Gallbladder Disease and Liver Health
Who is at Risk for Developing Gallbladder Disease?
Gallbladder disease is most commonly seen in women, although men can suffer as well. The most common reason for gallbladder disease is gallstones. Rarely found in young people, risk of developing gallstones increases as one ages.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing gallstones, the most common gallbladder disease are:
- A family history of gallstones
- Being female
- Being 60 years old or older
- Diabetes
- High blood cholesterol level
- Being on cholesterol lowering medication
- A diet high in cholesterol
- A low fiber diet
- Rapid weight loss
- Taking drugs that contain estrogen (such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills)
- Being an American Indian
- Being a Mexican-American
- Excess weight or obesity
- Pregnancy
- Biliary strictures (biliary tract narrowing)
Gallstones often occur in people with liver disease – especially those with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) – or those with cirrhosis due to any liver disease.
References
DetoxCompanion.com “Is a Liver Flush Dangerous?” http://www.detoxcompanion.com/liver-cleanse/21/is-a-liver-flush-dangerous/. Retrieved April 20, 2011
eHowHealth.com “What Are the Dangers of a Liver Cleanse with Epsom Salt, Olive Oil and Grapefruit?” http://www.ehow.com/about_5202419_dangers-salt_-olive-oil-grapefruit_.html. Retrieved April 20, 2011
MayoClinic.com “What is a Gallbladder Cleanse? Is it an Effective Way to Flush Out Gallstones?” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallbladder-cleanse/AN01283. Retrieved April 20, 2011
Palmer, M.D., Melissa. Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease. New York: Avery Trade, 2004
U.S. National Library of Medicine NIH National Institutes of Health “Gallbladder Disease” http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001138.htm. Retrieved April 20, 2011
WebMD “Tests Used to Diagnose Gallbladder Problems” http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tests-diagnose-gallbladder-problems. Retrieved April 20, 2011
Worman, M.D. Howard J. The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill, 2006