Gallbladder Disease is increasing day-by-day, amongst the masses, due to the fast paced daily routine, wherein there’s less time available for a healthy lifestyle. The various reasons that are responsible are: food high in fat content, obesity, genetic disposition, constipation & other intestinal problems, rapid weight loss and diabetes.
What is Gall Bladder and Gallbladder Disease?
Gall bladder, located just under the liver, is a pear shaped organ and it works as a store for the bile secreted by the liver, an important element in the digestion of the food as makes the fat soluble.
Gallbladder Disease happens when the flow of bile, out of the gall bladder gets stopped. It occurs mainly in the form of gall stones, also called as cholelithiasis and bile duct stones. Gall stones consist of cholesterol and calcium salts. Sometimes bilirubin pigments themselves lead to the gall stone formation. The other type is inflammation of the gall bladder or cholecystitits.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems
These can be enlisted as follows:
- Biliary Colic: The pain occurs in the top or the right portion of the abdomen. It can also extend to the upper back and sometimes a severe attack can happen. The reason for the pain is the blockage of the passage between the gall bladder & intestine, due the gall stones. It can last for one to several hours. But, if it remains for the longer duration and for continuous basis, then it is called as acute cholecystitis and needs diagnosis/ ultrasound for the detection of the Gallbladder Disease. On detection, the surgical removal of the gall bladder is done. Various medicines and shock wave therapy are also available.
- Jaundice: Whitening of the eyes and the color of the skin get pale
- Vomiting, fever, fatigue and nausea
- Chalky or clay colored stools and dark urine
- Discomfort after the meals and abdominal fullness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating and belching
- Indigestion
- Blood pressure drop and faster heartbeat
Immediate medical attention is required, on suffering with the above mentioned symptoms.
Gallbladder Diet
Firstly, a healthy regime is to be developed that include well balanced diet and daily exercise. The food should be low in fat content, specially the hydrogenated fats, partially hydrogenated fats, trans-fats and saturated fats. The salad dressing should be done with olive oil, flax oil and vinegar. Starchy food such as rice and cereals and iron rich food such as spinach should be included in the diet. Fish oil capsules are also recommended.
Various fruits and vegetables that are suggested are: apples, lemons, guavas, figs, papaya, melons, apricots, currants, prunes, cucumber, garlic, okra, shallots, celery, sweet potatoes, beet, shallots, Swiss chard, sea vegetables and antioxidant fruits and vegetables such as cherries, tomatoes and blueberries and bell peppers and squash, respectively.
The herbs like, green tea, turmeric, globe artichoke and milk thistle should be included.
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day and prefer to have smaller meals rather than larger meals. Brisk walking or light exercise is also recommended.