Lumps of solid matter (mainly cholesterol) found in the gallbladder. Occasionally a stone exits from the gallbladder, blocking the flow of bile and leading to inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis. Symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen and sometimes between the shoulder blades, nausea, indigestion, and jaundice - yellowing of the whites of the eyes, the skin and the urine.

Prevention

Increase intake of fibre, found in wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, oat bran, cooked dried beans and peas. Reduce intake of fat (except olive oil, which may be helpful), particularly saturated fat, found in animal products. A vegetarian diet has been shown to help prevent gallstones.

Treatment - Dietary

Reduce intake of all fats except olive oil. Do not eat fried food. A little alcohol each day (not more than 2 units) is thought to reduce levels of bile salts. (One unit is 1/2 pint of beer, a single measure of spirits or one glass of wine). Increase intake of fibre, particularly oat bran and guar gum. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.

Herbal

Balmony is an ancient North American Indian remedy. When combined with fringetree it is an effective gallstone treatment: pour 2 cups of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of each dried herb, infuse for 15 minutes and drink 3 times daily.

Chinese Medicine

Small gallstones are dissolved with herbs such as lysimachia, pyrrosia leaf and rhubarb.

Professional Help

Food allergies may contribute to gallstones. Some naturopaths recommend an elimination diet, carried out under the supervision of a practitioner. Professional homeopathic treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Orthodox

When the stones are small, drugs to dissolve them may be used. Surgery is the more common treatment, which removes the stones or the whole gallbladder if necessary.