Search Weight Loss Topics: |
Gallbladder and Alcohol Consumption: What to Know – Healthline


Your gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located in the upper right part of your abdomen. Along with your liver and pancreas, your gallbladder is a part of your biliary system.
Your biliary system focuses on the production, storage, and release of bile, a liquid thats important for the digestion of fats. Your gallbladders specific function is to store bile until it needs to be released into your small intestine.
You probably know that consuming alcohol can affect your liver. But have you ever wondered whether alcohol can also impact your gallbladder?
Lets look at whats known about alcohols effect on your gallbladder, what else can cause gallbladder issues, and how to keep your gallbladder healthy.
Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for many health conditions. However, research has indicated that moderate alcohol consumption may actually help prevent gallstones.
Gallstones are deposits of a substance, often cholesterol, that harden and accumulate in your gallbladder. Theyre common, affecting 10 to 15 percent of people in the United States.
A 2019 analysis published in the journal Gut and Liver reviewed the results of 24 studies on alcohol use and gallstone risk. The researchers found that alcohol consumption was associated with a decreased risk of gallstones.
How exactly alcohol reduces gallstone risk is unknown. One theory is that alcohol consumption increases the rate at which the gallbladder empties. This would reduce the amount of bile that lingers in the gallbladder, lowering the risk of stone formation.
However, research hasnt supported this finding. Instead, researchers have observed no difference in gallbladder emptying between drinkers and nondrinkers or have found that alcohol actually slows gallbladder emptying.
Other ideas about how alcohol lowers gallstone risk are related to cholesterol, which many gallstones are made up of. For example, its possible that alcohol consumption may lead to lower cholesterol levels in bile.
We mentioned moderate alcohol consumption above, but what exactly does that mean?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol consumption as:
The amount thats considered one drink varies based on the type of alcohol youre consuming. A standard drink is defined as:
While moderate alcohol consumption may lower your risk of gallstones, drinking too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your health in several ways.
Excessive drinking can be associated with things like binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol use disorder.
Binge drinking and heavy drinking may seem similar, but they have different definitions:
Engaging in frequent binge drinking or heavy drinking can increase your risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of:
If you believe that you or a loved one has a dependence on alcohol, there are many resources you can turn to for help and support. These include:
Lets take a closer look at some of the most common gallbladder issues and what can put you at risk for each of them.
Gallstones are hard objects that can develop in your gallbladder. Theyre often made up of either cholesterol or bilirubin and can vary in size and number. Its believed that gallstones form when your bile contains too much of either of these substances.
Many times, gallstones cause no symptoms. However, when they block the ducts of your biliary system, they can cause pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. This pain often occurs after a meal.
There are many risk factors for developing gallstones. Some are out of your control, while others are related to underlying conditions or lifestyle habits.
You may be at a higher risk of developing gallstones if you:
The presence of gallstones can sometimes lead to complications within your biliary system, particularly when they block the flow of bile. Well discuss some of these conditions below.
Cholecystitis is a condition where your gallbladder becomes inflamed. This most often happens when a gallstone blocks one of your biliary ducts, causing bile to back up in your gallbladder. It can also happen due to growths like polyps or tumors.
Pain due to cholecystitis is often more severe and prolonged than it is with gallstones. Other symptoms can include fever, nausea, and vomiting.
This condition is sometimes also called acalculous gallbladder disease. This is when gallbladder inflammation occurs without gallstones being present. The symptoms are similar to those of cholecystitis.
Gallbladder disease without stones is often seen in people who have experienced severe physical trauma or burns or who have an autoimmune condition like lupus. Having heart or abdominal surgery can also be a risk factor for this disease.
Choledocholithiasis occurs when a gallstone blocks your common bile duct, the tube that transports bile from your liver to your small intestine. A blockage in this area can cause bile to accumulate in your liver.
Choledocholithiasis causes pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. Other symptoms can include:
Polyps are growths that can occur in your gallbladder. Most gallbladder polyps are benign (noncancerous). In rare cases, they can be malignant (cancerous). Little is known about the risk factors for developing gallbladder polyps.
A gallbladder polyp may not cause any symptoms. However, if it blocks a duct, it can cause symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting.
You can take several steps to help keep your gallbladder healthy and functioning well:
Research has found that moderate alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of gallstones, although researchers arent sure how this occurs.
While drinking in moderation may lower the risk of gallstones, excess alcohol consumption can increase your risk of many health conditions.
If you believe that you or a loved one misuses alcohol, there are many resources available to help.
Read the original post:
Gallbladder and Alcohol Consumption: What to Know - Healthline
- Mounjaro for Weight Loss: Health Experts Answer 9 Common ... - Healthline - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- Wegovy, Ozempic Help Folks Lose Weight, But How? - HealthDay News - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- All About Metabolism - Everyday Health - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- 8 'Bad' Foods That Can Actually Help You Lose Weight - Eat This, Not That - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- How To Lose One PoundAdding Up to Gradual Weight Loss That ... - Eat This, Not That - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- Alpilean Reviewed - Real Customer Support or Cheap Counterfeit ... - Whidbey News-Times - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- 3 Super Healthy High Protein Snacks for Faster Fat Loss - BOXROX - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- Liv Pure Reviews Negative Side Effects Risk or Safe Ingredients ... - Federal Way Mirror - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- Swami Ramdev's best diet plan to lose weight during the Navratri fast - India TV News - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- The 11 Best Diets for Weight Loss in 2023 - Sports Illustrated - October 16th, 2023 [October 16th, 2023]
- Lose Weight Fast with Dr. Vince Hassel | Paid Content - Local 5 - weareiowa.com - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- Lose 10 Pounds in a Month With This Workout Trainers Love - Eat This, Not That - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- Fine, Ill Say It: I Hate It When Plus-Size Celebrities Lose Weight - Allure - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- 3 Foods To Remove From Your Diet To Drop Pounds So Fast - SheFinds - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- Sustainable weight loss: How to lose the extra kilos and not gain them back - The Indian Express - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- 1000-LB. Sisters Tammy Slaton needs 11-hour surgery costing $85k to fix excess skin & its not just her ne... - The US Sun - May 3rd, 2023 [May 3rd, 2023]
- Top 6 Most Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Significant Results ... - The Bellingham Business Journal - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- Working out but not losing weight? This could be why - Sportskeeda - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- My 600-Lb Life: Marla McCants' Weight Loss Transformation In Photos - Screen Rant - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- Weight Loss Tips: 4 Healthy Food Combinations That Can Help You Lose Those Extra Kilos Quickly - Jagran English - March 12th, 2023 [March 12th, 2023]
- Here are 7 things that helped this woman lose 20 kgs in 4 months - Indiatimes.com - March 12th, 2023 [March 12th, 2023]
- Kang So Ra says she was desperate to lose weight and get back to ... - allkpop - March 12th, 2023 [March 12th, 2023]
- Benefits of swimming for weight loss, mental health and more - Sportskeeda - March 12th, 2023 [March 12th, 2023]
- Quick Weight Loss diet plan: Five belly fat-burning vegetable and fruit juices recipes - DNA India - March 4th, 2023 [March 4th, 2023]
- Weight loss expert shares 12 week diet for 'rapid' results - better than 'slow and steady' - Express - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Pros and cons of new weight loss drug - The Lawton Constitution - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Peanut butter and banana Tiger Woods on eating and losing weight at the golf course - Sportskeeda - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Ozempic for Weight Loss: Experts Answer 9 Common Questions - Healthline - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Weight Loss Diet: Why are you not losing weight despite doing everything right? These could be the reasons - Times Now - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Belly fat is linked to serious health issues... here is how to get rid of it ... - The Telegraph - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- 1000-lb Sisters stars Amy and Tammy Slatons major show plans revealed after fights over TV salar... - The US Sun - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Keto Shark Tank Gummies Beware Scam Alert Shark Tank Weight Loss Gummies | Is It Worth Buying? - Outlook India - January 13th, 2023 [January 13th, 2023]
- Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss (2023) Top Brand Products on the Market - Outlook India - January 13th, 2023 [January 13th, 2023]
- Can Juicing Help You Lose Weight? - Healthline - November 25th, 2022 [November 25th, 2022]
- The ultimate diet to lose weight fast - Longevity.Technology - November 25th, 2022 [November 25th, 2022]
- Kim Kardashian Keto Gummies (Slim Candy) Is Kim Kardashian Weight Loss Gummies Scam Or Not? - The Tribune India - November 17th, 2022 [November 17th, 2022]
- The Link Between Brain Health and Weight Loss - First For Women - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- What Is Phentermine? Top 5 Best Phentermine Alternatives - Outlook India - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- The allure of fad diets, and why they fail | Penn Today - Penn Today - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- Are Low-Carb Diets Effective? Here's What You Need To Know - Forbes - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- Bounce-back culture: Why new mums are expected to 'snap back' - BBC - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- 6 HIIT Weight Loss Exercises That Are Better than Cardio - Sportskeeda - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- 12 Chefs' Secrets for Making the Perfect Soup Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - October 20th, 2022 [October 20th, 2022]
- How to lose weight fast but safely - Cyprus Mail - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- Kate Middleton: What the Princess may eat in a day to stay slim - Express - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- This Burns the Most Visceral Fat, Says Science Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- Weight Loss And Size Not Confined To Just Women Actors In Hollywood - Asiana Times - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- 5 Simple Diets To Lose Weight And Improve Your Health - IWMBuzz - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- What science says about the fat burners and other gimmicks Oz promoted on his TV show - The Philadelphia Inquirer - October 12th, 2022 [October 12th, 2022]
- 6 Eating Habits To Fast-Track Fat Burning Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 18th, 2022 [September 18th, 2022]
- Want to get rid of upper body fat? These 5 exercises promise quick results - Health shots - September 10th, 2022 [September 10th, 2022]
- Weight Loss by Walking follow these easy tips while walking to reduce extra weight and fat - Globe News Insider - September 10th, 2022 [September 10th, 2022]
- 16 cost-free, quick and easy fitness hacks for every day - CyclingWeekly - September 10th, 2022 [September 10th, 2022]
- Weight loss Diet: 5 Super Foods That Will Help You Shed Those Extra Kilos - India.com - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- How a fat-burning molecule could help treat overweight and obesity - Medical News Today - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- TikTok Says This Supplement Stops Sugar Cravings but It's Not That Simple - POPSUGAR - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- Modere Trim Review: Does it work for weight loss? - The Southern Maryland Chronicle - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- The #1 Outdoor Workout To Lose Belly Fat in a Week, Says Trainer Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- UTSW researchers show effectiveness of migraine drug in weight loss - UT Southwestern - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- Leva's Southern Charm is heightened by her incredible weight loss - Reality Titbit - Celebrity TV News - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- ViaKeto Gummies Australia (AU & NZ) Reviews: Ingredients, Price and Where To Buy? Does ViaKeto Apple Gummies Work? - Outlook India - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- You'll Love the Results! Check Out the 17 Best Workouts for Stubborn Belly Fat - Parade Magazine - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- Here Is Why Preventing Obesity In Children Is Critical | Femina.in - Femina - July 16th, 2022 [July 16th, 2022]
- Weight Loss Workout Plan: Your Weekly Fitness Plan To Lose Weight | SELF - July 8th, 2022 [July 8th, 2022]
- The #1 Best Chocolate for Weight Loss, Says Dietitian Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - July 8th, 2022 [July 8th, 2022]
- Healthy and delicious potato recipes that will help you lose weight quickly - Hindustan Times - July 8th, 2022 [July 8th, 2022]
- 6 Things to keep in mind while losing weight - Web News Observer - July 8th, 2022 [July 8th, 2022]
- This what Bollywood divas eat to lose weight quickly for their movies - Times of India - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- 6 Indian Spices That Can Help You Lose Weight - Kalinga TV - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- Weight loss expert, Dr. Mohit Bhandari on metabolic health, and the globally acclaimed weight-loss innovat - Economic Times - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- Small Changes to This Guy's Workout and Diet Helped Him Drop 35 Pounds and Get Shredded - Men's Health - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- What can you eat on a vegan keto diet? Fitness experts answer - Hindustan Times - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- Lose Inches off Your Waist Fast With These Outdoor Exercises, Trainer Says Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- Why You Gain Weight After Losing It, and How to Kick This Habit for Good - CNET - June 29th, 2022 [June 29th, 2022]
- The Top 19 Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss Support - Mercer Island Reporter - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]
- Exipure How to Get Rid of Excess Pounds with It - GlobeNewswire - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]
- Why the timing of your breakfast can help you lose weight - The Telegraph - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]
- If you cant lose weight by eating less, these doctors may have the solution - BGR - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]
- Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Australia Canada Hoax ((CAUTION)) Exposed! Where To Buy? Reviews - Outlook India - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]
- Slimmer lost over 5st and reversed diabetes diagnosis - 'still have sweet treats' - Express - June 10th, 2022 [June 10th, 2022]