Gallstones are crystalline bodies that are formed in the body through the concentration of compounds normally found in bile. These ‘stones’ can therefore form anywhere within the billary tree, including the gallbladder, pancreas, bile duct and small intestine. Depending on the size and location they can then cause either an obstruction or discomfort ranging to acute and intense pain.

Made from human bile, the occurrence of gallstones is obviously closely related to diet, and with the correct diet it’s possible to prevent gallstones, to ease the symptoms, and prevent the chance of a recurrence following surgery or medication.

Different types of gallstones will be made up of different substances, however both cholesterol and calcium are regularly found in the composition of gallstones as is billirubin. It follows then, and research supports this view, that individuals who consume large amounts of calcium in their diet are more likely to suffer from gallstones. At the same time, individuals with a high LDL count will also be more susceptible to gallstones (LDL stands for low density lipoprotein – the bad form of cholesterol). A basic tenet of a good gallstone diet then is to avoid excess amounts of calcium, and healthy patients should avoid exceeding their RDA (recommended daily allowance).

At the same time, those who suffer from gallstones or have previously should make efforts to lower their cholesterol. This can be achieved through a gallstone diet that avoids fatty foods and saturated fats (cholesterol is a ‘lipid’ or a form of fat that collects in the arteries and elsewhere in the body). At the same time patients should avoid consuming excessive carbohydrates which has also been correlated with cases of gallstones. On the list of foods to avoid, full fat milk, eggs, red meat, oils, alcohol, fast food, butter, lard, cooking fat, sugar and ready meals.

Fibre can be used both to lower cholesterol levels and to clear out the digestive tract and billary tree as they pass through the system undigested. Sources of fibre include citrus fruits, garlic, nuts, whole grain pasta, rice and bread, sunflower seeds and cerals.

As obesity has been linked to gallstones any gallstone diet should also focus on weight loss and will work well supplemented with regular exercise (which will also lower cholesterol). Failing this medication such as ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to break up gallstones, or surgery can be used to remove the stones physically.

Mack LeMouse

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Mack LeMouse