Causes of gallstones
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WARNING! This video is for educational and informational purposes only. There are contraindications.
Before using the recommendations and advice in the video, BE SURE to consult a doctor!
For gallstones to form, two conditions must be met:
1) a change in the composition of bile; 2) a disruption in the gallbladder contractility.
Let's start with the first condition: a change in bile composition.
The main components of bile are bile acids, phospholipids, and cholesterol. If the normal ratio of these components changes, primarily due to an increase in cholesterol content, its solubility is impaired, resulting in the formation of cholesterol molecule aggregates, which serve as the substrate for stone formation. Incidentally, not only cholesterol crystals but also simple microorganisms called Giardia lamblia, which can form stones after giardiasis, can also serve as a substrate for stone formation.
But this condition alone is not enough. If the gallbladder functions normally and empties completely, stones will not form.
For their formation, the second condition I mentioned earlier is necessary: impaired gallbladder contraction. Any factors that disrupt complete and regular emptying of the gallbladder contribute to bile stagnation and, as a result, stone formation.
We've covered the two necessary conditions for gallstone disease. Now let's discuss the causes that lead to the disorders mentioned above.
Let's divide all the causes into two groups.
The first group of causes includes factors we cannot influence.
The second group includes factors we can influence.
This division of causes, from a scientific perspective, is not entirely correct, but it will be of practical value to you.
Let's start with the first group – factors beyond our control.
Heredity. Like it or not, we have no control over our genes. If your parents have gallstones, your risk of developing gallstones increases four to fivefold. The highest incidence of gallstones is recorded in Europe, North America, and Russia. The lowest is in Africa, Asia, and Japan.
Age. Unfortunately, as we age, our risk of developing various diseases, including gallstones, increases. Gallstones most often form between the ages of 40 and 70.
Gender. Gender, like age, is beyond our control. Women are two to three times more likely to develop gallstones than men, and this is due to female sex hormones.
Pregnancy. Pregnancy also increases the risk of developing gallstones.
Let's leave it at that. I've listed these reasons not to make you feel hopeless, but to encourage you to more carefully monitor your health if you have any risk factors.
And now we've reached what I believe is the most important part of the video: the factors we can influence. There are two main ones: diet and physical activity.
Diet. Diet affects both the quantity and quality of foods consumed, as well as the frequency of meals. High-calorie foods with a high fat content, especially fried foods, as well as simple carbohydrates, negatively affect the composition of bile. You already know what fatty and fried foods are, but I'll explain simple carbohydrates: these include sweets and baked goods made from white flour. Now let me talk about meal frequency: the less frequently we eat, the less frequently the gallbladder contracts, and therefore bile stagnates in it longer. Rapid weight loss also significantly increases the risk of gallstone formation. Here's how we used diet as an example to explain two necessary conditions for stone formation. Unhealthy foods disrupt the composition of bile, and irregular consumption contributes to bile stagnation in the gallbladder.
Physical activity. Physical activity activates the intestines, increasing the production of a hormone called cholecystokinin. This hormone promotes bile flow, including from the gallbladder. Consequently, a lack of or decreased physical activity leads to bile stagnation, which is one of the conditions for stone formation.
Eat more frequently and at regular intervals – 4-6 times a day.
Minimize the amount of simple carbohydrates in your diet, such as sweets and baked goods.
Get regular and adequate physical activity.
Include as much dietary fiber as possible in your diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, and grains (whole-grain bread, oats, brown rice, and bran). Eat lentils, beans, lean meats (chicken, turkey), and lean fish.
Avoid fatty, fried, and smoked foods.
Include nuts and foods containing vitamin C in your diet—this is helpful for preventing stone formation.
Avoid sudden weight loss.