Causes of Gallstones

The causes of gallstones mainly include genetic factors, environmental influences and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Gallstones are a common disease, and their formation is related to an imbalance in the components of bile, such as high cholesterol or insufficient bile salts.

Genetic factors are one of the important risks of gallstones. If there is a history of gallstones in the family, genetic genes may increase the probability of abnormal bile metabolism and lead to the formation of gallstones. Environmental factors should not be ignored, especially the impact of dietary structure on gallstones is more significant. A high-fat, high-cholesterol, and low-fiber diet can easily lead to cholesterol oversaturation, which precipitates crystals in the bile to form stones. Excessive dieting or long-term fasting may reduce the efficiency of gallbladder emptying, leading to bile stasis, thereby increasing the risk of gallstones. From a physiological point of view, women are more susceptible to gallstones, which is related to the secretion of estrogen leading to increased cholesterol secretion. Obesity, aging, pregnancy and other factors can also affect the composition of bile and increase the risk of stones. Some diseases such as diabetes and cirrhosis may also induce gallstones due to abnormal metabolism or abnormal bile secretion.

Genetic factors are one of the important risks of gallstones. If there is a history of gallstones in the family, genetic genes may increase the probability of abnormal bile metabolism and lead to the formation of gallstones. Environmental factors should not be ignored, especially the impact of dietary structure on gallstones is more significant. A high-fat, high-cholesterol, and low-fiber diet can easily lead to cholesterol oversaturation, which precipitates crystals in the bile to form stones. Excessive dieting or long-term fasting may reduce the efficiency of gallbladder emptying, leading to bile stasis, thereby increasing the risk of gallstones. From a physiological point of view, women are more susceptible to gallstones, which is related to the secretion of estrogen leading to increased cholesterol secretion. Obesity, aging, pregnancy and other factors can also affect the composition of bile and increase the risk of stones. Some diseases such as diabetes and cirrhosis may also induce gallstones due to abnormal metabolism or abnormal bile secretion.

To prevent gallstones, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet is key. Avoid consuming too much high-fat and high-cholesterol foods and eat more fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Moderate exercise can promote bile duct health. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. Avoid excessive dieting or fasting for a long time. Eating on time can help prevent bile stasis. If you already have symptoms of gallstones, such as pain in the right upper abdomen or indigestion, you should see a doctor in time, confirm the diagnosis through ultrasound examination, and choose the appropriate treatment method according to your condition, such as drug lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.