The main causes of gallstones are

The main cause of gallstones is the combined effect of multiple factors, including genetic and environmental influences, as well as physiological factors such as dietary habits and metabolic abnormalities. To prevent gallstones, it is necessary to reasonably adjust the diet structure, control weight and maintain a good lifestyle to reduce the risk of disease.

1. Genetic factors

Studies have shown that people with a family history of gallstones tend to have a higher chance of developing gallstones. This may be related to family-inherited metabolic characteristics, such as abnormal cholesterol metabolism. For example, cholesterol stones are common in individuals with high cholesterol secretion. For people with a family history of the disease, special attention should be paid to daily health check-ups to detect early abnormalities in a timely manner.

2. Environmental factors

Environmental factors, such as bad eating habits, are one of the important factors affecting gallstones. A high-fat, high-cholesterol, low-fiber diet can easily lead to oversaturation of cholesterol in bile and the formation of gallstones. Adjusting the dietary structure is crucial. You should avoid eating too much greasy food and eat more foods rich in dietary fiber such as whole grains and fresh vegetables. Long-term dieting or rapid weight loss can also lead to reduced bile secretion and the formation of gallstones.

3. Physiological factors

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and changes in female hormone levels (such as pregnancy or long-term use of oral contraceptives) are also high-risk factors for gallstones. Obesity increases the cholesterol content in bile, and estrogen promotes the excretion of cholesterol into bile. Women need to monitor their gallbladder health more during pregnancy or while taking medication. Increasing exercise, controlling weight, and improving endocrine balance can effectively reduce the risk of gallstones.

4. Pathological factors

Certain diseases, such as diabetes, cirrhosis, and hemolytic anemia, can also lead to the formation of gallstones. These diseases can cause abnormalities in bile composition or weakened gallbladder function, making bile more likely to form crystals. Long-term inflammation or infection of the gallbladder can also cause gallstones. For patients with a history of this disease, the gallbladder should be checked regularly and the underlying disease should be treated promptly.

5. Trauma and surgery

Scarring or bile flow restriction following bile duct trauma or gallbladder surgery may increase the risk of gallstone formation, but such conditions are not common or significant and are of concern only in certain circumstances.

The key to controlling the occurrence of gallstones is to develop healthy eating habits, actively control weight and adjust lifestyle. For high-risk groups, especially women and obese patients, more attention should be paid to regular check-ups and avoid unhealthy weight loss methods. If symptoms of gallstones occur, such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, fever, etc., it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately, confirm the diagnosis through ultrasound or CT examination, and perform drug dissolution or surgical removal according to the doctor's advice. Through good preventive measures, the risk of gallstones can be greatly reduced.