| Â | | | | of red blood cells in the blood vessels; |
| The gallbladder is a small organ located in the | | | | · Unhealthy diet - A diet too rich in |
| abdomen, under the liver. It stores bile secreted | | | | cholesterol and low in fiber increases the risk of |
| by the liver, which is released when fat enters | | | | gallstones; |
| the digestive tract. The bile helps to emulsify fats | | | | · Obesity and diabetes - obesity and |
| of food and facilitate their digestion. Among some | | | | diabetes also increase the risk; they are often |
| people, this process does not work properly; the | | | | seen in people suffering of gallstones; |
| gallbladder cannot empty enough (obstruction of | | | | · Sex and pregnancy - Women are |
| the biliary tract). Therefore, the bile promotes | | | | more frequently affected than men are. |
| cholesterol crystallization resulting in gallstones | | | | Hormones encourage formation of calculations; |
| formation. | | | | pregnancy is particularly conducive to lithogenesis |
| What are the causes of gallstones? | | | | (formation of calculi or stones). |
| Gallstones are due to the retention of bile from | | | | How can you reduce the risk of gallstones? |
| the gallbladder for a long period of time. Gallstones | | | | To reduce the risk of gallstones in the bladder, |
| can be also caused by clumping of cholesterol and | | | | you must have a healthy and balanced diet. It is |
| various other elements such calcium in large | | | | recommended to consume a lot of dietary fiber, |
| quantities in the gallbladder. | | | | vegetables and many fruits. These foods play an |
| Gallstones can be formed of cholesterol, and are | | | | important role in the elimination of cholesterol |
| usually green, white or yellow (Cholesterol stones) | | | | responsible for forming stones. Avoid eating too |
| and represent approximately 80% of gallstones. | | | | much fat and calorie foods. Besides diet, a regular |
| They may also appear brown or dark (Pigment | | | | physical exercise is crucial. |
| stones), while containing a high concentration of | | | | What are the complications of gallstones? |
| bile pigments. They can also contain calcium salts, | | | | The risk of gallstones to turn into other serious |
| which make them visible to the X-ray. | | | | diseases cannot be ignored. It is essential to treat |
| Risk factors of gallstones: | | | | any gallbladder infection before complications. If |
| · Age - the risk of gallstones | | | | left untreated, symptomatic gallstones can cause |
| increases beyond 40 years of age; | | | | cirrhosis of the liver. There are also other major |
| · Family history - There is also a | | | | risks such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the |
| genetic factor in developing gallbladder stones; | | | | gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the |
| · Disorders chronic and inflammatory | | | | pancreas), cholangitis (inflammation of the bile |
| of the colon such as Crohn's disease; | | | | duct), jaundice or a degeneration into cancer. |
| · Hemolysis - abnormal breakdown | | | | Are there any natural treatments? |