How to deal with existing gallstones

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a fluid produced by the liver to digest fats in the small intestine. Bile fluid contains high levels of cholesterol and the pigment bilirubin, both of which can form stones.

For many, gallstones are symptomless and do not require treatment. For others, however, the presence of gallstones can cause pain in the upper right abdomen when the gallbladder contracts to release bile after a meal, and can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) that brings on sudden, severe pain extending to the back and under the right shoulder blade, with fever, chills, and vomiting. If stones obstruct the flow of bile, the skin and the whites of the eyes become jaundiced. Left untreated, stones can lodge in the bile duct and cause inflammation of the liver or pancreas.

Nutrition Connection
These guidelines and strategies can help:
-Eat right. Monitor foods to avoid any that cause discomfort. Diets should include plenty of whole grains with lots of fruits and vegetables, moderate servings of protein, and small amounts of fat. It is best to avoid alcohol. Also, eat more foods with vitamins C, E, and calcium. Such foods include tomatoes, salmon, and nuts.
-Always eat breakfast. A substantial breakfast causes the gallbladder to empty itself and flush out any small stones and stagnant bile.
-Consume small, frequent meals. Small meals can help spur the gallbladder to empty stones and bile, while eating 5 to 6 meals spaced throughout the day encourages routine gallbladder function.
-Avoid extreme dieting. Bile is likely to form stones after you fast. Seek a weight loss program that helps you lose weight without long restrictive periods.
-To prevent gallstones, eat a high-fiber diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains may help prevent gallstones from forming.
-Bump up unsaturated fats. Sources of polyunsaturated fat such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon, and foods rich in monounsaturated fat, such as olive oil and avocado, may also prevent gallstones.
-Limit fatty and sugary foods. Foods rich in saturated fat, and trans fat, such as red meat, chicken skin, butter, cheese, and processed foods, may increase the risk of gallstone formation. Sugar foods, such as cakes and cookies, can also be a problem.

QUICK TIP:
-Drop pounds slowly
-Shedding extra pounds is good for your health, but keep the weight loss at a slow, steady pace of about 1 to 2 pounds a week. Rapid weight loss increases your risk of getting gallstones.

Beyond the Diet
Try these tips to help deal with existing gallstones or to prevent them from forming in the first place:
-Maintain a healthy weight. A large clinical study showed that being even moderately overweight increases the risk of developing gallstones. Obesity is a major risk factor, especially for women.
-Consider supplements. Those who do not get enough vitamins C or E or calcium in their diet may have an increased risk. Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements; as in most cases, it’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from foods.
-Talk to your doctor about treatment. For frequent painful attacks, the usual treatment is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy. The procedure can be performed by conventional surgery or by laparoscopy, which involves a tiny incision and a brief hospital stay. Another option is a procedure called lithotripsy, which uses shock waves to break up the gallstones.