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• Part 1 of 2: Dissolving gallstones
• Part 2 of 2: Preventing future gallstones

Gallstones are a common digestive problem where hardened digestive juice forms stony structures in the gallbladder (the gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of the body that stores bilirubin). There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol gallstones (the most common) and pigment gallstones. Both types can cause pain and serious infections. Although gallstones are usually treated surgically, you might also want to know how to get the gallstones to dissolve on their own. If you have gallstones but are not showing symptoms, which is common, you may also want to take steps to reduce the size of the gallstones now to avoid future complications.

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Part 1 of 2: Dissolving gallstones

1. Know when to seek medical attention for gallstones. The presence of gallstones does not mean that you should immediately look for a way to resolve them. Gallstones are often symptomless. However, because severe cases of gallstones can lead to infection and other medical emergencies, some symptoms indicate that you should seek immediate medical attention. If your gallstones are causing you one or more of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:
   • Sudden and intense pain in the upper right or center of your abdomen
   • High fever and / or chills
   • Excessive sweating and an increased heart rate due to the pain
   • Jaundice or yellowing of the skin (this may indicate the spread of complications such as inflammation of the bile duct and / or pancreas)
2. Get tested to determine the presence of gallstones. Don't try to dissolve the gallstones if you're not sure you have them yet. If your self-diagnosis is incorrect, you may be ignoring another medical condition that needs treatment. Fortunately, there are several medical tests that can detect gallstones. Ask your doctor about this. The examination may consist of CAT scans, ultrasound scans, MRI scans and ERCP.
   • A blood test can also be taken to test for gallstone complications.
3. Take medication to dissolve small gallstones (less than 1 cm in circumference). Certain drugs can help dissolve smaller gallstones without requiring surgery or other invasive treatment. Medicines such as ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve cholesterol gallstones and lower cholesterol in the gallbladder. Ask your doctor about this - he / she will be able to help you determine if it is worth taking this route of treatment.
   • Know that these drugs are not suitable for people with gallbladder inflammation, large gallstones, or gallstones in the bile ducts.
4. Know what other treatment options there are for gallstones. If your gallstones cannot be resolved with medication, or if you have had complications, it may be necessary to undergo more invasive treatment. It is important to know what options you have available. You can work with your doctor to choose the best treatment for you. Common treatments include:
   • With a catheter. This is a safe treatment method in which a radiologist injects the chemical compound methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) into the gallbladder to dissolve the gallstones.
   • Gallstone crushing (ESWL). This is a procedure in which the patient sits in a bath of water while ultrasonic shock waves are popped through the abdomen to crush the stones - just like kidney stone crushing. Incidentally, this treatment is no longer carried out in the Netherlands.
   • Cholecystectomy. This surgical treatment is the most effective in combating persistent gallstones. In this operation, the entire gallbladder is removed.

Part 2 of 2: Preventing future gallstones

1. Know the risk factors for developing gallstones. Women, people over 60 and people of certain ethnicities are at increased risk for gallstones. Other factors such as pregnancy, overweight / obesity, hereditary predisposition and diet can also contribute to the development of gallstones. Ask your doctor about the factors that contribute to gallstones. If you are at increased risk, he / she will help you develop a preventive treatment plan.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle. While the effects of diet and physical fitness on gallstone formation (and dissolution) are not yet fully understood, researchers have found a correlation between a healthy lifestyle and a limited risk of gallstone symptoms. Do not consume unhealthy amounts of refined sugars, saturated fats and cholesterol. Also make sure you get enough exercise. People who are physically active are much less likely to develop gallstones. These measures can prevent pre-existing gallstones from getting worse and help prevent the formation of future gallstones by lowering blood cholesterol.
   • According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a diet low in fat and cholesterol can help reduce gallstones.
   • Try to eat plenty of fiber-rich and low-fat foods, such as raspberries, split peas, whole grain bread products and oatmeal. Fiber helps the digestive system function properly and a low-fat diet prevents cholesterol from building up in the gallbladder.
   • Obesity is associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation. If you are overweight and want to lose weight, just don't do it too quickly - losing more than half a kilo per week can actually increase the risk of gallstones.
3. Increase the consumption of foods that are high in vitamin E. Certain foods, such as wheat germ, sunflower seeds and certain nuts, contain vitamin E - said to help treat gallstones. The scientific literature has not yet found conclusive evidence for the efficacy of vitamin E in gallstones. However, there is anecdotal evidence that people who don't get enough vitamins E and C or calcium are at increased risk for gallstones.