Prevalence of gallbladder stones in youth and working-class people: In what ways should they take precautions?

Time of India

2 days ago

In today's fast-paced world, the demands of work and the temptations of convenience often lead to lifestyles that can unknowingly put our health at risk. These risks include gallstones — small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, an organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a fluid necessary to digest fats.
Though commonly considered a disorder of the elderly, gallstone disease is now being frequently seen in the younger age groups and among the working population. The prevalence of gallbladder stones is much higher in females than males and in North India compared to South India. It keeps varying from 5 -10% depending on the location.
There are many reasons behind the rise of gallbladder stones among the youth. Most of us live sedentary lives these days, and if you have an office job, then you'll be familiar with long hours at a desk.
Combine that with eating habits that may tend toward high-calorie, processed foods, and even too much meat consumption, and you have a recipe for weight gain. Obesity is recognized as one of the most important risks for the development of GS, leaving a large part of the younger working group vulnerable.
The irony is brutal: those who are seeking to make their way in life are unwittingly putting themselves at risk for a condition that can create considerable pain and require medical attention.
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It may be tiny, but the gallbladder is far from insignificant. When gallstones develop and become symptomatic, the most common course of treatment is to remove the entire gallbladder, a surgery that is typically carried out laparoscopically or robotically. Although a frequent medical procedure, it underlines the need for preventative measures to keep the gallbladder healthy so one doesn't have to undergo surgery at all.
A few steps that young and working-class individuals can integrate into their daily lives to significantly reduce their risk of developing gallstones:
1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
It is always easier to prevent overweight than to lose weight once gained. For people who are already overweight, the answer is slow, steady weight loss. Ironically, crash dieting (dropping more than 1.5 kg a week) can backfire and lead to gallstones.
Slow and intentional progress isn't just better for our health, it's also kinder to the gallbladder.
2. Embrace the Power of Movement:
Physical activity is a powerful preventive weapon against gallstones. Those who are chained to a desk for hours, it is important that you exercise for at least one hour every day. Even those with jobs on their feet or in motion can use 30 minutes of planned physical activity. Engaging in regular exercise can reduce your risk of gallstones by a whopping 70%.
Including lunchtime walks, commuting to work by cycling, and playing sports or going to the gym can make all the difference.
3. Nourish Your Body Wisely:
Diet plays a pivotal role in gallbladder health. Foods that are full of dietary fiber as well as calcium, like a variety of colored fruits and veggies, as well as all-natural nuts, encourage healthy emptying of the gallbladder and the prevention of stone creation. Although some research indicates there may be some benefit to taking vitamin C supplements, be sure to check with a healthcare provider before beginning a supplement regimen.
4. Recognize the Warning Signs:
While prevention is the ultimate goal, awareness of potential symptoms is also important. Severe and potentially sudden pain in the upper middle section or right side of the abdomen (especially if it spreads over the back) cannot be overlooked. Early medical treatment may result in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and thus ultimately a lower risk of major complications.
In summary, the increase in frequency of gallstones in young, in the working population is alarming. We shouldn't let our high-flying lives sacrifice our health. We can actively protect our gallbladders by making a concerted effort to adopt and maintain good habits—a diet full of fiber and calcium, regular exercise, and a gradual and sustainable approach to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
(Dr Varun Dasari, Consultant - Surgical Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada)
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