• Digestive Disorders

The Best Ways to Treat Gallstones Without Surgery

Although gallstones are highly treatable, deciding on the best method for your condition can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to avoid traditional options like surgery.

Fortunately, there are several nonsurgical alternatives that can be just as effective as other gallstone treatments.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to treat gallstones without having to undergo surgery, including the top procedures and remedies to consider to support your overall health.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid — called bile — that form in the gallbladder.

These stones can vary in size, with some being as large as a golf ball. There are two main types of gallstones: 

• Cholesterol stones, which are primarily made of hardened cholesterol

• Pigmented stones, which are smaller and made of bilirubin

Common causes and symptoms of gallstones 

Gallstones typically develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, which is the digestive fluid produced by the liver.

Common factors that can cause this imbalance include:

• Excess cholesterol in the bile: When the liver secretes more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol can crystalize and ultimately form stones.

• Excess bilirubin: Some conditions — like liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and certain blood disorders — cause the liver to produce too much bilirubin, which leads to the formation of pigment stones.

• Gallbladder emptying issues: If the gallbladder doesn’t empty completely or often enough, bile can become too concentrated, increasing your risk of gallstones.

When gallstones form, it can cause symptoms like:

• Sudden and intense abdominal pain, which can radiate to the back and right shoulder blade 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Indigestion, such as bloating, gas, and heartburn

• Changes in stool and urine color

• Jaundice 

Can Gallstones Be Treated Without Surgery?

While surgery is usually the most effective way to treat gallstones, nonsurgical methods are available for individuals who prefer less invasive treatments. 

Drug therapy

Drug therapy involves using medications to dissolve gallstones, allowing them to pass naturally through the digestive system. 

The most common medication used for treating gallstones is ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol).

It works by dissolving the cholesterol in bile and stones, which also helps prevent new gallstones from forming.

Treatment tends to last several months or years, and the medication may need to be used indefinitely to prevent recurrent gallstones.

This treatment is most effective for patients with small cholesterol gallstones and a functioning gallbladder. 

Lithotripsy 

Lithotripsy — or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) — uses shock waves to break gallstones into fragments that can be easily passed through the bile ducts.

This procedure is generally recommended to individuals with smaller gallstones made of cholesterol and it is often combined with Ursodiol for best results.

ESWL is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, taking about an hour to complete. 

You may also receive anesthesia to minimize any discomfort.

The success of ESWL varies, with some individuals experiencing complete relief from gallstones while others may require additional treatments.

Currently, it’s not possible to predict the success of the procedure in advance. 

Alternative therapies

In some cases, gallstones and their associated symptoms may be alleviated with alternative therapies.

However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these therapies.

Additionally, you should consult your doctor to determine their safety for your condition before using them. 

Common alternative therapies for gallstones may include:

• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help relieve gallstone symptoms by improving bile flow and reducing pain. It may be used as a complementary therapy for managing gallstones alongside medications.

• Milk thistle supplements: Milk thistle is known for its liver-protective properties and may support gallbladder health. This could help manage and prevent gallstones from forming.

• Artichoke extract: Artichoke extract is believed to stimulate bile production and support liver and gallbladder function. This may help manage gallstones by dissolving them and allowing them to pass through the bile duct and exit the body. 

• Turmeric: This superfood is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which can help support a healthy gallbladder and bile production.

Are There Other Ways to Manage Gallstones?

Managing gallstones effectively often involves a combination of dietary changes, natural remedies, and lifestyle modifications.

Dietary changes

Following an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats can cause various health problems — such as elevated cholesterol — which may contribute to gallstone formation. 

It’s recommended to follow a healthy diet rich in the following foods to help prevent these issues:

• High-fiber foods: Fiber helps to keep bile from becoming overly concentrated. Incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of gallstones forming.

• Healthy fats: Consuming healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and olive oil can stimulate the gallbladder to empty regularly, reducing the risk of stone formation.

When making dietary changes, you should also:

• Avoid high-fat foods: Limiting foods high in saturated fats — such as fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products — can prevent the liver from producing excess cholesterol, a primary component of many gallstones.

• Eating balanced meals: Eating balanced meals at regular intervals can help support proper gallbladder function. Avoiding very low-calorie diets and fasting can also reduce the risk of gallstones.

Natural remedies

Although more scientific research is needed, some natural remedies have shown promising results in helping to manage gallstones. These include:

• Apple cider vinegar, which is believed to help dissolve gallstones

• Lemon juice, which may also help dissolve gallstones and support liver health 

• Peppermint tea can help aid digestion and improve bile flow to prevent a gallbladder attack and promote its proper functioning 

Before using natural remedies, always speak to your doctor to ensure that they are safe for you.

Lifestyle modifications

Certain factors — such as obesity or unhealthy lifestyle habits — can increase your risk of developing gallstones.

Making the following lifestyle changes can help you avoid this:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: If you have a high body mass index (BMI) or suffer from obesity, put strategies in place to help you achieve a healthier weight. This could include better eating habits, more regular exercise, or getting professional help.

• Avoid rapid weight loss: While weight loss can help reduce your risk of gallstones, rapidly shedding excess pounds can cause various imbalances in your body. This can then increase your risk of developing gallstones again.

• Exercise more regularly: Sedentary lifestyles can cause weight gain, which significantly increases your risk of developing gallstones. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise — such as walking or swimming — per day.

Surgery

In most cases, gallstones can be treated with surgical methods, which involve removing the gallbladder. These procedures include:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC): This is the most common surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder and it’s typically recommended for patients with large gallstones. It’s minimally invasive, involving making small incisions in the abdomen through which the gallbladder is removed.

• Open cholecystectomy: In some cases — particularly if there are complications — an open cholecystectomy may be necessary. This involves creating a larger incision in the abdomen and this surgery requires a longer recovery period.

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure is used to remove stones from the bile duct. It involves using an endoscope to locate and extract the stones.

When Should You See a Doctor About Gallstone Treatments?

Although many cases of gallstones can be treated with nonsurgical remedies, it’s important to know when you might require additional medical intervention.

It’s recommended to consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or severe abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve 

• Pain with vomiting or nausea 

• Signs of jaundice, such as yellowing skin and eyes 

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills

• Persistent digestive issues, including indigestion 

• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms may indicate a more severe form of gallstones that requires prompt medical treatment to avoid complications. 

Your doctor can help you monitor your condition and suggest more effective remedies for management of gallstones.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing Gallstones?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about managing gallstones, LifeMD can help.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with medications, prescriptions, and advice on coping with the painful or uncomfortable symptoms caused by this condition.

We can also refer you to a trusted specialist if gallstone or gallbladder removal becomes necessary.

Make your online appointment today.

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