Gallstones are crystallized deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder.

Major risk factors: Obesity, diabetes.

Rapid weight loss: As the liver metabolizes fat from weight loss, it secretes more bile, which can form a gallstone.

Gallstones are associated with a significantly increased risk of gallbladder and liver cancer. One study found that 75% of patients with gallbladder cancer also had gallstones.

Important for gallstone prevention…

Avoid the low fat, high carb diet.

Over 50,000 of men between ages 40 and 75 were surveyed every 2 years for 12 years, including collecting data on diet and incidence of gallstones.  Results: Highest carb intake was associated with a 59% increased risk of gallstones versus low carb intake.

Looking at starch intake only, high starch intake was associated with a 43% increased risk of gallstones versus low starch intake.

High carb intake stimulates the liver to produce cholesterol, raises inflammatory triglycerides, and reduces HDL cholesterol –all factors that can play a role in gallstone formation.