Anatomical Nourishment: Gallbladder Stones: 3 Tips to Nurture Your Gallbladder Health

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

What is Gallbladder Stones?
Gallbladder stones are a common gastrointestinal disease affecting approximately 30% of the population around the world annually. In the UK, more than 50,000 gallbladder removal surgeries are performed every year, which makes this disease a major health concern.


Furthermore, recent research finding demonstrates that gallbladder stones may put patients at risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Gallbladder stones are usually made of cholesterol or bilirubin and form in the gallbladder. The size of the stone can range from grains of sand to a golf ball.


Cholesterol stones are yellow-green and made from hardened cholesterol. These stones are more common than pigment stones made from bilirubin and usually come in dark brown. Some individuals are also susceptible to developing cholesterol and pigment stones in the gallbladder. 




Causes of Gallbladder Stones
So, what can cause gallbladder stones? Gallbladder stones develop as a result of imbalances of bile and situations such as the bile are not flowing naturally. The bile is responsible for the digestion of fats and removal of waste products therefore, if there are imbalances in the bile, cholesterol levels increase thus; excess cholesterol forms stones in the gallbladder.


Certain risk factors contribute to the development of gallbladder stones:

•     Family history

 

•     Age (40 years and above)

 

•     Female

 

•     Obesity

 

•     High cholesterol levels

Symptoms of Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder stones usually have no symptoms (asymptomatic). However, if the stones are trapped inside the gallbladder, intense abdominal pain can be experienced for several hours. Generally, the pain is on the upper right abdomen and develops after heavy meals during the evening or night. 




Complications of Gallbladder Stones
There are several complications of gallbladder stones if this condition is not managed properly or left untreated, which include:

•     Acute Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)

 

•     Jaundice

 

•     Acute Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts)

 

•     Acute Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

 

•     Gallbladder cancer

3 Holistic Tips to Reduce the Risk of Gallbladder Stones
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1. Dietary Intervention

Regular Mealtimes
Dietary choices revolve around aspects such as nutrition, hydration and mealtimes. We tend to focus on healthy and balanced food however; we seem to forget that regular mealtimes are also an important part of nourishing the body.


Consuming meals at a regular time helps your body get the nourishment it needs. In addition to that, try avoiding long gaps between mealtimes. Healthy snacking plays an important role in improving gaps between mealtimes. Focusing on regular mealtimes helps keep the body healthy, boost digestion and reduce the risk of gallbladder stones.




Nutrition
Besides that, consuming a rich fibrous food can help prevent the development of gallbladder stones. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and legumes in your daily diet. Since cholesterol stones are more prone to develop be mindful of your unhealthy fat intake. Ensure adequate intake of healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and oily fish.



Hydration
Apart from mealtimes and nutrition, hydration also plays an important role in reducing gallbladder stones. Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Water is important to flush out metabolic waste from the body and support healthy digestion. Besides water, drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of gallbladder stones according to several studies. However, ensure a balanced consumption of clear fluid (water) and coffee for better results. 




2. Lifestyle Intervention

Exercise
Regularly exercising and keeping fit can help prevent gallbladder stones. Exercising can help with healthy blood circulation and improving digestion which results in decreased chances of gallbladder stones.



Healthy Weight
Obesity increases the cholesterol levels in the bile thus, promoting to development of gallbladder stones. Besides that, avoid rapidly losing weight as this condition also can raise your chances of getting gallbladder stones by having imbalanced bile. 




3. Medicinal Plants

The utilization of medicinal plants to treat illness or for general health and wellbeing is not new, as historically humans have used a variety of therapeutic plants as a remedy for any diseases or injuries and maintaining good health. Consuming medicinal plants like flowers, spices and herbs can help prevent gallbladder stones. Why not add Hibiscus flower, Lotus flower, Cardamom, Star Anise, Bay Leaf, Curry Leaves, Tulsi and Lemongrass into your daily diet now?










All in All
Although gallbladder stones can be treated with surgery or by removing your gallbladder, it is still an important organ in your body that is responsible for normal bodily function. Therefore, nurturing your gallbladder health is vital.


Nutrition Takes explores how you can use 3 holistic approaches to nourish your gallbladder. Share in the comments section about the knowledge you gain from this article. Alternatively, if you have different insights please also do share them.










 
 
References
1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones

2. Jones MW et al. (2023); Physiology, Gallbladder; In: StatPearls;
     (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482488/)

3. Fabianna B et al. (2024); Presence of small and multiple gallstones increases the risk of biliary complications; International Journal
    of Gastrointestinal Intervention; 13(2): 37-40.