Most of the time,gallstonesdo not cause symptoms, and you don’t necessarily need treatment.
In some cases, they even pass out of the body naturally.
Problems arise when gallstones block ducts from the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
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When that happens, you do need treatment.
Surgical removal of thegallbladderis safe and effective.
And certain lifestyle modifications may help lower the chances of developing more gallstones.
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Can You Pass Gallstones?
It’s possible to pass gallstones naturally.
You may have heard that certain home treatments or diets cancleanse or flush gallstonesout of your system.
Examples are olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, Epsom salts, and a low-fat diet.
But there’s no scientific evidence that these methods work; some may be harmful.
Be sure to discuss gallstone cleanses and flushes with a healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Over 25% of Americans have gallstones that do not cause clinical symptoms.
Gallbladder removalone of the most common general surgery procedures in the United Statesis performed when necessary.
How Do They Dissolve?
Although people sometimes pass gallstones, they don’t dissolve on their own.
Altering your diet may help lower the chances of developing more gallstones.
But there’s no diet known to dissolve existing gallstones.
These include:
These medications don’t work on pigment stones.
You must take them several times a day; it can take months to start working.
You may need to stay on this therapy for as long as two years.Even then, gallstones can recur.
How to Prevent Further Buildup
There’s no sure way to prevent gallstones.
They’re generally prescribed for people who are overweight and experiencing rapid weight loss.
They work by loweringcholesterolproduction and dissolving cholesterol in bile, which helps prevent cholesterol stones from forming.
The surgeon can remove the gallbladderlaparoscopicallyin an outpatient procedure.
Additional Procedures
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is a potential alternative to gallbladder removal.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESWL) uses high-energy sound waves to produce shock waves that disintegrate gallstones.
Discuss the potential benefits and risks of each procedure with your healthcare provider.
Summary
Gallstones are pretty common.
But they don’t always lead to symptoms, and they don’t always require treatment.
And there are no cleanses or diets proven to dissolve gallstones.
Large stones or stones that lodge in bile ducts can lead to serious problems.
Medical treatments include surgery and medicines to break up small stones.
Your options depend on the jot down, size, and number of stones.
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Harvard Health Publishing.Did my diet cause my gallstones?
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for gallstones.
2019;51:179-193. doi:10.1055/a-0822-0832
Mount Sinai.Gallstones and gallbladder disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gallstone disease treatment.
Mayo Clinic.Gallbladder cleanse: A ‘natural’ remedy for gallstones?
