To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of gallstones we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow gallstones to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind gallstones consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Epstein-Barr Virus | 98% | Confirm |
Inadequate Fiber Intake | 26% | Unlikely |
A Weight Problem | 12% | Unlikely |
High LDL/HDL Ratio | 5% | Ruled out |
Excess Animal Fat Consumption | 2% | Ruled out |
Low Melatonin | 2% | Ruled out |
Cirrhosis Of The Liver | 1% | Ruled out |
Have you had a problem with gallstones?
Possible responses:
→ My gallbladder has been removed / don't know→ No, tests have confirmed none are present → Yes, but it/they were passed without surgery → Yes, but it/they only cause few/minor symptoms → Yes, they cause frequent/major symptoms |
If cirrhosis prevents bile from reaching the gallbladder, a person may develop gallstones as a result.
Bladder dysfunction is said to be a symptom.
There is evidence that a lack of melatonin could significantly increase the risk of developing gallbladder stones. Melatonin inhibits cholesterol secretion from the gallbladder, helps convert cholesterol to bile, and as an antioxidant can reduce oxidative stress on the gallbladder. [Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2008;53(10):pp.2592-603]
People who eat high-fat, high-cholesterol or low-fiber diets are at increased risk of developing gallstones.
People who eat high-fat, high-cholesterol or low-fiber diets are at increased risk of developing gallstones.
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.
Obesity in both men and women increases the risk for gallstones. This may be a result of lower levels of bile salts relative to cholesterol in the bile causing a higher risk for cholesterol supersaturation and the formation of stones.