Gallstones - I didn't know I had them.

What is the purpose of the gall bladder?
* The gall bladder's only purpose in our bodies is to store and concentrate the bile which is produced by the liver. Bile helps to digest fats in the small intestine. It contains bilirubin ( a pigment ) and high levels of cholesterol.

What are gall stones?
* Most gall stones are hardened cholesterol while some are made up of bilirubin and calcium.

Who can suffer from gallstones?
* Gall stones can develop in both males and females but are more common in overweight middle aged females ( fat, fertile female ). Women who have borne children are more vulnerable because of the high levels of blood cholesterol and bile that develop during late pregnancy and after childbirth. Gall stones may also appear in people following a yo-yo dieting , with repeated cycles of weight loss and gain or after a single dramatic weight loss.

What are the symptoms of gall stones in our bodies?
* Many people do not know that they have gall stones as they have no symptoms. In some, however the presence of gall stones causes sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen which extends to the back and under the right shoulder blade. It may also be accompanied with fever, chills and vomitings. If left untreated they can lodge in the bile duct and cause inflammation of the liver and pancreas.

How can gall stones be treated?
* If a person has frequent painful attacks, then treatment is by the removal of the gall bladder by a procedure called cholecystectomy. This can be done by laproscopy which involves only a tiny incision and a brief hospital stay. Medicines to dissolve gallstones have given mixed success, but the gall stones recur if the person stops taking the drug.

What diet should be followed by people having gallstones?
* They should eliminate fats and cholesterol from their diets.
* They should eat small, frequent meals - especially breakfast.
* They should eat plenty of starchy foods with lots of fruits and vegetables.
* They can consume moderate servings of proteins and small amounts of fats.
* Alcohol if consumed should be in moderation.

Most important, they should avoid weight gain.