Gallstone symptoms are terribly painful and can make everyday life difficult. This article explains a little bit more about what causes gallstones to form, risk factors and some conventional and alternative treatments to use.
What are Gallstones?
There are two different types of gallstones. Cholesterol stones, which account for eighty percent of cases, are formed from crystallized cholesterol and are yellow-green in color. Pigment gallstones are made of billirubin and can be as tiny as the head of a pin or as large as a golf ball. These gallstones are primarily dark in color.
What are The Symptoms of Gallstones?
Gallstone symptoms vary from person to person depending on the severity of the case. The most common gallstone symptoms are:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Pain in the Upper Belly (Which May Be Relieved by Vomiting)
- Dark-Yellow Colored Urine/Light-Colored Stools
- Jaundice (Yellow Skin and Eyes)
- Fever and Chills
- Pain may range from tolerable to severe and may last anywhere from 1-5 hours. Discomfort commonly starts in the upper belly and may radiate to the upper back or shoulder area. Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss may also be a sign of gallstones, when associated with other gallstone symptoms.
What Causes Gallstones to Form?
Experts believe gallstones in mature women may be a side effect of hormone replacement therapy. They may also form in pregnant women and those on birth control. Obesity is also a common risk factor for the development of gallstones in both genders.
Diet is also an important factor to consider in the formation of gallstones. The Standard American Diet is filled with chemicals, additives, preservatives, fat and sugar and contains very little fiber. This may be one of the most common underlying reasons for the development of gallstones.
What Can I Do to Get Rid of Gallstones?
When you’re suffering from gallstone symptoms, you want relief fast. Luckily, you have plenty of options, both natural and conventional.
The most common conventional treatment to get rid of gallstones is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is a minor surgical procedure performed in a day-surgery unit. Most people can return to their ordinary activities in less than a week.
For those who want to avoid surgery and still relieve their gallstone symptoms, there are natural treatments available. These include:
Dietary Changes
Switching from a primarily processed food diet to healthier, whole-food fare is a great natural way to keep gallstones and other health problems at bay. Increasing your intake of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water is another way to keep gallstones at bay.
Vitamin C
For cholesterol gallstones, vitamin C has been proven to be effective. This is because it naturally converts cholesterol into bile, encouraging gallstones to dissolve on their own.
If you’re suffering from gallstones, you have plenty of options. Losing weight, cleaning up your diet and taking vitamin C may help you avoid suffering from gallstone symptoms in the future.








