Having a gallstone or two (or even more) is very common: A third of all women (it's mainly a female condition) will have them by age 60. Fortunately, most people live peaceably with their gallstones without any symptoms whatsoever. It's when gallstones act up that you need to do something. A painful "gallbladder attack" may occur when a stone decides to move, or simply may follow bouts of indigestion, especially after a meal rich in fatty foods. A double bacon cheeseburger, fries, and a shake should simply be renamed a "Gallbladder Special."

Although surgery and drugs are available for troublesome stones, most can safely be left alone. Remember though, it's a lot easier to prevent gallstones than to treat them. If your case is a mild one, or you don't know whether you have gallstones but know they run in your family, our suggestions at WholeHealth Chicago just might prevent a painful attack or keep you far from the dazzling lights of a surgical operating room.

Learn About Gallstones