Karim Jreije OMS III
What are gallstones?
Sometimes, bile can become supersaturated within the gallbladder;
this can ultimately lead to the formation of gallstones (cholelithiasis). These
stones are very common within the general population; it is reported that 6% of
men and 9% of women are reported to have them. Only 20% of patients with
gallstones will become symptomatic over a 15-year period.
What are the risk
factors?
There are several risk factors that can contribute to gallstone
formation. Females are at 3 times the
risk of men for developing gallstones; in addition, pregnant women are more
likely to develop stones in comparison to non-pregnant women. Some of the
modifiable risks include: Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and decreased
activity.
How do I know if I
have gallstones?
As mentioned above, 80% of the population that have
gallstones are completely asymptomatic. However, when gallstones do cause
symptoms, there are a couple of signs to look out for. Many patients complain
of belly pain that can be localized to the right side, just under the ribs. In
addition, some patients also report having pain in their right shoulder. If the
gallbladder ruptures as a result of inflammation, some of the symptoms will
include jaundice, severe abdominal pain and fever.
What is the
treatment?
There are three main treatment options for patients with
gallstones. The first option is to do
nothing. If you are not having symptoms, then there’s no reason to have
anything done. Another option is to surgically remove the gallbladder. This is
one of the most common surgeries performed, and carries little risk. The main
side effects associated with the surgery are bloating, gas and diarrhea.
Lastly, there are treatments to remove the gallstones and keep the gallbladder.
Medication can be taken, or a procedure known as, ERCP, can be performed.
Treatment depends on the size of the gallstones, severity of symptoms, and your
own personal input.
Connect with your
gallbladder.
What is a gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small hollow organ located just under
your liver. It is divided into three different parts: the fundus, body and
neck. The main purpose of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile,
which helps to emulsify fats as they pass through the small intestine. As
stated before, sometimes the bile can become super saturated and turn into
gallstones. These stones can get stuck in your gallbladder, or in the common
bile duct. If stones get stuck in the common bile duct, it can lead to
inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
Somatic dysfunction
Osteopathic physicians believe in integration of the body,
mind and spirit. Thus, when doing a physical exam, you might notice that we
check areas other than your right upper quadrant. The gallbladder can send
signals into the spinal cord, which manifest in the musculature of your back as
increased tension and pain. The gallbladder specifically sends signals to the
T5-T9 segment of your back. Often times, we will palpate this area in order to
determine if there is some gallbladder dysfunction.
Harmonize with your
body
Diet modifications-
There are several preventative steps that can be taken to decrease your risk of
developing gallstones. Diet modification plays a large role in decreasing your
chances of forming gallstones. Studies have shown that Vitamin C deficiency was
associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation. Women who consumed
higher amounts of Vitamin C were at a 13% less chance of developing gallstones.
Other studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can also decrease the
risk of gallbladder disease. Patients who drank 2-3 cups of coffee a day were
40% less likely to develop gallstones. In addition, consumption of vegetable
protein and nuts had a decreased risk, as well as patients who consumed poly
and monounsaturated fats.
Lifestyle
modifications- Exercise is one of the most important steps in decreasing
your risk for developing gallstones. In addition, drinking a lot of water helps
to dilute the bile that is recycled throughout your body. It is vital that you
drink 4-6 glasses of water every day.
Integrate
complimentary alternative medicine
Tumeric is a flavorful spice that is used in Indian cuisine.
Some studies have shown that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric may play a
role in helping to rid your body of gallstones. This spice is fairly easy to
find in grocery stores and can even be used to make a simple, and delicious
tea.
Tumeric Tea
Ingredients: 1 cup almond milk, ½
tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey and ¼ tsp ginger (optional).
Directions: Microwave the almond
milk for 1 minute. Whisk in the spices, and add honey. Stir and enjoy.