What are the causes of gallstones?

The main causes of gallstones include genetic factors, eating habits, high-fat diet, abnormal bile metabolism and changes in hormone levels. These factors may work together to cause cholesterol to deposit in the gallbladder and form stones.

Genetic factors play a role in the formation of gallstones. If someone in the family has gallstones, the risk of the disease may be higher in offspring. Environmental factors include unhealthy eating habits, such as long-term high-fat, high-cholesterol intake, or eating fried foods and refined sugars, which will increase the concentration of cholesterol in bile, making stones more likely to form. Low dietary fiber and high-calorie diets may also interfere with the normal function of the gallbladder. In addition, obesity and rapid weight loss can significantly change hormone levels and metabolic status in the body, thereby promoting the deposition of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Among physiological factors, women's hormone level fluctuations, such as increased estrogen levels during pregnancy, may lead to decreased gallbladder motility and bile stasis, thereby increasing the risk of gallstones. Trauma or certain chronic diseases may also induce gallstones by disrupting the normal emptying function of the gallbladder or changing the composition of bile.

Genetic factors play a role in the formation of gallstones. If someone in the family has gallstones, the risk of the disease may be higher in offspring. Environmental factors include unhealthy eating habits, such as long-term high-fat, high-cholesterol intake, or eating fried foods and refined sugars, which will increase the concentration of cholesterol in bile, making stones more likely to form. Low dietary fiber and high-calorie diets may also interfere with the normal function of the gallbladder. In addition, obesity and rapid weight loss can significantly change hormone levels and metabolic status in the body, thereby promoting the deposition of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Among physiological factors, women's hormone level fluctuations, such as increased estrogen levels during pregnancy, may lead to decreased gallbladder motility and bile stasis, thereby increasing the risk of gallstones. Trauma or certain chronic diseases may also induce gallstones by disrupting the normal emptying function of the gallbladder or changing the composition of bile.

Preventing gallstones requires developing a healthy lifestyle. Minimize the intake of greasy foods and choose more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to keep the gallbladder emptying normally. Moderate exercise can reduce body fat and reduce the risk of gallstones. Rapid weight loss or long-term fasting should be avoided. If someone has a family history or is obese, they should have regular physical examinations to monitor gallbladder health. When symptoms are obvious or suspected of gallstones, such as pain in the right upper abdomen or nausea, you should seek medical attention in time and have a professional doctor evaluate whether medication, extracorporeal lithotripsy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder is needed.