Gallstones are more common than you may think. A gallstones diet could help. In fact it’s estimated that more than 1 in every 10 adults in the UK has gallstones. But what exactly are they and what effect can they have on the body? Today, we share the facts on gallstones and the risk factors which increase their likelihood.
What are gallstones?
The gallbladder is a small sac on the underside of the liver. Bile (also called gall) is a greenish-brown liquid produced by the liver. It’s stored and concentrated in the gallbladder and passed into the small intestine (through the bile ducts) to help with digestion, mainly of fats.
Gallstones occur when bile, which is normally fluid, forms stones. They contain lumps of cholesterol-like (fatty) material that has solidified and hardened. Sometimes, bile pigments or calcium deposits can form gallstones. Some people have many very small stones, like fine gravel, and some have a single stone that’s big enough to completely fill the gallbladder.
Who is at risk of developing gallstones?
One in 10 people will develop gallstones. Women, people over 40 and overweight people are more likely to develop them. Gallstones are also more likely if:
- Your bile contains too much cholesterol
- The outlet from your gallbladder is blocked or infected
- You have a family history of gallstones
How will I know if I have gallstones?
Gallstones are often discovered by accident, when you have an X-ray or ultrasound scan for another reason. In these cases, it’s usually best to leave them alone unless they produce symptoms.
Fewer than one in five people with gallstones have symptoms, because the stones usually stay in the gallbladder and cause no problems.
However, sometimes gallstones may lead to your gallbladder becoming inflamed (cholecystitis), which can cause:
- Pain below your ribs on the right hand side
- Pain in your back and right shoulder
- Fever
- Nausea
- Biliary colic
If gallstones pass down your bile duct into your duodenum, you will experience a painful condition known as biliary colic. The pain is usually felt in the upper part of your abdomen, in the centre, or a little to the right, and often occurs about an hour after a meal that has a particularly high fat content.
The pain is usually continuous, lasting a few hours before it disappears. However, some people experience ‘waves’ of pain and others have continuous pain for more than 24 hours.
Some people describe the pain as being similar to very severe indigestion. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that they report feeling like they’re having a heart attack. Also, people can feel sick and may vomit.
The effects of gallstones
Infection
Gallstones can sometimes cause flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature and shivering. This can be a sign that gallstones are causing an infection to develop in your gallbladder. You will normally be admitted to hospital to have your gallbladder removed if you develop this problem.
Jaundice
This is an uncommon complication of gallstones. It occurs if a gallstone comes out of the gallbladder, but gets stuck in the bile duct. Bile then cannot pass into the gut, and so seeps into the bloodstream. This causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow (jaundiced). The stone may eventually be passed into the gut, but you’ll normally need an operation to remove it.
Pancreatitis
This is an inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when a small gallstone passes through a bile duct and blocks a pancreatic duct or causes a reflux of fluids and bile into this duct. Acute pancreatitis develops in about 5% of people that have gallstones and is more common in patients with small, multiple stones.
Gallstones Diet
Recent decades have seen gallstones on the increase in our western population. Why is this? Our love of processed/convenience foods, high sugar consumption and insufficient healthy fats, fluids and fibres are major factors in stone formation.
121 Dietitian provides the gold standard in assessment and dietary treatment specific to you and your health. Using natural foods and fluids to reduce the inflammatory processes our gallstones diet programme will allow you to settle your gallstones and optimise your health.
If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits, or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small.
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Kristen McBurney2023-03-21I cannot recommend Gillian enough. I got in touch after struggling to lose weight due to PCOS and suffering from IBS. Thanks to Gillian, my IBS symptoms have massively reduced, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight. Her warmth makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. Gillian’s help and expertise is second to none, and she is always on hand to answer any questions. I am throughly enjoying the plan Gillian created for me and have found it easy to integrate into my everyday life. I am so grateful for the positive impact her plan has had on me.Hannah Crothers2023-02-10Gillian is the greatest. She is compassionate and professional, really helped me to understand my body’s function and how to best support it. Her advice has changed my life.Jay Rafferty2023-02-09I would highly recommend Gillian. Her advice and guidance has been a game changer for me. With so much conflicting and confusing advice on healthy eating, using a professional nutritionalist is a must.Emma Lavery2022-12-29I could not recommend Gillian enough over the last 3 months - she has turned my life around! I was referred to Gillian by my gastro consultant due to suffering from ibs, gastritis and hormonal issues for nearly 10 years. Gillian was very understanding and approachable throughout my time spent with her. Gillian discussed my health, lifestyle and eating habits thoroughly. She advised an individualised blood check for underlying issues, educated me on supplements and provided numerous information to help aid my recovery. The low foodmap programme I have been following is achievable and can be adapted to anyones lifestyle. As I am a vegetarian I thought this process may be difficult however Gillian reassured me that this would be no issue. She supplied personalised shopping lists, recipes and alternative foods to help heal my gut and overall health. Continual support from Gillian was on hand via email when required. I seen improvements in my symptoms within only weeks of starting the programme and was overwhelmed by the success due to suffering for years! I have been spreading the word about Gillian's brilliant work and will continue to do so! Thank you again for all your help!mick lorkins2022-12-18Strongly recommended. There are not many professionals that can totally change you life for the better but this one one if you follow the advice given.Bobby D2022-09-07For 30 years I have suffered with IBS D and have been unable to find the right specific help. I was introduced to 121 Dietician about 6 weeks ago and like all other services out there I was sceptical. First up was a consultation online which was great considering the many issues I was having going to places. Gillian listened very attentively and understood the many problems I was having. Gillian decided to introduce me to the Low FODMAP diet. Starting out she provided everything (information, shopping lists, recipes etc) to get started. Through the course of the first 6 weeks Gillian was available to answer any questions or concerns. Following the first 6 weeks I'm very happy to say that all the many problems associated with IBS have gone and I'm starting to live a normal life without any stage fright when out and about. The next 8 weeks will be the reintroduction stage but based on the knowledge from Gillian in the initial stage I'm very confident that at the end I will have full understanding of all my triggers. I can't recommend this service enough as most importantly after 30 years of severe symptoms I once again feel healthy and happy. This is a must if you suffer continually from this horrendous condition. I would be confident that this will help anyone who has IBS. For me this was the best money ever spent and I can't thank Gillian enough for the difference she has made. Roy DornanJack Kennedy2022-09-04Helped solve stomach issues, had previous been to several people but this was the first dietary intervention that workedLaura Campbell2022-04-29After over 10 years of eating quite poorly, Gillian has completely changed my approach to food. After a consultation and review of my diet, she provided me with a list of easy and quick recipes that are packed full of nutrition. She takes into consideration your lifestyle as well which I really appreciated too. I now have much more energy and actually enjoy preparing meals now, something I never did before. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thankyou! :-)Chris Arnold2022-04-24The overall experience was a very positive one. Gillian certainly had the expertise and people skills to help evaluate and treat my daughters gut issues. The progress was quite instantaneous and over time has made a huge difference to her everyday life. Thanks to Gillian for her work which came at the end of many doctor consultations. In hindsight Gillian should have been the first port of call.Amelia Tyler2022-03-30Gillian is great and her program was just perfect. All the meals were delicious and I always felt satisfied which made it very easy to follow. I would highly recommend, especially the 121 sports program.
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Information checked & correct on 16th May 2018.
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