The gallbladder is a small sac located below the liver. It stores bile juice. This juice helps digest food. Sometimes, small stone-like fragments form in this bile juice, called gallstones. Gallstones are a fairly common problem these days and can affect anyone. However, overweight people, women, and those with unhealthy eating habits are at higher risk.
Bile juice contains cholesterol and certain other substances. When their balance is disturbed, stones can form. There are several reasons for this. High cholesterol in bile juice can gradually accumulate and form stones. This is the reason for most gallstones.
Some liver diseases can cause increased bilirubin in the body. This also increases the risk of gallstone formation. Additionally, if the gallbladder is not completely emptied, the stored juice can thicken. This can lead to the formation of stones. Obesity and poor eating habits can also increase the risk of gallstones.
Many people with small stones don’t experience any symptoms. They may not even realize they have them. However, if a stone gets stuck in a duct, some of the following symptoms may appear:
Pain radiating to the back or shoulder.
Nausea or vomiting.
Stomach pain or heaviness after eating.
Stomach bloating.
Difficulty digesting food.
Fever or chills.
Yellow eyes and skin.
Dark urine, light stool, etc.
If severe abdominal pain is accompanied by fever or yellowing of the eyes and skin, it should not be ignored. It is important to see a doctor immediately. Doctors often perform an abdominal ultrasound to diagnose gallstones. This can reveal the location and size of the stone. If necessary, the doctor may also order additional tests.
The risk of kidney stones can be reduced by following a few simple steps:
Eat less fried and oily foods.
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Include fiber-rich foods in your diet.
Get some exercise daily.
Try to maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t lose weight too quickly.
Don’t stay hungry for long periods of time.
Try to eat meals on time.