Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Gallstones form when bile becomes unbalanced: excess cholesterol, poor emptying, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, age and family history.
Gallstones form when bile becomes unbalanced. Normally bile keeps cholesterol and other substances dissolved. When that balance fails, or the gallbladder does not empty well, solid particles can form and grow into stones.
Main causes of cholesterol stones
Risk factors
Medical conditions linked to pigment stones
Conditions that destroy red blood cells faster than normal, such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, and liver cirrhosis, raise the risk.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda describes stone formation as an aggravation of Kapha and Pitta with impaired digestive fire. This is an interpretive framework, not a proven mechanism, and it does not replace scans and medical advice.
Key point
Most people have several risk factors together. You cannot change age, sex or family history, but weight, diet and activity can be improved safely.
Other contributing factors
Certain medicines, including some hormone therapies and cholesterol-lowering fibrates, can raise the risk. A sedentary lifestyle and rapid weight cycling also add to it. A doctor can review your own list of risks.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder. Most cause no symptoms, but a blocked duct can cause pain, infection or jaundice.
Gallstones are cholesterol, pigment or mixed, in the gallbladder or bile duct, and silent or symptomatic. Types guide care.
Lower gallstone risk with gradual weight loss, regular meals, fibre, activity and early checks if you are higher risk.
Walking and gentle yoga support weight and digestion but do not dissolve gallstones. Know what to avoid and when to stop.
A gallstone diet favours fibre and lighter meals, limits fried and fatty food, and cannot dissolve existing stones.
Gallstone disease moves from silent stones to colic and complications. See which phase needs medical care and why early review matters.
