Gallstones

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hard buildup in the gallbladder. When the gallstones are too big, it blocks a duct. The gallbladder swells and causes pain.

What are possible causes?
  • Too much cholesterol in bile
  • Too much bilirubin in bile
  • Not enough bile salts
What are some symptoms?

Most people have no symptoms

  • Skin and whites of eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Fever
What to do to prevent gallstones?
  • Choose a variety of fish, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Eat less meat
  • Limit fried foods and fatty foods
  • Regular physical activity
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Gallstones: Treatment, Definition, Risk Factors & Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7313-gallstones. Updated October 7, 2019. Accessed December 4, 2020.
  2. Gallstones. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallstones. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  3. Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/symptoms-causes. Published November 2017. Accessed December 9, 2020.