Gallstones are something that I don’t ever want to get. I’ve heard family members discuss the unusual gallstones pain they got when they were discovered. Most of us don’t know what they are until either we get them or someone close to us gets them. Basic research shows that one in ten people get them and the attacks are caused by inflammation of the gallbladder going into spasms when the stones hit the gallbladder. The pain starts in the upper right hand side of the abdomen and can be ongoing.
What are gallstones you might ask. They are crystalline bodies that are formed within the body by a buildup of normal or abnormal bile components. They can occur anywhere within the biliary tree, which includes the liver, duodenum and small intestine, and the obstruction can cause jaundice or increased bilirubin in the fluids. Jaundice typically appears as a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.
Scientists and researchers believe that there is no co-relation between gallstones and diet. There are several websites that will tell you that there is a co-relation to gallstones and what you eat, but there has been no researched evidence to this fact. It is believed that it is more hereditary than anything, so if a parent or sibling has gotten them, the chances that you will are increased.
Symptoms of gallstones usually start when the stones themselves are around 8mm in size. The main symptom is usually a gallstone attack where you will experience intense pain in the upper abdominal region anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours. People have noted pain in their back, between their shoulder blades and lower abdominal area near the pelvis.
Particular types of gallstones can be dissolved. Ursodeoxycholic acid may be used to dissolve gallstones, but this is usually for cholesterol gallstones. This medication can take up to two years to work effectively. A cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal has a 99% chance of eliminating the recurrence of gallstones. Gallstones after gallbladder removal usually only happens in less than one percent of the population after having a gallbladder removed. Removal of the gallbladder and gallstones cause no negative side effects or consequences in most people.
Another treatment of gallstones is a gallbladder flush or liver flush. This treatment is self administered and requires you to drink four glasses of apple juice and eat apples or applesauce for fives days with a brief fasting period afterwards. Portions of magnesium and large quantities of lemon juice are mixed with olive oil before bed, and many have reported passing gall stones over night. Make sure you check with your doctor or physician before taking any action. Be Healthy!
