Gall Stones (Cholelithiasis)

The gallstones are deposits of cholesterol and pigments in the gall bladder. These usually found in the people who are obese, eat excessive fatty food items, have lost too much weight quickly or those who have any reason to have a high cholesterol in their bile juice. These stone/s in the gall bladder can be single or multiple and can range in size from a grain of sand to the size of a small ball.

Ayurvedic Description Of Gall Stones (Cholelithiasis)

In Ayurveda, gallstones are referred as Pittashmari, which are caused by the aggravation of all the three doshas. The excessive increase of Pitta (caused by hot, spicy food, alcohol etc.) creates the basis for stones formation; Kapha increased by fatty, heavy foods mixes with pitta and produces a highly sticky mixture and Vata dries this mixture and moulds it into shape of a stone. Hence, the stones get formed in gall bladder.

Signs & Symptoms

• Constant pain in the upper abdomen
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting bouts
• Yellowing of skin
• Clay-colored stools

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Obesity

Overweight/obese people are at the more risk of getting gallstones.

2. Age/Sex

Females above 40 years have more risk of developing gallstones.

3. Diet

Eating a high-fat diet, a high-cholesterol diet and a diet having low-fiber content put individuals more at the risk of gallstones. Some studies have indicated that the non-vegetarians have more incidences of gallstones compared to vegetarians.

4. Family history

In many cases, the individuals have been found to be more prone of getting cholelithaisis if the condition found in any of the family members.

5. Weight loss

Losing body-weight too quickly in small span of the time increases the risk of Cholelithiasis.

6. Medications

Taking some cholesterol-lowering, birth control pills, weight controlling medications, hormonal therapy drugs puts the individuals more at risk of GB stones.

Self Care Tips

• Plan your body detoxification regimen twice or thrice a year especially at the changing season for it will keep you away from the risk of GB stones.
• Avoid junk, stale and fast foods especially if one is obese.
• Consume dry nuts and chew them properly, which have a decent quantity of unsaturated fats.
• Prevention can be done while maintaining a healthy diet and retaining the ideal body weight.
• Cut down on extra carbohydrates and trans fat, as these directly decrease the chances of GB stones.
• Plan your fitness regime while exercising, dancing or walking daily to stay fit and healthy.
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of lukewarm water every day.
• Stay on a vegan diet, consume raw vegetables, and include more roughage in the meal.

The Ayurvedic treatment eliminates the need for surgery by assisting the body to expel the stones naturally. The GB stone treatment involves the use of highly effective stone dissolving (lithotriptic) herbal formulae along with herbs to cleanse the liver and restore its function. The treatment detoxifies the body naturally and has no adverse effects over the body unlike surgery that costs a person to remove one of the important organs from the body.