Who gets gallstones?

The formation of gallstones is closely related to many factors, including genetic factors, eating habits, and physiological and pathological factors. It is prone to occur in women of middle age and above, overweight or obese people, and people with unhealthy eating habits. Genetic factors can lead to abnormal cholesterol metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of cholesterol gallstones. The high incidence of gallstones in some families indicates that genes play an important role in this. Among environmental factors, people who consume high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods for a long time are prone to increased cholesterol concentrations in their bile and the formation of stones. Physiologically, decreased gallbladder function, leading to bile stasis, is also an important cause of gallstone formation. Due to the influence of estrogen, women have increased cholesterol secretion and a slightly higher risk of gallstones than men. Pathologically, diseases such as diabetes and cirrhosis can affect lipid metabolism and bile excretion, and can also easily promote gallstones.

To prevent gallstones, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, choose a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, and increase dietary fiber intake, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Regular physical activities such as jogging, swimming, and yoga can help improve metabolism and gallbladder function. Regular physical examinations should be taken, especially for people with a family history of gallstones or other high-risk factors, so as to detect and treat them early. Lifestyle adjustments combined with medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve gallstones and reduce the risk of recurrence. For gallstones with obvious symptoms or recurring symptoms, surgical treatment such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be required. Developing good living and eating habits plays an important role in reducing the incidence of gallstones.