What can I eat to dissolve gallstones?

Although gallstones cannot be completely "dissolved" through diet, healthy eating habits can effectively prevent their formation, alleviate symptoms or assist in treatment. The focus of dietary adjustment is to reduce cholesterol intake, increase fiber intake and promote bile excretion.

The formation of gallstones is often related to abnormal cholesterol metabolism and bile concentration. A high-cholesterol diet and a high-fat diet may cause cholesterol to deposit in the bile and form stones. Fat, sugar and processed foods in the diet should be minimized. Eating more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help keep the gallbladder healthy and promote normal bile secretion. Foods containing healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts, can help bile flow and reduce the risk of stone formation. Certain foods such as citrus fruits, apple cider vinegar and green tea can help increase bile excretion, thereby reducing the formation of gallstones.

Although dietary adjustments can alleviate symptoms or prevent gallstone formation to a certain extent, once gallstones are formed, simple dietary control cannot completely eliminate them. Severe symptoms or large stones require medical intervention. Common treatments include drug dissolution, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or surgical stone removal. If you feel gallbladder discomfort or biliary colic, you should seek medical attention in time, follow the advice of a professional doctor, and undergo detailed examinations and treatment.

For the prevention and adjuvant treatment of gallstones, maintaining a balanced diet, moderate exercise and a healthy lifestyle are key. Reducing the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, increasing foods rich in dietary fiber, and maintaining a reasonable weight can help reduce the incidence of gallstones. Developing regular eating habits, avoiding overeating, maintaining a good work and rest schedule and stress management are also important aspects of protecting gallbladder health.