Cholelithiasis

What is cholelithiasis (gallstones)?

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

 What are the causes?

The cause of gallstones varies. There are two main types of gallstones:

• Stones made of cholesterol, which are by far the most common type. Cholesterol gallstones have nothing to do with cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Stones made of bilirubin, which can occur when red blood cells are being destroyed (hemolysis). This leads to too much bilirubin in the bile. These stones are called pigment stones.

Gallstones are more common in women, Native Americans, Hispanics, and people over age 40. Gallstones may also run in families.

The following also make you more likely to develop gallstones:

• Bone marrow or solid organ transplant
• Diabetes
• Failure of the gallbladder to empty bile properly (this is more likely to happen during pregnancy)
• Liver cirrhosis and biliary tract infections (pigmented stones)
• Medical conditions that cause the liver to make too much bilirubin, such as chronic hemolytic anemia, including sickle cell anemia
• Rapid weight loss from eating a very low-calorie diet, or after bariatric surgery
• Receiving nutrition through a vein for a long period of time (intravenous feedings)

Symptoms

Many people with gallstones have never had any symptoms. The gallstones are often found during a routine x-ray, abdominal surgery, or other medical procedure.

However, if a large stone blocks either the cystic duct or common bile duct (called choledocholithiasis), you may have a cramping pain in the middle to right upper abdomen. This is known as biliary colic. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).

Symptoms that may occur include:

• Pain in the right upper or middle upper abdomen:
• May be constant
• May be sharp, cramping, or dull
• May spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease include:

• Clay-colored stools
• Nausea and vomiting

It is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms of gallstones.

Food to take:

• Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide valuable amounts of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, which support a strong immune system and help the body defend itself from disease. UMMC suggests an antioxidant-rich diet as a means of reducing symptoms of gallstones. Cherries, oranges, tomatoes, red grapes, spinach, broccoli and carrots are all positive sources of antioxidants. Incorporate a variety of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables regularly, as those deepest in color tend to offer the most nutritional benefits.

• Whole Grains

Whole-grain foods contribute an array of nutrients as well as dietary fiber. Natural health expert Andrew Weil, M.D., suggests increased fiber as a means of preventing gallstone difficulties and surgery. Whole grains are grains that have remained fully intact and contain fuller nutritional content than refined or enriched grains, which lose valuable nutrients during processing. Replace refined grains, such as white flour, enriched wheat or white bread, instant rice, sweetened cereals and snack foods, with whole-grain foods. Long-grain brown rice, oats, spelt, rye, barley and whole wheat are examples of nutritious grains that may help prevent the occurrence of gallstones.

•  Lean Protein

Lean protein sources, such as legumes, low-fat dairy products and lean poultry, are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. According to Weil, most gallstones are composed of cholesterol. Avoid foods that contribute to bad, or LDL, cholesterol levels, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products and deep-fried foods. Enjoy lean-protein foods as part of an overall nutrient-dense diet. Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are cholesterol-free and contain heart-healthy fiber. Consider plant-based protein sources often to reap additional benefits.

Food to limit/avoid:

 

•  Fatty Food

High dietary fat intake may produce a constant stimulus for bile production to digest fat. A low-fat diet may prevent the gallbladder from contracting and decrease your symptoms. Avoid products with more than 3 g of fat per serving. Read the label to confirm the content of fat in the product. Avoid pastry products; these may be high in fat and refined sugars. Refrain from fried buttered or creamed vegetable, these may also provide a high amount of fat. Instead of frying, use steaming, baking or microwaving as cooking methods to prepare your food.

•  Gas-Forming Food

Gas may increase the pain and discomfort produced by gallstones. Foods such as corn, broccoli, cabbage, beans and onions may worsen your symptoms. Avoid caffeinated products and carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Don’t chew gum or tobacco. Products with alcohol sugars such as xylitol and sorbitol may also produce gas and bloating.

• Protein

Avoid consuming processed meats such as hot dogs, potted meat, ham, salami, salt pork and bacon. Also avoid salmon and other meats packed in oil. Instead, choose poultry without the skin, fish, veal and lamb.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001318/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/76987-foods-gallstones/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/307486-foods-to-avoid-for-gallstone-patients/