GALLSTONES
By Dr. Arun Kheria
Gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in the gallbladder. Gallstones form when substances in the bile, primarily cholesterol and bile pigments form hard crystal-like particles.
There are two types of gallstones.
1. Cholesterol stones – These stones contain mostly hardened cholesterol and account for approximately 80% of gallstones.
2. Pigment stones – These stone are made of bilirubin and account for the other 20%.
Gallstones vary in size and may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder may develop a single, or multiple stones.
Symptoms of gallstone
1. Severe and intermittent pain in the right upper abdomen. This pain can also spread to the right side of chest, shoulders or back.
2. Chronic indigestion , nausea and vomiting.
Cholesterol gallstones develops when bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts. Besides a high concentration of cholesterol, how often and how well the gallbladder contracts is also important because incomplete and infrequent emptying of the gallbladder may cause the bile to become over concentrated and contribute to gallstone formation.
Gallstones in the bile ducts can create a potentially fatal infection of the ducts (cholangitis), the pancreas (pancreatitis), or the liver. The infection is caused when the bile ducts become obstructed due stones, which then allows bacteria to flourish and establish infection in the ducts. If the infection goes untreated, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. Therefore, it is required to take treatment on time for removing gallstones.
Avoid to eat
Since most gall bladder stones are composed of cholesterol, it is important to restrict cholesterol sources like dairy product (milk, cheese, curd, butter, ghee) chocolates, red meat, chicken etc .Avoid foods like tea, coffee, thick gravies, processed foods and foods with preservatives. Avoid fatty and fried food.
Avoid smoking because it upsets the acid-alkali balance due to high Hydrogen ion concentration.
AYURVEDA
According to Ayurveda, gall bladder stones form mainly due to an improper metabolic process and this process is governed by the elemental force Pitta. Pitta controls the digestive system and all biochemical process.
Bhringaraj, punanarnava, bhumiamla, kalamegha, ginger, cumin seeds, katuki, kiryata, parpati, pashanabheda, katukarohini, are the examples of herbs which are effectively used for removing gall bladder stones.
Home Remedy
Take ½ tsp Turmeric (Haridra / Curcuma longa) after dinner with warm toned milk (cream free) or warm water daily for two months. “Curcumin” in turmeric increase the solubility of bile and reduce the concentration of cholesterol through which it can help you to flush out the gallstones from the gallbladder.
Before breakfast, on an empty stomach, take a tsp of Saindhava lavanam or ordinary table salt in a glass of hot water. After drinking this, lie down for about 45 minutes on your right side. Do this once or twice a week.
Vitamin C is helpful to convert cholesterol into bile acids. Consume Vitamin C rich fruits such as amla, lemon etc.
Constipation is also a big cause of gallstones formation, Drink minimum 2-3 litre water in a day.
ARUN AYURVEDA
