Gallstones are made up of cholesterol that develop in the gallbladder and are usually harmless. However, in the event that they grow larger and start to block important passageways that lead in and out of the gallbladder they can become harmful and lead to discomfort and pain. In the event that gallstones are left untreated, they can cause inflammation and other issues including jaundice and a fever. They can also lead to the sufferer experiencing excruciating pain. In many cases, the only solution is for the gallbladder to be completely removed. Continue reading to learn more about why gallstones are an issue to some people and not others and gain a better understanding of your likelihood of having to deal with this condition in your future.
1. Excessive cholesterol
As mentioned above, gallstones are composed of cholesterol that form within the gallbladder when there is an excess of cholesterol in the bile in our bodies (so much so that the chemicals within the bile that the liver excretes are unable to dissolve it). Thus, individuals with a diet high in cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing gallstones. Therefore, it is important to do your best to limit your cholesterol intake.
