Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. They can vary in size and can be made up of different substances, such as cholesterol or bilirubin.
Causes:
The exact cause of gallstones is not known, but they are believed to form when there is an imbalance of substances in the bile, which can lead to the formation of solid deposits. Factors that may increase the risk of developing gallstones include being female, over 40 years of age, overweight, or having a family history of gallstones.
Dosha:
In Ayurveda, gallstones are considered a Pitta disorder. Pitta is responsible for the metabolic and digestive processes in the body. An imbalance of Pitta can contribute to the formation of gallstones.
Danger without treatment:
Gallstones can be dangerous if left untreated. In some cases, they can cause severe pain, inflammation, or infection of the gallbladder or bile ducts. They can also lead to complications such as jaundice, pancreatitis, or liver damage.
Symptoms:
The most common symptoms of gallstones include:
- Severe abdominal pain, often in the upper right or middle of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
Precautions:
Here are the top 10 precautions for managing gallstones:
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.
- Avoid rapid weight loss or crash diets.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Quit smoking.
- Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
- Take medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Practice good hygiene to prevent infection.
- Consider surgery to remove the gallbladder if recommended by a healthcare provider.
WHO Facts:
Gallstones are a common condition, affecting an estimated 10-15% of adults in the Western world. They are more common in women than men and are more likely to occur with age. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends improving awareness of the condition, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing access to safe and effective treatments for gallstones.