As June is Men’s Health Month, here we’re focussing on men’s digestive health and the gallbladder. This small, pear-shaped organ plays a big role in keeping your digestion running smoothly. For men, gallbladder disease, especially gallstones, is a growing problem.
In this blog, we’ll break down what gallbladder disease is and the practical steps you can take to protect the health of the gallbladder.
Understanding gallbladder disease
The gallbladder sits just under your liver and acts as a storage pouch for bile, the digestive juice that helps break down fats. When you eat, the gallbladder squeezes bile into the small intestine.
Gallbladder disease comes in several forms, but gallstones (hardened deposits of cholesterol or bilirubin) are by far the most common.
Some gallstones cause no symptoms at all, while others can trigger painful attacks known as biliary colic. This is usually a sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the shoulder or back. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion, especially after fatty meals.
Left untreated, gallstones can lead to complications like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), jaundice, blocked bile ducts, or acute pancreatitis – all requiring urgent medical attention.
Why are gallbladder problems on the rise?
A study examining trends between 1999 and 2021, revealed rising mortality and disability linked to gallbladder disease worldwide.
While women, especially those of reproductive age, can be at higher risk due to hormonal factors, men often present with more advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This may be because men tend to delay seeking help, or because gallbladder disease in men progresses differently. Whatever the reason, the result is that men can experience more serious complications.
Other contributors to rising gallbladder problems include increasing rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for gallstone formation. Diets high in saturated fat and low in fibre, common in many Western countries, also don’t do the gallbladder any favours.
What can men do to protect their gallbladder?
The good news is, there are clear steps men can take to lower their risk of gallbladder disease. Here’s what to focus on:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Rapid weight loss or extreme dieting can increase the risk of gallstones, so aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss if needed.
- Choose a balanced diet. High-fibre foods, healthy fats (like those in nuts, avocados, and fish), and plenty of fruits and vegetables support the gallbladder, while limiting processed foods and saturated fats helps keep bile flowing smoothly.
- Stay active. Regular exercise not only helps with weight management but also improves overall metabolic health, reducing gallstone risk.
- Don’t ignore symptoms. If you experience repeated bouts of abdominal pain, especially after fatty meals, or notice yellowing of the skin (jaundice), seek medical advice. Early diagnosis can help avoid serious complications.
For men already diagnosed with gallstones, treatment ranges from watchful waiting (if there are no symptoms) to surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) if attacks or complications arise.
If you’re concerned about gallbladder symptoms or digestive health, Mr Michael Stellakis offers expert, personalised advice and advanced laparoscopic treatments. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
