The gallbladder is a sac like organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen, just under the liver and below the rib cage on the right side.
Its primary function is the creation of bile and digestive enzymes that help in the digestion of consumed food. The created bile is stored in the gall bladder until the time it is needed and is used mainly when we eat high fat or high cholesterol meals. At this point, the gallbladder will contract and inject some amount of bile into the small intestine to aid in the breaking down of the food particles. Gallstones can be of any size while some are the size of a tiny grain of sand, others may be as big as a golf ball. Most people have a number of smaller stones but it is not uncommon to have a singe large stone or a combination of different sizes. While the gallstone remains housed in the gallbladder, it is unlikely to cause any symptoms. However, when they move out of the gallbladder, they are likely to cause a blockage in any of the ducts that connect the gallbladder, liver or pancreas which may result in serious medical complications.
While the condition affects as many as 20% of all adults in the United States of America, only about 4% of them develop any symptoms. Gallstones are most common in overweight, middle aged women, while men are more likely to suffer from serious complications of the condition. Women consuming birth control pills are also at a higher risk of suffering from gallstones. Gallstones are known to develop as a result of the accumulation of urine in the bladder and the accumulation and crystallization of the mineral and salt residues.
Drinking a few cups of coffee everyday is known to prevent the development of gallstones. However, it is important to keep in mind that drinking beverages like tea and soft drinks do not have the same effect. A high intake of vitamin C in your diet is likely to prove extremely beneficial in dealing with gallstones. Omega 3 fatty acids such as those found in fish such as salmon are also known to help prevent gallstones while a vegetable rich diet is also very beneficial. Drinking half a glass of wine everyday is known to avert gallstone attacks by about 40%, however, studies did not show if drinking any more than this amount would have a greater effect.
answered by G M