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Have you recently experienced a sudden gripping pain in your upper abdomen, extremely sharp and severe? In the majority of cases, the discomfort is caused due to the presence of gallstones and for millions, the ache strikes suddenly.
But the good news is that the formation of gallstones can be prevented with just healthy lifestyle changes and dietary precautions. By keeping the gallbladder healthy, one can reduce the risk of painful episodes of gallbladder stone attack and eventually surgery.
As a leading gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik believes prevention is better than cure, no matter how safe and effective treatment is. In this blog, we will get to know some of the precautionary measures to protect the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under the liver that is responsible for storing and releasing bile that aids in digestion.
Whenever we eat fatty foods, the gallbladder sends bile to the small intestine to help break down the fats. Now, the bile primarily consists of three components, i.e salts, bilirubin and cholesterol. The gallbladder also removes these waste products through the digestive tract.
Gallbladder stones are formed when too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin in the bile pigments harden to form stone-like materials. These solidified deposits can vary in size; they can be as small as a grain of sand or large enough to block the bile ducts.
According to Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing gallstones, and a family history increases the risk even more.
However, it cannot be denied that unhealthy lifestyle choices also play a major role in the development of gallbladder stones. These habits lead to an imbalance in bile composition, which ultimately results in their crystallisation to form gallbladder stones.
Here are some of the ways, adopting which you can maintain the health of your gallbladder, as stated by Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata.
Adequate intake of fat is essential for the proper functioning of the gallbladder. Extremely low-fat foods make the bile more concentrated, which eventually increases the chance of forming stones. However, make sure to choose healthy fats like eggs, chia seeds, fatty fish, avocado, nuts and seeds. Keep in mind that moderation is the key; include small amounts of healthy fats in your diet to empty the bile from the gallbladder.
Soluble fibre offers significant benefits for keeping the digestive tract healthy. Additionally, it helps to balance the cholesterol levels by binding the excess cholesterol in the intestines and carrying it out of the body. Excess cholesterol in bile is one of the reasons behind stone formation. By including more fibre-rich foods in your diet, like legumes, leafy greens, whole grains and fresh vegetables, individuals can maintain a healthy bile composition.
Skipping meals on a regular basis increases the risk of gallstone formation. When the body remains empty for long hours without food, the liver tends to release more cholesterol into the bile. As a result, excess accumulation of cholesterol leads to its crystallisation and eventually the formation of stones. Hence, make sure to develop an eating habit that consists of 3 balanced meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. If required, include healthy snacks 2 times a day. A regular eating habit keeps the digestive tract in good condition.
Rapid weight gain or loss is one of the major contributors to gallstone formation. Excess body weight, primarily around the abdominal area or losing weight quickly, leads to higher levels of cholesterol secretion, thereby causing saturation of the bile and leading to stone formation. If you are overweight, aim to gradually lose weight to achieve a normal BMI. Instead of extreme calorie restrictions through a crash diet, focus on eating balanced meals. You can consult a gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata to assess your gallstone risk.
Sedentary lifestyles with little or no physical activity contribute to obesity and slow digestion, both of which are major causes for gallstones. It is not that all types of exercise are beneficial for gallbladder health, but the right type can reduce gallbladder risk through improved bile flow, lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation of the gallbladder. Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, advises patients to aim for at least 30 to 40 minutes of moderate exercise every day, including yoga, stretching, strength training, walking and jogging.
Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption are thought to affect how the gallbladder releases bile, potentially leading to bile stasis or increasing the risk of gallstones. Moreover, it raises triglyceride levels and increases inflammation in the body. Together, they affect overall digestion and potentially contribute to gallbladder issues as well.
When it comes to getting relief from gallbladder stones, the appropriate treatment depends on the size of the stones, the severity of symptoms, and whether any complications like infection or inflammation are present.
While some small, asymptomatic stones may not require immediate intervention, many cases do need surgical intervention to prevent further problems.
The most effective treatment for gallbladder stones is surgery. It involves the removal of the gallbladder as a way to provide a long-term solution for gallstones.
There are primarily two types of surgical approaches.
Open method: It is performed through large incisions and recommended when complications arise.
Laparoscopic procedure: It is a minimally invasive procedure done through small incisions. It is the most preferred method and offers faster healing, minimal pain and shorter hospital stays.
Preventing gallstones is all about adopting lifestyle choices to promote health. If you suspect you are at risk of developing stones, get in touch with a gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik to diagnose the issue and get timely treatment.