Gallstones
Originating in the gallbladder gallstones form from bile, a digestive fluid, and can vary greatly in size. The larger the stone(s), the more severe and apparent the symptoms will be that manifest. Typical effects of a gallstone lodged in a bile duct are sharp abdominal pain (both on the right side as well as the center) as well as intense shoulder/back pain, which make it difficult to impossible to relax. In cases of extreme, excruciating pain a fever and chills may develop. On the other hand smaller stone(s) can cause little to no pain or discomfort.
While there is no definitive cause for what causes gallstones to develop, there are several factors which contribute: irregular gallbladder function (if bile is not emptied completely from the gallbladder it becomes concentrated and may lead to stone formation), excessive amounts of bilirubin (a liver secreted chemical; when the liver produces too much of it can enter the gallbladder and facilitate stone buildup),as well as above normal amounts of cholesterol in the bile (which it is unable to breakdown, contributing to formation of stone deposits). Gallstones caused by the former two conditions are, respectively, are dark brown/black and yellow in color.
Significant risk factors in the development of gallstones include being overweight, consuming a high fat/cholesterol/low fiber diet, having diabetes, being age 60 or above, being pregnant, or having Native American/Mexican American ancestry. Among the more serious complications to arise from gallstones are: gallbladder cancer, pancreatitis (through blockage of the pancreatic duct, inhibiting the flow of pancreatic fluid to the bile duct), cholecystitus (inflammation of the gallbladder, caused by a stone being lodged in the gallbladder neck), and jaundice (resulting from blockage of the bile ducts).
If You Are Suffering from Gallstones
Thankfully, if you are suffering from gallstones which display no symptoms, no treatment is necessary; however if pain develops and intensifies the main modes of treatment are medication (which will help to dissolve gallstones, albeit gradually; this treatment is primarily saved for those adverse/unable to undergo gallbladder removal surgery) and surgery to remove the defective gallbladder. After this procedure bile will travel directly from the liver to the small intestines, eliminating the chance of bile build up in the gallbladder. Preventative measures against gallstone buildup include maintaining a healthy body weight, getting plenty of physical activity, and adopting a low fat/cholesterol diet.
A Whole Health Perspective
Looking at Gallstones through a Whole Health model, we explore the individual’s unique presentation from the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ perspective.