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|  These are rock-like clumps of cholesterol, calcium or other substances that form in the gall bladder. They can develop if the bile produced by the liver is very high in cholesterol, bile acids, pigments or other substances. Regardless of their size, they often produce no symptoms and need no special care. Sometimes, though, they can block the bile duct or inflame the gall bladder, causing intense abdominal pain and requiring prompt treatment.
Several factors may contribute to their formation, including: a low fibre, high fat diet; intestinal surgery; inflammatory bowel disease or other disorders of the digestive tract. Gallstones tend to occur in people over the age of 40 and are 3—4 times more common in women than men.
Vitamin C is important because it lowers bile cholesterol levels, decreasing the chance that cholesterol-laden bile will clump to form stones. Milk Thistle bolsters liver function and promotes a healthy flow of fats and bile from the liver and gall bladder. It also helps metabolise fats. Flaxseed Oil contains essential fatty acids that may be useful in preventing or even dissolving gallstones.
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