What Does Your Gallbladder Do?

Located in the upper right side of your abdomen, right beneath your liver, your gallbladder stores the bile your liver makes to help you digest food. This 3- to 4-inch pear-shaped organ effectively acts as a storage tank connected to your digestive system through a series of small tubes called bile ducts. Your gallbladder breaks down fats and helps your body absorb vitamins and nutrients by releasing bile into your small intestine when you eat. Without this process, your digestive system slows down, making it harder for your body to handle fatty foods and get the nutrition it needs.

How to Recognize Gallstones

Gallstones occur when your bile doesn't contain enough fluid or has too much cholesterol. These hardened bile bits range from tiny sand-like grains to marble-sized, with some people developing a single gallstone and others developing dozens. Roughly 10% to 15% of Americans have gallstones, and that percentage climbs as you age. In fact, women over 60 face the highest risks due to hormonal changes and a gallbladder that typically empties at a slower rate. You may overlook gallstones initially, but bile duct blockages can cause sudden, intense symptoms.

Know the Warning Signs

Early treatment offers seniors the best chance of success by preventing serious complications, so call your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have gallbladder problems. For instance, you may experience pain in your abdomen that moves to your right shoulder or back. Other common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in your middle or upper right abdomen
• Pain that worsens after eating fatty foods
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent bloating or burping
• Fever or chills (in cases where infection occurs)

Why Seniors Face Higher Risks

Several common age-related factors increase your chances of developing gallstones. Knowing these risks helps you make more intelligent choices to keep your gallbladder working optimally. Some common risk factors include:

• Slower digestion due to decreased efficiency
• A more sedentary lifestyle that slows bile flow
• Dietary shifts to a high-fat, low-fiber diet
• Use of drugs that change bile composition
• Rapid weight loss or gain that throws the balance off

How to Protect Your Gallbladder

Small lifestyle changes can protect your gallbladder. For instance, eating smarter by filling up on fiber-rich foods like veggies, fruits and whole grains can improve gut health, as can cutting down on fat, limiting sugar and white carbs and eating good fat like avocados. Moving daily also helps, so aim for 30 minutes of light to moderate activity, such as walking, swimming or chair yoga. Lose weight slowly, aiming for 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week, and drink more water to thin your bile and keep it flowing. Ensure your routine works by regularly seeing your Ellisville, MO, doctor, mentioning any issues with abdominal pain, bloating or digestive changes. Remember — early detection can save you from future emergencies.

When to Consider Surgery

Sometimes gallstones block your bile ducts repeatedly or cause gallbladder inflammation, called cholecystitis. Your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal — a standard procedure called a cholecystectomy — when those issues occur. Most seniors do well after this laparoscopic surgery that uses tiny incisions for a quicker recovery. You can still digest food after surgery, but small dietary changes may be necessary to support your body's efforts.

Managing Life After Gallbladder Removal

Life after gallbladder removal surgery may look a little different, but most people adjust quickly and feel normal again within a few weeks. Whether you live alone, with your significant other or family or in an assisted living community like Autumn View Gardens Ellisville, some tips to help with the adjustment period include:

• Eating smaller meals more often to put less strain on your digestive system
• Avoiding heavy, fatty foods that strain digestion
• Tracking foods that cause discomfort and adjusting your diet accordingly

Cautions to Take With Popular Supplements

Some seniors turn to natural remedies like milk thistle, dandelion root and spices like turmeric to support liver and gallbladder health. While these supplements may benefit some, they may also interfere with your medications. Always talk to your doctor before you add supplements to your routine, especially if you're managing chronic conditions with prescription drugs.

Don't wait for abdominal pain to pay attention to your gallbladder health. Instead, start now by choosing whole foods, moving daily and drinking more water. Listening to your body and checking in with your doctor when something feels off can help immensely. Though your gallbladder may not be the first organ you think about, it plays a vital role in your comfort and digestion, and you can keep it working smoothly for years to come with just a little knowledge and care.

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