Gallstones Symptoms, Risk Factors + 5 Natural Treatments

Gallstone surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries there is today. Estimates show that more than 750,000 surgeries to remove gallstones are performed every year and, in North America, around 10 percent to 15 percent of the adult population has gallstones (more woman than men).

Surprisingly, many people suffering from gallstones who choose to have surgery don’t fully understand how gallstones are formed in the first place, why surgery alone can’t fix the underlying problem or what they can do to best prevent gallstones from returning once again, such as following a “gallbladder diet.”

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are tiny “stones” (solid pieces of matter) found in the gallbladder, which is a small organ in the shape of a “sac” that has the primary role of storing bile made by the liver. Gallstones (sometimes called cholelithiasis by doctors) are made up of cholesterol particles, calcium deposits and other substances that are found in bile. They can vary in terms of size, shape, composition, density and severity of symptoms — but for the most part, they are all caused by the same things and treated very similarly.

They are formed when cholesterol, calcium and other particles bind to each other and become lodged in the gallbladder, causing pain and other problems, such as indigestion and back pain. Normally, the gallbladder only stores liquid material, so when solid stones accumulate it can become serious and noticeable in terms of symptoms.

A gallbladder attack or gallstone attack is also called biliary colic and refers to when pain strikes in the abdomen area (often upper right part). Biliary colic happens due to a gallstone temporarily blocking the bile duct. Pain may be radiate to the shoulder and may last for an hour or longer. (1a)

Gallstones can vary in terms of size, some small and softer (almost like sand or sludge) to very big and denser gallstones that expand to almost the whole size of the gallbladder. Compared to kidney stones, gallstones are usually softer since they are made of primarily cholesterol, which isn’t solid.

Who’s Most at Risk for Developing Gallstones?

Several factors can make people more susceptible to developing gallstones, including their diet, age, gender, body composition and genetics. (1b)

Gallstones are most common in:

• women


• people over the age of 40


• people who are overweight or obese (especially if they hold excess fat around their waist)

Other risk factors for gallstones include:

• eating a poor diet


• losing weight too quickly (for example, fasting and going long periods without eating)


• pregnancy


• diabetes


• family history of gallstones


• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)


• lack of physical activity


• low HDL (good) cholesterol

Why is this the case? Gallstones seem to be influenced by hormonal imbalances, for starters. This is the reason that women who are pregnant or on birth control pills tend to deal with gallstones more often than the general population.

Currently, it’s believed that women of “reproductive age,” especially those between the ages of 20 and 60, are the group most affected by gallstones. According to the National Foundation of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the female sex hormone estrogen might be the reason why gallstones are more common among women than men.

Estrogen can increase the amount of cholesterol in the bile and possibly also decrease gallbladder movement, both of which set the scene for gallstone formation. This is one reason why following a diet for a healthy gallbladder can be beneficial — it lowers the occurrence of “estrogen dominance” or excess estrogen.

High levels of estrogen are more common today due to to the growing presence of endocrine disruptors. These are found in chemical beauty or cleaning products, certain water supplies and chemicals added to processed foods. These chemicals “mimic” the effects of true estrogen, linking to receptor sites and contributing to excess estrogen, which can cause fat cells to become resistant to normal breakdown.

Taking medications and the health of someone’s liver, including liver disease, also impact gallbladder health and can determine whether or not someone develops gallstones. Some drugs contain estrogen, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, so these can increase the odds for gallstones. Taking drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood can also cause gallstones since these make the liver release more cholesterol into the bile. This can affect everything from mood and metabolism to sleep and sexual functioning.

What Causes Gallstones?

The gallbladder itself is usually described as a soft, flimsy, bag-like organ. It has the ability to expand when bile accumulates, which can happen when someone hasn’t eaten in a long time, such as if they are fasting, sick or severely dieting. Bile is the digestive liquid we produce within the liver, which has bile salts and other substances that help break down fats from our diet.

The size of the gallbladder is different from person to person depending on eating schedule and diet, but usually it’s a size somewhere between that of a small plum and a large apple. The gallbladder is attached to the liver and rests on top of the small bowel, which is important for allowing the gallbladder to do its job correctly. The gallbladder can drain and accumulate bile through the cystic duct. To understand how gallstones form, experts suggest picturing the digestive organs as a biliary tree, with the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and small bowel connected by tubes. The biliary tree helps move secretions for digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste removal. The gallbladder acts as a digestive backup system, storing excess secretions until needed for digestion.

Gallstones can develop when cholesterol and other substances in bile solidify and become lodged in the gallbladder. The exact cause of gallstone formation is not fully understood, but factors like high cholesterol in bile, bile duct valve dysfunction, or excess bilirubin production may contribute.

Symptoms of gallstones vary and can include abdominal pain, nausea, and discomfort after eating. Gallstone attacks may occur at night, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Gallstones can cause blockages in the bile duct, leading to pain and inflammation in the liver or pancreas.

If gallstones are suspected, doctors may use ultrasound or other imaging tests for diagnosis. Treatment options may include surgery or procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to address bile duct issues. Being physically active can help reduce the risk of developing gallstones. Regular physical activity has numerous benefits, including improving overall health, maintaining a healthy weight, and boosting digestive functions. Most adults are advised to engage in 30-60 minutes of moderately intense exercise daily. High intensity workouts like HIIT can also provide similar benefits in less time.

It is important to reconsider taking birth control pills or unnecessary medications, as they can increase estrogen levels and influence cholesterol production and storage. Women who take oral contraceptives may have a higher risk of gallbladder issues. If gallstones are a concern, non-hormonal birth control options should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Supplements and natural herbs can help improve liver health and reduce inflammation, which are crucial for regulating cholesterol production. Turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion root, activated charcoal, lipase enzymes, and bile salts are all beneficial for gallstones and overall liver function.

To learn more about the gallbladder diet and natural treatment options, continue reading: The Gallbladder Diet and Natural Treatment.