Many people resort to starving themselves in an attempt to rapidly lose weight. However, this is one of the worst dieting methods in the long run. During starvation, the body tends to accumulate fat more easily, and subsequently, it may induce binge eating, ultimately hindering weight loss. Moreover, it can have negative effects on health, leading to the formation of gallstones.
Gallstones: Detrimental to Healthy Bile
The liver produces about 750mL of bile daily. Bile is primarily composed of cholesterol, fatty acids, and bile salts, and alterations in the ratio of these components can lead to the formation of sludge, which coalesces into hardened stones resembling rocks. This is gallstones. Gallstones are mainly formed in the gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. It's estimated that about 10-15% of adults have gallstones.
Dieting and Gallstones: A Fatal Connection
The most common type of gallstone is cholesterol gallstone, comprising 50-70% cholesterol. Excessive dieting is cited as one of the causes of gallstones. Prolonged dietary restrictions or irregular eating habits for the sake of dieting can disrupt the secretion of hormones responsible for expelling bile from the gallbladder, increasing the likelihood of gallstone formation. In fact, gallstone disease is known to be more prevalent in women who frequently diet. Additionally, obese individuals are also prone to cholesterol gallstones, attributed to their elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Gallstones
Gallstones can cause abdominal bloating and discomfort in digestion. Pain, especially around the abdomen, right side, or back, may also occur. However, in 60-80% of cases, clear symptoms may not manifest. Gallstones are primarily diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound, and if a definite diagnosis is required, endoscopic ultrasound or CT scans may be performed.
Prevention and Treatment of Gallstones
When gallstones occur, proper treatment is necessary due to the high risk of recurrence and possible complications. Drug therapy is attempted for small-sized stones or when there's no inflammation in the gallbladder. However, discontinuation of drug therapy may result in a recurrence rate of 10-30% within a year. Endoscopic treatment is considered for bile duct stones smaller than 2cm, and gallstones within the gallbladder must be removed through laparoscopic surgery. If gallstones are confined to one side of the liver or if liver atrophy is present, surgery may be necessary for severe cases.
Lifestyle for Healthy Gallstones
To prevent gallstones, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Avoiding starvation diets and engaging in regular exercise to reduce overall cholesterol levels in bile are crucial. Additionally, maintaining proper dietary habits to ensure regular bile secretion from the gallbladder is important. It's advisable to reduce intake of cholesterol-rich foods and consume foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as mackerel, pollack, beans, lentils, and nuts. Caffeine and carbonated beverages should be limited as they can interfere with bile acid reabsorption in the intestines. Additionally, efforts to maintain a normal weight are important, especially for obese individuals.
Gallstones are a serious complication that can arise during the dieting process. Therefore, it's important to prevent gallstones through proper dieting methods and healthy lifestyle habits to maintain a healthy body.
