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How to get gallstones. Gallstones in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

by alexxlab

What are gallstones and how do they affect children. How are gallstones diagnosed in pediatric patients. What treatment options are available for children with gallstones. How is laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in children.

Содержание

Understanding Gallstones in Children

Gallstones are stone-like formations found in the gallbladder, a small pouch located beneath the liver in the upper right part of the abdomen. These stones can vary significantly in size, shape, and consistency. While gallstones are relatively uncommon in children, occurring in approximately 1 in 100 children, they can cause significant discomfort and health issues when present.

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion by storing bile, a substance produced by the liver to help absorb fats from food. When gallstones form, they can interfere with this process and lead to various symptoms.

Composition of Gallstones

Gallstones can be composed of different substances, including:

  • Cholesterol stones
  • Pigment stones (made of waste red blood cell pigment)
  • Calcium stones
  • Protein stones
  • Black pigment stones

The composition of gallstones can provide insights into their underlying causes and help guide treatment decisions.

Recognizing Symptoms of Gallstones in Children

Identifying gallstones in children can be challenging, as symptoms may vary or be absent altogether. However, there are several key indicators to watch for:

Common Symptoms

  • Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
  • Pain that radiates to the middle of the abdomen or back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever (in cases of infection)
  • Colicky pain that comes and goes

Complications of Gallstones

In some cases, gallstones can lead to more severe complications, such as:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Pale stools
  • Dark urine
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Is pancreatitis a serious condition in children with gallstones? Pancreatitis caused by gallstones is indeed a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. It can lead to severe pain, fever, and jaundice, potentially resulting in long-term complications if not treated promptly.

Causes and Risk Factors for Pediatric Gallstones

While the exact cause of gallstones in children is not always clear, several factors can increase the risk of their development:

Medical Conditions

  • Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia)
  • Long-term use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

Surgical History

Children who have undergone certain surgical procedures may be at higher risk for developing gallstones, including:

  • Bowel resection
  • Surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Repair of intestinal atresia
  • Correction of gastroschisis
  • Treatment for Crohn’s disease

Can diet and lifestyle factors contribute to gallstone formation in children? While diet and lifestyle are more commonly associated with gallstone formation in adults, they can play a role in children as well. A diet high in cholesterol and low in fiber may increase the risk of cholesterol stones, while obesity and rapid weight loss can also contribute to gallstone development.

Diagnostic Approaches for Pediatric Gallstones

Accurate diagnosis of gallstones in children involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies:

Clinical Assessment

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination

Imaging Studies

  • Ultrasound examination (primary diagnostic tool)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)

Laboratory Tests

  • Liver function tests
  • Blood tests to assess overall health

Why is ultrasound considered the primary diagnostic tool for gallstones in children? Ultrasound is non-invasive, does not involve radiation exposure, and provides excellent visualization of the gallbladder and bile ducts. It can accurately detect the presence, size, and number of gallstones, making it an ideal first-line diagnostic tool for pediatric patients.

Treatment Options for Gallstones in Children

The treatment approach for gallstones in children depends on the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications:

Conservative Management

For asymptomatic gallstones or mild cases:

  • Observation and monitoring
  • Dietary modifications
  • Pain management

Medical Interventions

For symptomatic cases or complications:

  • Pain relief medications
  • Antibiotics for infections
  • Endoscopic removal of obstructing stones

Surgical Treatment

For recurrent or severe cases:

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder)

When is surgical intervention necessary for children with gallstones? Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is typically recommended for children with recurrent episodes of gallstone-related pain, complications such as cholecystitis or pancreatitis, or when gallstones are causing obstruction of the bile ducts. This procedure aims to prevent future gallstone-related problems and improve the child’s quality of life.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred surgical approach for removing the gallbladder in children with gallstones. This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages over traditional open surgery:

Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

  • Smaller incisions
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Shorter hospital stay (typically 1-2 days)
  • Faster recovery time
  • Minimal scarring

Procedure Overview

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure involves:

  1. Making small incisions in the abdomen
  2. Inserting a camera and surgical instruments through these incisions
  3. Carefully detaching the gallbladder from surrounding structures
  4. Removing the gallbladder through one of the small incisions
  5. Closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures or surgical glue

How does the body adapt to life without a gallbladder after cholecystectomy? The body generally adapts well to the absence of a gallbladder. The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder. While some patients may experience minor digestive changes initially, most children return to normal digestive function without long-term effects.

Pre-operative Preparation and Post-operative Care

Proper preparation and follow-up care are essential for successful outcomes in pediatric gallstone surgery:

Pre-operative Assessment

  • Outpatient consultation with the surgical team
  • Discussion of the procedure, risks, and benefits
  • Pre-operative tests and investigations
  • Anesthesia evaluation

Post-operative Care

  • Pain management
  • Gradual return to normal diet
  • Monitoring for potential complications
  • Follow-up appointments to assess recovery

What dietary considerations are important for children after gallbladder removal? Following cholecystectomy, children may benefit from a low-fat diet initially to reduce digestive discomfort. Gradually reintroducing fats and monitoring tolerance is recommended. Most children can return to a normal diet within a few weeks, but some may need to avoid very fatty or greasy foods long-term to prevent digestive issues.

Long-term Prognosis and Lifestyle Considerations

The long-term outlook for children who have undergone treatment for gallstones is generally positive. However, certain lifestyle modifications may be beneficial:

Dietary Recommendations

  • Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet
  • Adequate fiber intake
  • Limiting high-fat and processed foods
  • Staying well-hydrated

Physical Activity

  • Regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight
  • Gradual return to normal activities post-surgery

Follow-up Care

  • Regular check-ups with pediatrician or gastroenterologist
  • Monitoring for potential long-term effects
  • Addressing any ongoing digestive concerns

Can gallstones recur after gallbladder removal in children? Gallstone recurrence after cholecystectomy is extremely rare in children. Once the gallbladder is removed, there is no longer a storage site for bile, significantly reducing the risk of stone formation. However, in rare cases, stones may form in the bile ducts. Regular follow-up and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize this risk.

Understanding gallstones in children requires a comprehensive approach, considering their unique causes, symptoms, and treatment options. While gallstones are less common in pediatric patients compared to adults, they can still cause significant health issues when present. Early diagnosis and appropriate management, whether through conservative measures or surgical intervention, are crucial for ensuring the best outcomes for affected children. With proper care and follow-up, most children with gallstones can expect excellent long-term prognosis and a return to normal daily activities.

Gallstones | Great Ormond Street Hospital

Gallstones are stone-like formations found in the gallbladder. They can vary significantly in size, shape and consistency, and they can be present without causing any problems at all. This information sheet from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) explains about gallstones, what causes them and how they can be treated using an operation to remove the gall bladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy).The gallbladder is a pouch which sits underneath the liver in the upper right part of the tummy. It stores bile, which is produced by the liver to help absorb fats in our food.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

The main symptom of gallstones is pain in the upper right part of the tummy, which sometimes is more in the middle and sometimes in the back. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it causes nausea and vomiting (feeling sick and being sick). There can also be a fever if there is infection in the gallbladder or tubes connecting it to the gut.

The symptoms tend to be caused when the gallstones become stuck in the narrow part of the gallbladder or tubes to the gut, which can cause a squeezing pain (colicky pain) that comes and goes. If gallstones become stuck in the tubes to the gut, they can cause problems such as a yellow tinge to the skin (jaundice), pale faeces (poo) and dark urine.

Stones may also cause blockage of the pancreas duct, which can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis causes severe pain, fever and jaundice and is a serious condition that requires urgent medical care.

Sometimes there are no symptoms and the gallstones are discovered when looking for other abdominal problems. Most gallstones without symptoms do not cause problems and in some cases resolve without treatment.

How are gallstones diagnosed? 

Gallstones are diagnosed by the patient’s story, examination by a doctor, and tests. An ultrasound examination is a common first investigation for gallstones as well as blood tests to check liver function. Other imaging scans such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may also be useful. These are often used to diagnose congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the drainage ducts within the liver and gallbladder causing pancreatitis.

What causes gallstones?

There are several different causes of gallstones, and gallstones can be made up of different substances.

Some people have stones completely made up of cholesterol, which may be related to diet and lifestyle. Some people have stones completely made up of waste red blood cell pigment, which is more likely in people with blood problems. There are also calcium, protein and black pigment stones.

Research suggests that there is an increased risk of developing gallstones with some blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. There also seems to be an increased risk after long term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) where nutrients are delivered into the bloodstream rather than through the stomach.  This is often used following bowel resection for conditions such as necrotising enterocolitis, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis or Crohn’s disease.

Gallstones are not very common in children, occurring roughly one in every 100 children.

How are gallstones treated and are there any alternatives?

If gallstones are not causing any problems, they do not usually need to be treated. Most gallstones, however, are discovered because they are causing symptoms. Pain and infections are treated by pain relief and antibiotics respectively, and pancreatitis is treated according to its severity.

Normally the first episode of gallstones is treated with pain relief and antibiotics. If gallstones are stuck in the ducts and causing obstruction then these must be removed, normally by an endoscope (a thin telescope passed through the mouth).The only way to prevent the problems of gallstones returning is to surgically remove the gallbladder in an operation called a cholecystectomy. Usually this is carried out using keyhole surgery (laparoscopically) so the operation is referred to as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

This is a keyhole (laparoscopic) operation to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). It is a relatively common operation in adults although less so in children. Most children go home one to two days after the operation. The body seems to cope well without a gallbladder, with few long term effects.

Pre-admission

This is an outpatient appointment where a child’s planned operation, test or procedure will be discussed with the team before coming in to hospital for admission. A child will also have various tests and investigations carried out during this appointment. This avoids any delays on the day of the operation, test or procedure.

What happens before the operation?

The family will receive information about how to prepare their child for the operation in the admission letter and booklet. The child should not have anything to eat or drink before the operation for the amount of time specified in the letter. It is important to follow these instructions, otherwise the child’s operation may need to be delayed or even cancelled.

On admission day, the child’s surgeon will visit to explain about the operation in more detail, discuss any worries and ask for permission for the operation by signing a consent form. An anaesthetist will also visit to explain about the anaesthetic and pain relief after the operation. If the child has any medical problems, such as allergies, the doctors should be told. Any medicines the child is currently taking should be brought.

What does the operation involve?

The operation takes place under general anaesthetic, and lasts about an hour. Normally there will be four small cuts in the tummy, each less than 1cm in length. Gas is used to inflate the abdomen to give a space to perform the procedure. A telescope is inserted through a cut above the tummy button and three other small instruments are used to remove the gallbladder from under the liver.  The gallbladder is taken out through the small hole near the tummy button.

Are there any risks? 

As with any operation, there are some risks. Any surgery carries a small risk of infection or bleeding. The risk of infection is much smaller with keyhole surgery because smaller incisions are used. Occasionally, the tools used to carry out the operation may damage the internal organs in the abdomen, but this will be corrected during the same operation. There is a small chance that bile could leak into the abdomen when the gall bladder is removed. The main risk, although rare, is damage to the bile ducts which drain the liver. If this occurs, the child will need further surgery to correct this.

There are some risks with keyhole surgery linked to the gas used to inflate a child’s abdomen. Some older children may complain of shoulder pain. The child may also feel some crackling under the skin because the carbon dioxide sometimes escapes into the tissue just under the skin. These side effects are usually short-lived and do not require any specialised care.

There is always a chance that keyhole surgery will not be possible. If the surgeon feels that the operation cannot be carried out as well and as safely using keyhole surgery, then he or she will carry out the operation using a larger incision instead. This is usually for technical reasons or because of unexpected findings.

Every anaesthetic carries a risk of complications, but this is very small. The anaesthetist is an experienced doctor who is trained to deal with any complications. After an anaesthetic some children may feel sick and vomit. They may have a headache, sore throat or feel dizzy. These side effects are usually short-lived and not severe. More information about anaesthesia is available.

What happens afterwards?

Afterwards the infant will go to the theatre recovery ward and wake up, before going to another ward for observations. Most children are ready to go home one to two days after the operation when they are comfortable and eating/drinking. The operation site near the tummy button may be covered with a small dressing which should be kept clean and dry for 48 hours. The smaller incisions are usually closed with dissolvable stitches which do not need to be removed.

The Family Doctor (GP) or the ward should be called if:

  • „„The child is in a lot of pain and pain relief does not seem to help.
  • „„The wound sites look red, inflamed and feel hotter than the surrounding skin.
  • „„There is any oozing from the wound sites. 

What is the outlook for children with gallstones?

In 95 per cent of children, removing the gallbladder means the end of problems associated with gallstones. It is rare to notice any long term side effects of having the gallbladder removed. Rarely, children notice some looser bowel motions, but commonly this resolves. There is a small increased risk of developing intestinal cancer following gallbladder removal in adults but more research is needed to confirm or rule out whether this risk exists for children.

Compiled by:

The Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery Department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group

Last review date:

November 2015

Ref:

2015F1577

15 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Gallstones And Foods To Eat

The hard deposits that are formed due to excess bile salts in the gallbladder are called gallstones. Many people look for ways to flush out gallstones at home before going to a doctor.

The majority of us believe that a significant health condition has symptoms that can be easily diagnosed. But that’s not the case! While some significant illnesses show signs that anybody can recognize, some disorders and syndromes are considered to be extremely difficult to detect. Gallbladder disease is one such condition that affects a large number of people, particularly the elderly and women. Gallstones in the gallbladder are undiscovered until they cause severe pain.

Let’s take a look at what gallstones are and how they are caused before we get into the home remedies that can help you get rid of them. Keep reading!

In This Article

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard, crystalline balls that are formed in the gallbladder from excess cholesterol or bile salts. These stones can vary greatly in size – from being the size of a grain to as large as a tennis ball.

What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones are excruciatingly painful as the stones might get pushed into the tube. This happens when there is an excessive amount of cholesterol, and there is not enough bile secreted to saturate the cholesterol, which forms a crystal ball.

However, stones can also be formed by bile salts too. In women, pregnancy-related hormonal changes and factors like rapid weight loss and obesity pave the way for gallstone formation. Besides, people relying on junk and fast foods are also prone to stones in the gallbladder. These gallstones go through the bile duct and may cause blockage in the duct, which sends bile to the small intestine from the liver. When this occurs, the gallbladder gets choked and the built up pressure triggers pain in the abdomen region (1).

Did You Know?

Gallstones affect 6% of men and 9% of women in the United States, most of which remain asymptomatic. Unless symptoms develop, asymptomatic gallstones do not require treatment (2).

How To Get Rid Of Gallstones Naturally

Dr. Peter Michael, MD, says, “It is possible for a gallstone to pass out of the gallbladder on its own. If it is small enough, it may exit the gallbladder through the bile duct into the intestines. However, the gallstone can be stuck in the bile duct, which can cause pain, obstructions, and possibly infections which is an emergency case. Always contact your physician if you experience these systems in order to get proper treatment.”

While surgery for getting rid of gallstones is quite commonplace, it is better if you take precautions to prevent their formation in the first place. Gallbladder surgery, also called cholecystectomy, can cause years of discomfort, including nausea, diarrhea, and even jaundice. It can increase chances of contracting bowel cancer as well. Besides, the level of cholesterol in blood also shoots up post surgery. Let’s take a look at a few home remedies to get rid of gallstones.

Home Remedies To Prevent The Formation Of Gallstones

  1. Foods To Avoid
  2. Turmeric
  3. Milk Thistle
  4. Lemon Juice
  5. Cranberry Juice
  6. Coconut Oil
  7. Castor Oil
  8. Herbal Tea
  9. Coffee
  10. Vitamin C
  11. Dandelion
  12. Beetroot
  13. Radish
  14. Peppermint
  15. Pear Juice

1. Foods To Avoid For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

While trying the home remedies for gallstones mentioned in this article, do remember that there are things you need to avoid to prevent gallstone formation. As a rule of thumb, doctors advise people to avoid eating any refined food to prevent stone development in the gallbladder. And those sweet delicacies you polish off during tea time? Well, those sugary snacks are to be avoided above all. Same goes for all fast foods made with artificial sweeteners and all white flour products.

Did You Know?

Fatty foods are a frequent cause of gallbladder contraction. You experience intense, dull pain that may last for 1 to 5 hours. The pain usually starts an hour after a fatty meal (2).

2. Turmeric For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

Eat turmeric mixed with honey every day to stay fit and healthy and keep gallstones at bay.

How Often Should You Do This

Do this every day for a healthy gallbladder.

Why This Works

Turmeric is used in cooking many dishes. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Having turmeric in foods can help enhance the solubility of bile. This will ensure that stones are not formed easily (3).

Related: 11 Benefits Of Turmeric Tea, Preparation, And Side Effects

3. Milk Thistle For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon milk thistle seeds
• 3 cups water
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the milk thistle seeds and bring them to a boil.
2. Let the herb steep in hot water for 20 minutes.
3. Strain the herbal tea, add a dash of honey and drink it.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink two to three cups in a day.

Why This Works

A herb with its origin in the Mediterranean region, milk thistle has been used as a natural remedy for liver cleansing as well as gallstone prevention for a long time. Its active component, silymarin, shrinks the gallstones and can also help relieve any pain (4). It is also possible to add the herb in the powdered form to juices and milk. You can also add the powder to your salad and snacks if you don’t like the taste of the juice.

Related: 12 Health Benefits Of Milk Thistle, Nutrition, & Side Effects

4.

Lemon Juice For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A glass of lukewarm water

What You Have To Do

Add the lemon juice to the water and drink this first thing in the morning. Drink more glasses of lemon water throughout the day.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink up to four glasses of lemon water in a day.

Why This Works

Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C (5). Vitamin C supplements have been observed to offer protection against the formation of gallstones (6). Hence, drinking lemon juice daily may also help serve the same purpose.

5. Cranberry Juice For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

Cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of cranberry juice every day. Dilute it with some water if you feel the juice is too acidic to consume.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink this juice every day to maintain healthy functioning of the body.

Why This Works

This is a preventive remedy for gallstones and gallbladder problems. The dietary fiber present in cranberry juice lowers the cholesterol levels in the body, thus preventing the formation of cholesterol gallstones (7). For gallstones generating from accumulated bile salts, the acidity of the juice will ensure that enough bile flows through the system to prevent this accumulation. The antioxidants present will keep your gallbladder and liver in optimum health (8).

6. Coconut Oil For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/4 glass apple juice
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • A garlic clove (optional)
  • A small piece of ginger
What You Have To Do
  1. Lightly warm up the coconut oil, add all the ingredients to it and blend nicely.
  2. Drink this mixture once every day.
How Often Should You Do This

Drink this every day for several weeks.

Why This Works

If you are prone to gallbladder attacks, this remedy is perfect for you. Coconut oil contains essential fats that can be easily digested by the liver. The accumulation of unhealthy fats, cholesterol, and bile salts in the gallbladder can be prevented (9).

7. Castor Oil For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 1 cup castor oil
  • Cheesecloth
  • Plastic wrap/sheet
  • A hot compress
What You Have To Do
  1. Heat the castor oil lightly and soak the cheesecloth in it.
  2. Remove excess oil from the cloth and place it on the right side of the belly, where your gallbladder and liver are located.
  3. Hold the cloth in place by wrapping a plastic sheet around the belly.
  4. Place the hot compress over this for about 30 to 40 minutes.
How Often Should You Do This

Repeat this process thrice a week.

Why This Works

Castor oil possesses anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which will reduce swelling in the area and also the pain you are experiencing (10), (11).

8. Herbal Tea For Gallstones (Green Tea For Gallstones)

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 2 teaspoons green tea leaves
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Honey
  • Lemon
What You Have To Do
  1. Steep the tea leaves in water for five to 10 minutes.
  2. Strain and add a bit of honey and lemon for taste.
  3. Drink the tea while it is warm.
How Often Should You Do This

Drink two to three cups of green tea in a day.

Why This Works

Green tea contains antioxidants that give your body energy and reduce inflammations. They may also be able to prevent gallstones, though further studies are warranted in that regard (12).

9. Coffee For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

A cup of hot coffee

What You Have To Do

Brew a cup of your favorite hot coffee and drink it.

How Often Should You Do This

Drink a cup of two every day to prevent gallstones.

Why This Works

Research has revealed that drinking a cup of coffee a day can help ease gallbladder problems. It helps to prevent gallstones. Caffeine also stimulates gallbladder contractions and makes the passage of gallstones easy (12).

10. Vitamin C For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

Vitamin C is not only good for your immunity and skin, but is also effective in preventing gallbladder stone formation. When your body gets an adequate dose of vitamin C, it increases the breakdown of cholesterol to bile acids. As a result, the risk of stone formation in the gallbladder will be less (14).

You can take vitamin C in many forms. If taking vitamin pills is not your cup of tea, eat fruits and vegetables like guava, kiwi, papaya, mango – all of which are full of this important nutrient.

11. Dandelion For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon dried dandelion root
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • A cup of hot water
  • A pot
What You Have To Do
  1. Crumble the dandelion root and place it in the pot. Then, pour some hot water on it.
  2. Let it steep for a few minutes and then add honey to it.
  3. Strain and drink this herbal tea.
How Often Should You Do This

You may have this herbal tea mixture twice a day for optimal results.

Why This Works

Dandelion is another useful natural remedy for gallbladder stones. Dandelion leaves help in bile excretion and fat metabolization. Taking the herb can also help in stimulating the gallbladder (15).

Caution

People who have diabetes should ideally talk to a medical practitioner before trying out this herb-infused tea.

12. Beetroot For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • Beetroot
  • Water
What You Have To Do
  1. Cut the beetroot into small pieces and blend with some water to make fresh beetroot juice.
  2. Drink a cup of beetroot juice every day.
How Often Should You Do This

Drink a cup every day to relieve gallstone pain.

Why This Works

High in fiber, carotenoids, and flavonoids, beetroot juice is known to lower blood cholesterol. Hence, cholesterol gallstones cannot form. It may also improve liver function (16), (17).

13. Radish For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • A radish
  • Water
What You Have To Do
  1. Peel the radish and cut it into small pieces.
  2. Blend these with a little water to make fresh radish juice.
  3. Have two tablespoons of this juice.
How Often Should You Do This

Drink up to five to six tablespoons throughout the day for larger gallstones. A tablespoon or two a day is enough for smaller stones.

Why This Works

Though this is not a favorite vegetable for many, it is another good home remedy for gallstones. Radish, especially black radish, can help in the treatment of cholesterol gallstones (18). However, you should eat radish in moderation. Do not intake more than the recommended quantity in a day.

Related: 8 Awesome Benefits Of Radish | Nutrition Profile & Side Effects

14. Peppermint For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • A few mint leaves (fresh or dried)
  • A cup of warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
What You Have To Do
  1. Add the leaves to boiled water. Cover the cup and let it steep for a few minutes.
  2. Strain the water and add honey to it before sipping.
How Often Should You Do This

It is advisable to have a cup of this tea between meals.

Why This Works

Peppermint helps in digestion by stimulating the flow of bile and other digestive tract juices. It also contains a natural compound called terpene that can dilute gallstones. Regular intake of a cup of peppermint-infused tea can also help cure all gallbladder problems while also relieving pain from acute attacks (19).

Related: 10 Unexpected Side Effects Of Peppermint Tea

15. Pear Juice For Gallstones

Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need
  • 1/2 glass pear juice
  • 1/2 glass hot water
  • 2 tablespoons honey
What You Have To Do
  1. To the hot water, firstly add pear juice and then the honey. Mix well.
  2. Drink this juice while it is warm.
How Often Should You Do This

Drink this thrice a day.

Why This Works

The blend of honey and pear juice can be very effective for avoiding gallstone development. Pear is a pectin-containing fruit. This pectin binds to cholesterol and eliminates it from the body (20).

Apart from the above-mentioned remedies, engaging in exercise or yoga may also help lower the risk of developing gallstones. It is far more prudent that you prepare your body to prevent gallstone formation. For this, there is no need to become a medical expert. You can resort to the proven home-based and natural remedies that we have listed above and keep them at bay.

Excess bile salts or cholesterol may lead to the formation of hard crystalline stones in the gallbladder called gallstones. Gallstones can be very painful and lead to severe health complications, including bowel cancer. Surgical procedures to remove gallstones are commonplace but carry risks of complications. To get rid of gallstones naturally, you may use certain home remedies milk thistle, turmeric, lemon juice, herbal teas, coconut oil, pear juice, dandelion, and coffee. In addition, you may benefit from removing foods that are high in cholesterol, processed flour, and added sugars from your diet to prevent the worsening of your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drinking water remove gallstones?

Dr. Michael says, “No, drinking water alone cannot remove gallstones, but staying well-hydrated is important for overall health and can help prevent the formation of new gallstones.” Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day may help prevent the formation of gallstones. However, there is no evidence to suggest that drinking water can remove gallstones that have already formed in the gallbladder.

Gallbladder Disease Signs & Symptoms

When the gallstones travel into any of the ducts attached to the gallbladder, it can result in a gallbladder attack. Symptoms of this are as follows:

  • Pain in the upper abdomen or upper-right abdomen, which is constant and can also increase and lasts from an hour to several hours
  • Pain under the right shoulder and in between the shoulder blades
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence and belching
  • Indigestion (1)

Where Do You Get Gallbladder Pain?

Gallbladder pain is experienced in the upper or upper-right part of the abdomen.

What Does The Gallbladder Do?

The gallbladder forms an important part of our digestion process. It is a little pear-shaped pouch located behind the liver. It is responsible for storing the cholesterol-rich bile secreted by the liver, which helps to cut down fatty foods.

What To Eat With Gallstones?

To stay healthy and avoid gallstone formation, you need to follow the right kind of diet (21).

  • Ensure that you eat foods that are low in cholesterol and fat and high in fiber. Fiber-enriched foods keep the digestive system in good shape, and a low-fat diet prevents cholesterol development in the gallbladder.
  • For cooking foods and snacks, you can replace cooking oil with olive oil as far as possible. It contains higher amounts of monounsaturated fat and is healthier for the stomach, liver, and gallbladder. You may also use canola oil for the same reason.
  • To reduce intake of saturated fat from foods, eat low-fat dairy products and lean meat portions.
  • To ensure gallstones do not form in your body, make sure your platter remains full of vegetables. Studies have shown that vegetarians are less prone to gallstones when compared to hardcore non-vegetarians. Vegetables are responsible for reducing the cholesterol in the bile, thus curing gallstones. Having a bowl of salad rich in green vegetables can help cure gallbladder problems. You can try various other types of
  • A single red bell pepper has 95mg of vitamin C, the essential vitamin required to get rid of gallstones. Adding red bell pepper to your meal will help you get the essential nutrients to avoid bladder problems.
    Follow the tips mentioned above and make changes in your diet accordingly.

How To Relieve Back Pain After Gallbladder Surgery?

Having back pain after gallbladder surgery is common. This pain should slowly start fading away as days go by. You can use a simple warm compress to ease this pain. If the pain does not subside even after a few weeks and is causing discomfort, please consult your doctor as this might indicate post-operational complications.

Can Gallstones Damage The Liver?

When the gallstones are lodged in the bile ducts, the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder is obstructed. As a result, excess bile starts accumulating in the liver and damaging the liver cells. This can lead to cirrhosis, a condition that involves deterioration and malfunctioning of the liver (1).

How Do You Test For Gallbladder Problems?

There are various diagnostic tests that the doctor can advise you to get done for gallbladder problems. These tests will generate reports that present a clear image of the gallbladder and associated organs. Below listed are the common tests that are conducted (22).

  • Abdominal ultrasound – can easily detect small gallstones
  • Abdominal X-ray – good for detecting gallstones containing calcium deposits
  • Abdominal CT scan – to detect ruptures and infection that are caused due the stones
  • MRI scan – to detect stones lodged in the bile ducts
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – good for detecting stones blocking the bile ducts and also removing them while performing the test
  • Cholescintigraphy or gallbladder radionuclide scan – radioactive dye used to detect blocked ducts and inflammation

Now that you know how to get rid of gallstones naturally, what are you waiting for? It is always advisable to check with a doctor if you are suffering from any gallbladder problem. There are medications available to cure it. There are also non-surgical processes to dissolve the stone. The final option is surgery if the condition is beyond the reach of medication. You can ask a medical professional whether you should proceed with a nonsurgical alternative like lithotripsy or if you need surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is done when the gallstones start causing too much inflammation, pain, and infection. For acute gallbladder problems, the only cure is surgery.

They say prevention is better than cure. And, we agree! Who would want to live through the agony of gallstones only to be followed by an invasive surgery? Do your gallbladder a favor and start following these tips.

Do you suffer from any gallbladder problems? What do you usually do to get relief? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

Can drinking water remove gallstones?

Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day may help prevent the formation of gallstones. However, there is no evidence to suggest that drinking water can remove gallstones that have already formed in the gallbladder.

Can apple cider vinegar help with gallbladder stones?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking apple cider vinegar can help dissolve gallstones due to its acidity. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding this matter. Also, remember to dilute ACV with water before drinking it if you want to try this remedy.

Is ginger good for gallstones?

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that ginger can help get rid of gallstones.

Key Takeaways

  • Turmeric, castor oil, and herbal tea contain antioxidants that increase the solubility of the bile.
  • Lemon juice, cranberry juice, pear juice, beetroot juice, and dandelion contain vitamin C and dietary fiber, which help in lowering cholesterol while generating bile flow and increasing metabolism.
  • Coconut oil, radish, peppermint, and coffee help in accumulating unhealthy fats and stimulate contraction to pass bile easily.
  • Avoid refined food to prevent food deposits and unhealthy bile formation.