The unhealthy diets and uncontrolled weight of many individuals in the 21st century have led to the development of gallbladder disease in countless individuals. Gallbladder disease is usually caused by gallstones, is usually painful, and is common in overweight people. The liver of overweight individuals tends to overproduce cholesterol, which gets into the bile and causes it to become over saturated. Some medical studies suggest that diets high in saturated fat, refined sugar, and heme iron (red meat, seafood) are the main culprits in the development of gallbladder disease. In some cases, genes can play a role in the development of this disease, the presence of a close family member with gallstones can increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease. Almost one-third of cases of painful gallstones can be linked to genetic factors.
Here are other health factors that are associated with an increased tendency to develop gallstones and gallbladder disease:
Female gender – women are more prone to developing gallstones than men
Pregnancy and especially multiple pregnancies
Age – Older people are more prone to gallstone problems than younger people
Fat storage in the upper body or trunk
Diabetes – patients with diabetes mellitus are more prone to gallstones
Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
Lipid-lowering drugs - patients taking statins to lower blood cholesterol may be at greater risk of gallstones
Female hormone therapy – oral contraceptives and estrogen hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of gallstones
Rapid and significant weight loss using gastric or jejuna l bypasses, starvation or severe kilojoule restriction
Habitual high fat intake or using a high protein, high fat, very low-carb diet such as the Atkins diet
Common symptoms of gallbladder disease may include abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, bloating, pain and discomfort after consuming fatty foods. A persistent bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath, constipation, discolored stools, and headache can also be symptoms of gallbladder disease. However, apart from gallbladder pain and discomfort, individuals with this condition may not experience any pain. About 90 percent of gallbladder disease causes no symptoms at all. Medical studies show that the probability of developing pain is about two percent per year for the first 10 years after the formation of a gallstone. After that, the chance of developing symptoms decreases. The cause of the decline is still unknown, but some doctors suggest that smaller stones may be more likely to cause symptoms than larger ones.
Gallbladder disease can be a serious condition if not treated properly or if treated at a later stage. It is very important to pay attention to the symptoms of gallbladder disease so that it does not worsen. If symptoms do not improve after a healthy diet and medication, surgery may be the only option to relieve gallbladder pain. Individuals with gallbladder disease should keep in mind that surgery for this disease is simple, involves minimal risk, and allows patients to recover quickly after treatment.
However, preventing the development of gallbladder disease is better than the relief of gallbladder pain that can be provided by any surgery or medication. Participating in a healthy diet and engaging in physical activities such as exercise is a preventative measure against gallbladder disease. Individuals who are overweight or obese should lose weight to prevent gallbladder disease and other obesity-related conditions. These individuals should seek the approval of medical specialists before taking drastic steps to lose weight. Improper weight loss methods, such as starvation, can increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease.
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