What Causes Gallstones and How to Prevent Them

When this digestive fluid hardens, it can form deposits called gallstones, which can be small (the size of a grain of sand) or large (almost the size of a golf ball).

Why do gallstones form?

In many cases, gallstones do not cause symptoms and pass undetected. However, they can get stuck in the pancreatic duct or bile duct and cause:

Back pain
Shoulder pain
Sudden, rapidly intensifying pain in the center or upper right abdomen
Nausea or vomiting

This discomfort can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours.

The origin of gallstones is currently unclear, but the most common causes are:

Too much bilirubin
Too much cholesterol
Difficulty emptying the bladder

Although anyone can get gallstones, the people most at risk are:

Adults over age 40
Latinos
Women
Pregnant women
People with a family history of gallstones
People with diabetes
People with liver disease
People who are overweight or obese
People with blood disorders
People who are sedentary

Another key factor is diet. Professionals have found a link between a higher rate of gallstones and people who have diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber.

Permitted foods

You should choose foods that are rich in fiber and antioxidants:

No‑ or low‑fat meats, such as pork or beef chops, loin, or sirloin, and chicken breasts
Grains, such as oatmeal or quinoa
Fruits (in moderation), preferably ripe, in compotes or purees
Eggs
Skim dairy and dairy products
White fish, such as cod, sea bass, or hake
Seeds, such as sesame, chia, sunflower, or flax
Greens and vegetables in general

You should also stay hydrated by drinking between 2 and 2 ½ liters (67 to 84 ounces) of water a day.

Harmful foods

You should avoid food and drinks that are hard to digest, as they promote the production of cholesterol and bilirubin that bile cannot dissolve. For example:

Alcoholic beverages
Coffee
Fatty meat
Spicy or spiced food
Sweets and chocolate
Cold cuts
Picked or canned food
Fried food
Acidic fruits, such as citrus, dried fruit, and candied fruit
Fats in general
Strong or acidic herbal teas
Dairy and dairy products
Baked goods
Pasta
Oily fish, such as anchovy, tuna, salmon, or sardine
Soda
Raw vegetables

Remember:

Until there is significant scientific evidence from studies in humans, people should be very careful when using herbal therapies and supplements.

Don’t stop or change your medications or treatments before speaking to a doctor about the potential effects of complementary or alternative therapies.

Don’t forget that the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription medications and other herbs and supplements and may even affect your diet.

Sources: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database; National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

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