What are the causes of gallstones?

The formation of gallstones is related to multiple factors, common causes include abnormal bile composition, gallbladder dysfunction and unhealthy lifestyle. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, fever and other symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Bile is an important fluid that helps digest fat. It is mainly composed of cholesterol, bile salts and lecithin. When the bile composition is unbalanced, such as too high cholesterol or insufficient bile salts, it is easy to cause cholesterol crystals to deposit and form stones. The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile. If the contraction function is abnormal or the bile is not completely emptied, the stagnant bile will increase the risk of stone formation. Obesity, long-term high-fat diet, rapid weight loss and genetic factors may also be triggers.

Women, obese people and the elderly are at high risk, which is related to estrogen levels and metabolic changes. Cholesterol levels in pregnant women may increase, and gallbladder emptying slows down, making gallstones more likely to form. Certain diseases such as diabetes or liver disease can also affect bile metabolism and increase the likelihood of disease. Not all gallstones cause symptoms, and some stones may not be noticed for many years, but larger stones or movement to the bile duct can cause severe pain and bile duct infection.

Ways to prevent gallstones include eating a balanced diet, controlling your weight, and exercising regularly. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and limiting the intake of high-fat, high-sugar foods can help regulate bile composition. Even if you need to lose weight, you should avoid losing weight too quickly because a very low-calorie diet may induce gallstones. Maintaining a good lifestyle is the key to prevention. If you have a family history of gallstones or often feel abdominal discomfort, you should not ignore it and consult a doctor for examination and evaluation.