow to dark
green or brown. The color depends on whether the gallstones contain
cholesterol or bilirubin.

Gallstones are solid, hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder
when there's an imbalance in the chemical makeup of bile. This imbalance
causes one or more components of the bile to precipitate out. As bile
continues to wash over the gallstones, they slowly grow by leaving layers of
sediment. If a gallstone gets into a narrow space, like a bile duct or the neck of
the gallbladder, it can grow large enough to block the flow of bile. This
blockage can cause pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating a
large meal. If the blockage is larger, it can lead to more serious complications
in the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. However, most gallstones don't cause any
health problems.

What can be mistaken for gallstones?

Are there other conditions that mimic gallbladder pain?

 ● Gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder cancer can cause abdominal pain, itching,
bloating, and fever. ...
● Appendicitis. ...
● Heart attack. ...
● Pancreatitis. ...
● Ulcers. ...
● Inflammatory bowel diseases. ...
● Gastroenteritis. ...
● Kidney stones.

Animal gallstone

Gallstones, also known as cholelithiasis, are stones that can form in the
gallbladder of animals, such as dogs and cats. They are often made of bile
components like cholesterol, calcium, and bilirubin. Gallstones can be caused
by a number of factors, including:

● Inflammation
● Infection
● Tumors
● Cell shedding
● Bile sludging
● Bile supersaturation with calcium, cholesterol, or pigment
● Nutrient deficiencies
● Environmental toxins
● High bile concentration
● Decreased bile flow

Changes to the gallbladder lining

If a pet doesn't show any symptoms, a veterinarian may recommend

monitoring the pet with bloodwork, x-rays, and/or ultrasounds to ensure the
stones don't change.