Stone-like objects in either the gallbladder or bile ducts, composed mainly of cholesterol and occasionally mixed with calcium. Most gallstones do not cause problems until they become larger or they begin obstructing bile ducts, at which point gallbladder "attacks" begin to occur. Symptoms usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common ones: steady, severe pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion. Also: Biliary Calculus, Gall Stone, Gall Stones, Gallbladder Attack, Gallbladder Attacks, Gallstones

	Alcohol Consumption As A Treatment "...cognition and memory, Parkinson's disease, hepatitis A, pancreatic cancer, macular degeneration (a major cause of blindness), angina pectoris, duodenal ulcer, erectile sysfunction, hearing loss, gallstones, liver disease and poor physical condition in elderly..." Allergy to Foods (Hidden) Our Question about gallbladder attacks "...Adding eggs to the diet, for example, caused gallbladder attacks in 93% of these patients..." Aspirin As A Treatment "...When cholesterol-saturated bile accumulates and becomes lodged in the cystic duct, gallstones are formed..." Bile duct Cancer The Condition "Bile duct cancer - or cholangiocarcinoma - is the second-most common cause of bile duct obstruction after gallstones..." Cholelithiasis Related Topic "Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct..." Chronic / Hidden Infection The Condition "From gallstones to arthritis to heart disease, many illnesses long presumed to have roots in genes or lifestyle may be caused largely by infectious agents, a growing number of scientists believe..." Cirrhosis of the Liver The Condition "...Gallstones..." Consequences of Gallbladder Surgery The Condition "...Every year, more than half a million people in the United States and more than 50,000 people in Canada undergo surgery to remove their gallbladders because of gallstones..." Cystic Fibrosis The Condition "...Liver disease, diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, and gallstones also occur in some people with CF..." Gallbladder Related Topic "...Problems with the gallbladder often lead to gallbladder attacks, which usually occur after a fatty meal and at night..." Gallbladder Disease The Condition "Gallstones are "pebbles" within the gallbladder..." Our Question about pale stools "...An inflamed liver (hepatitis) or some kind of blockage in the bile ducts (like a gall stone) can turn stools pale..." Relationship to Cirrhosis of the Liver "If cirrhosis prevents bile from reaching the gallbladder, a person may develop gallstones as a result..." Recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) "Sixteen patients with gallstones who were scheduled for surgery received 500mg of Vitamin C four times per day for two weeks prior to surgery..." Recommendation Beets "...This should reduce the tendency toward stagnation which can contribute to gallstone formation..." Recommendation Chanca Piedra (Break-Stone) "This South American herb is developing a reputation as a potent treatment for both kidney stones and gallstones..." Recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition "In a study published in the British Medical Journal, it was shown that vegetarian women had a much lower incidence of gallstones than non-vegetarian women..." Recommendation Aerobic Exercise "Studies have shown that the more physically active one is, the lower one's risk of gallstone formation..." Recommendation against Ginger Root "...large doses of dried ginger extract) if you have gallstones because it increases bile flow..." Recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet "Dietary fiber from cellulose (soluble fiber) clearly reduces the risk of gallstone formation..." Recommendation Liver/Gall Bladder Flush "...The regular use of this flush will help prevent the development of gallstones, and helps to remove thickened bile by mobilizing it..." Recommendation Ultrasound "Ultrasound, the diagnostic method most frequently used to detect gallstones, is a simple, rapid, and noninvasive imaging technique..." Recommendation Monounsaturated Oils "Studies have shown oils high in monounsaturated fats such as olive, canola, peanut, avocado and almond oil to be beneficial for the prevention of gallstones..." High Levels Of Triglycerides Relationship to Gallbladder Disease "Gallstone formation does not correlate with blood cholesterol levels, but persons with low HDL cholesterol (the so-called good cholesterol) levels or high triglyceride levels are at increased risk..." High/Increased Fiber Diet As A Treatment "...Soluble fiber may be beneficial in atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dumping syndrome, and gallstones..." LDL/HDL Ratio, High Relationship to Gallbladder Disease "Gallstone formation does not correlate with blood cholesterol levels, but persons with low HDL cholesterol (the so-called good cholesterol) levels or high triglyceride levels are at increased risk..." Lecithin / Choline As A Treatment "...Phosphatidyl choline has been used in connection with the following conditions ... Gallbladder attacks, High homocysteine, Liver cirrhosis, Tardive dyskinesia;..." Lipase As A Treatment "...of lipase in the body may lead to high cholesterol, difficulty in losing weight, a tendency to diabetes, high urine sugar levels - which some believe could lead to arthritis, bladder problems, gall stones, hay fever, prostate problems, heart problems etc..." Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement The Condition "...Bile flow can be restricted also by extrahepatic means such as gallstones, pregnancy, or other physical causes such as tumors..." Magnesium As A Treatment "...Magnesium supplements have been found useful for: Angina, Asthma, Gall Stones, Menstrual cramps, High blood pressure, Hyperactivity, Glucose intolerance - diabetes and hypoglycemia, Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Prevention of hearing loss, Kidney stones, Leg cramps,..." Pancreatitis The Condition "...Some 60-80% of acute pancreatitis cases can be traced to two causes: gallstones and alcohol damage..." Parsley As A Treatment "...Parsley tea once was used to treat dysentery and gallstones..." Problems Caused By Being Overweight Relationship to Gallbladder Disease "Obesity in both men and women increases the risk for gallstones..." Recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition "...Effect of vegetarianism on development of gallstones in women..." Sickle Cell Trait / Disease The Condition "...Signs & Symptoms Complications from the sickle cells blocking blood flow and early breaking apart include ... early gallstones..."

Last updated: Feb 28, 2008