What can you eat to eliminate gallstones?
In general, gallstones can be managed by consuming foods such as walnuts, pumpkin, wood ear mushrooms, oranges, and oats. Medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, stone-expelling granules, Dan Ning tablets, and potassium sodium citrate granules may also be taken under medical guidance. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Foods
1. Walnuts
Walnuts contain a substance called pyruvic acid, which prevents mucoproteins from binding with calcium ions and unconjugated bilirubin, promoting their dissolution. Moderate consumption may help dissolve small gallstones. Additionally, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin promotes growth, development, diuresis, and bowel movement. Consuming an appropriate amount of pumpkin provides mannitol, which aids in toxin elimination and cholesterol dissolution. The pectin it contains has strong adsorptive properties, protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation. It also helps promote bile secretion, enhance gastrointestinal motility, and support digestion.
3. Wood Ear Mushrooms (Auricularia spp.)
Wood ear mushrooms are rich in plant alkaloids and active enzymes. When consumed in moderation, they help expel foreign substances and have strong adsorption capacity, which may assist in removing gallstones.
4. Oranges
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which inhibits cholesterol synthesis and helps prevent gallstone formation.
5. Oats
Adequate fiber intake supports normal digestive system function and helps prevent gallstone formation. These foods contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of cholesterol-based gallstones.
2. Medications
1. Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a commonly used medication for dissolving gallbladder stones. Its primary action is to increase bile acid secretion and alter bile composition, reducing the levels of cholesterol and cholesterol esters in bile. This facilitates the gradual dissolution of cholesterol within gallstones, achieving a therapeutic effect.
2. Anti-inflammatory and Bile-Promoting Tablets
This traditional Chinese medicine formulation has functions of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and promoting bile flow. It enhances bile secretion and aids in stone expulsion. It is also used to relieve symptoms caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as abdominal and back pain associated with gallstones.
3. Stone-Expelling Granules
Stone-expelling granules are medications designed to facilitate the removal of gallstones. Drinking plenty of water while taking this medication can enhance its effectiveness.
4. Dan Ning Tablets
These tablets have effects of clearing heat, resolving dampness, soothing the liver, and promoting bile flow. When used according to medical advice, they may help dissolve gallstones.
5. Potassium Sodium Citrate Granules
This is a urinary system medication primarily used to dissolve uric acid stones and prevent new stone formation. Although mainly indicated for urinary tract stones, it may have adjunctive benefits in certain cases of gallstones, but usage must follow medical advice.
Individual health conditions and dietary habits vary, so it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before making dietary changes to ensure safety and effectiveness. For large stones or severe symptoms, timely medical evaluation is recommended, along with appropriate treatments such as medication or surgery under professional guidance. In addition to dietary and pharmacological management, maintaining regular eating habits, drinking sufficient water, and engaging in moderate physical activity can also help prevent gallstone formation.