The GUT Foundation

Gall Bladder


http://www.gut.nsw.edu.au/images/gisystem.swf

The gall bladder is a small sac that holds bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver that is used in the breakdown of dietary fats. The gall bladder extracts water from its store of bile until the liquid becomes highly concentrated. The presence of fatty foods triggers the gall bladder to squeeze its bile concentrate in the small intestine.

Gallstones (biliary calculi) are small stones made from cholesterol, bile pigment and calcium salts, usually as a mixture that forms in the gall bladder. 

Gallstones are a common disorder of the digestive system, and affect around 15 per cent of people aged 50 years and over. Some things which may lead to the formation of gallstones include the crystallisation of excess cholesterol in bile and the failure of the gall bladder to fully empty. In most cases, gallstones don't cause any problems.

However, prompt treatment may be neessary if stones block ducts and cause complications, such as infections or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

To see the complete book on The Gall Bladder click here: assets/documents/Hepatitis v7.pdf

Recipe of the Month

Chicken Soup Quick and easy hearty soup Recipe of the Monthas a snack or meal

More info >

Fibre Calculator

How much fibre do you need per day? Fibre Fibre Calculatoris found in fruits,vegetables, wheat, oat bran, legumes such as lentils, beans, peas, and also nuts.

More info >

Symptoms Check

Use this guide to discover the most common Symptoms Checkcauses of the most common symptoms. This is only a guide. Work with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis

More info >

Free Pamphlets

Single copies of our brochures are available Free Pamphletsfor free otherwise they are $11 per 50 plus postage and handling at cost.

More info >