Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that can form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. They can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Symptoms :-

Most gallstones don’t cause symptoms and are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions. However, if a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can cause a gallbladder attack (biliary colic), which typically involves: 

• Sudden and intense pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen, potentially radiating to the right shoulder blade or back.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Pain that may be triggered or worsen after eating fatty meals.

Complications :-

If left untreated, gallstones can lead to various complications, including :-

• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.

• Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones in the common bile duct.

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile duct obstruction.

• Cholangitis: Inflammation of the bile ducts.

• Gallbladder cancer: A rare complication with an increased risk for people with a history of gallstones.

Causes :-

It’s not entirely clear what causes gallstones to form, but they may occur when :-

• Bile contains excessive cholesterol or bilirubin.

• The gallbladder doesn’t empty properly.

Risk Factors :-

Several factors can increase the risk of developing gallstones, including :-

• Being female and over 40.

• Obesity or rapid weight loss.

• High-fat and high-cholesterol diets.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Family history of gallstones.

• Diabetes.

• Certain blood disorders.

• Pregnancy and use of estrogen-containing medications.

Diagnosis :-

Doctors use medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and HIDA scans to diagnose gallstones.

Treatment at Anitya Ayurveda :-

🔎 Addressing the Root Cause – Focusing on the underlying imbalances rather than just suppressing the symptoms.

⚖️ Balancing the Doshas with Medications & Panchakarma – Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma therapies are used to dissolve stones, prevent further growth, avoid complications, and improve overall liver function.

🌱 Lifestyle & Dietary Changes – Guidance on Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle modifications to support healing and maintain long-term health.

Prevention :-

While there’s no definitive way to prevent gallstones, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. This includes :-

• Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding rapid weight loss.

• Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet.

• Regular exercise.