Millions of Americans are affected by some type of medical issue plaguing their digestive health. Gallstones are one such issue that can have debilitating effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chelmsford wants to share some facts about gallstones, as well as tips on how you can avoid getting gallstones by avoiding certain foods.
How Many People Are Living With Gallstones?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that around 25 million Americans are living with gallstones. Although gallstones are extremely common among both genders, women are more than men are more likely to be diagnosed. In addition, people who are overweight, live a sedentary life, are pregnant and/or eat a high-fat diet are also at an increased risk of being diagnosed with gallstones. If you’re experiencing gallstones, which are small deposits of bile built up in the gallbladder, you may have a wide range of symptoms.Gallstone Symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Bloating
- Intolerance for fatty or greasy foods
- Jaundice
Is There a Way to Get Rid of Gallstones Without Surgery?
In some cases, yes. Milder cases of gallstones may be treated effectively through medication, and in some cases, may dissipate on their own. Your doctor can advise on the optimal treatment method for your particular case. However, if you have gallstone flare-ups frequently and they are quite severe, surgery might be the best possible treatment option. You can seek to avoid gallstone flare-ups by changing up your diet to avoid certain foods that promote gallstones.Foods That May Trigger Gallstone Flare-ups
- Fried foods
- High-fat dairy products
- Fatty meats
- Processed meats
- Alcohol
