With the improvement of living standards and changes in dietary structure, the incidence of gallstones is increasing, and middle-aged and older women have a much higher incidence than men.
So why are middle-aged and older women more prone to gallstones?
According to a survey, 30% of white-collar workers develop gallstones due to work stress and irregular eating habits. These patients do not have obvious symptoms of gallstones in the early stages and ignore subtle changes in their bodies. They only seek medical treatment when they experience acute pain, missing the best time for treatment.
The incidence of gallbladder stones increases with age. The peak age of onset is between 40 and 50 years old.
Gender difference in incidence: According to ultrasound diagnosis research, the ratio of male to female incidence is about 1:2. Female gallbladder stones are mostly cholesterol stones. The high incidence of cholesterol stones in females may be related to estrogen increasing cholesterol secretion in bile, reducing the amount and activity of total bile acid, and progesterone affecting gallbladder contraction, leading to bile stasis.
What should women do if they have gallstones?
1. Stone elimination through medication is possible. Currently, there are medications that, when taken, can reduce and break down cholesterol in the body, and then the stone can be smoothly eliminated through normal bodily functions. Drinking Deshui's Yushi Tong tea can help improve the condition without any adverse effects, promoting healthy stone dissolution.
2. Stone elimination through laser surgery involves using laser beams to crush the stones that have already formed in the gallbladder, and then disperse them gradually to eliminate them from the body.
3. Stone elimination through surgical intervention involves direct removal of the stones around the gallbladder by a doctor, completely eliminating the presence of stones.
The method of stone elimination varies depending on the condition of the gallstones. To prevent recurrence of gallstones, it is also important to pay attention to diet. It is advisable to consume less high-calorie, high-fat foods to prevent worsening of cholesterol levels and the formation of stones.
Here are a few points to note in the diet of gallstone patients:
1. Avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
2. Maintain regular eating habits and have a good breakfast.
3. Follow a low-cholesterol diet. Excessive intake of cholesterol can increase the metabolic and clearance burden on the liver and gallbladder, leading to the crystallization, accumulation, and sedimentation of excess cholesterol in the gallbladder, resulting in the formation of stones. Therefore, the intake of cholesterol should be reduced, especially at night, and foods high in cholesterol such as eggs (especially egg yolk), fatty meat, seafood, scaleless fish, and animal organs should be avoided.
