The main cause of gallstones is an imbalance between the substances that make up bile. Bile is a fluid produced in the liver that helps with digestion. It contains water, cholesterol, fats, bile salts, and bilirubin. When there is an imbalance between these substances, they can form into small stones known as gallstones.
There are two types of gallstones, cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are the most common and are formed when there is an excess of cholesterol in the bile. This can happen when the liver produces too much cholesterol or when the gallbladder does not empty properly. Pigment stones are caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a substance made when the body breaks down red blood cells.
In addition to an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, other factors can increase the risk of gallstones, including obesity, a diet that is high in fat, diabetes, certain medications, and an inactive lifestyle. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of gallstones, due to an increase in hormones and changes in the gallbladder.
In summary, the main cause of gallstones is an imbalance between the substances that make up bile. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, a diet that is high in fat, diabetes, certain medications, and an inactive lifestyle. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of gallstones.