Busting Myths About Gall Bladder Stones

Myth 1: Gallbladder Flushes Can Remove Gallstones

Reality: The idea behind a “gallbladder flush” typically involves consuming a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and other ingredients to expel gallstones. However, there is no scientific backing for this method. In fact, these flushes can be harmful, potentially leading to severe digestive issues, dehydration, and complications like pancreatitis. What is often expelled is not actual gallstones but a combination of the ingested oil, juice, and digestive byproducts.

Myth 2: Drinking Apple Juice Dissolves Gallstones

Reality: While hydration is important for overall health, there is no solid evidence that apple juice or other liquids can dissolve stones in gallbladder. Some suggest that pectin in apple juice may soften stones, but this claim lacks scientific validation. Although proper hydration supports liver function and bile production, it does not serve as a remedy or prevention for gallstones.

Myth 3: Dandelion Tea or Supplements Can Cure Gallstones

Reality: Dandelion is sometimes promoted as a natural solution for gallstones due to its potential to stimulate bile flow. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence to suggest that dandelion can dissolve or treat gallstones effectively. While it may offer some liver health benefits, it should not be used as a primary treatment without the guidance of an expert gastroenterologist.

Myth 4: Gallstones Pass Through Urine

Reality: Some believe that gallstones, like kidney stones, can be flushed out through urine, but this is not true. Gallstones form in the gallbladder, not the kidneys, so they cannot pass through urine. Drinking large amounts of water won’t eliminate them. Gallbladder stones typically require different treatments, often surgery, for removal. Attempting to flush them out can lead to complications. To help prevent gallstones, a low-fat diet and regular exercise are more effective.

Myth 5: Gallstones Lead to Gallbladder Cancer

Reality: While many people with gallbladder cancer also have gallstones, this does not mean that gallstones cause the cancer. There’s no concrete evidence proving a direct link between the two. Large gallstones slightly increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer, but the overall risk remains low.

Myth 6: Surgery for Gallstones is Risky

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, gallstone surgery is considered quite safe, with complications occurring in fewer than 1% of cases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or keyhole surgery, is the standard treatment. It’s usually a day surgery with minimal discomfort and recovery time. Most patients don’t require overnight hospital stays and experience a smooth recovery. If you’re considering surgery, learning more about how to prepare for gallbladder surgery can be beneficial.

Myth 7: Only Older Adults Get Gallstones

Reality: It’s a myth that only older people develop gallstones. While gallstones are more common in older adults, particularly after age 40, they can affect people of all ages, i.e., children and young adults. Factors like rapid weight loss, obesity, and genetics play a role in gallstone formation in younger individuals as well.

Myth 8: Removing the Gallbladder Causes Digestive Problems

Reality: The gallbladder does not produce bile; that’s the liver’s job. The gallbladder’s function is to store and concentrate bile, releasing it into the intestine when fatty foods are consumed. After gallbladder removal, the liver continues to produce bile and send it directly to the intestines. As a result, digestion remains unaffected, even without the gallbladder. A minority of patients experience diarrhoeas which are usually self resolving.