Each year millions of people are treated for gallstone-related pain in the upper right side of the belly. These pains come from just below the ribs. But it may surprise you that this pain is often caused by liver stones instead of gall stones. The only thing that separates the two is the location in the body. Liver stones – Causes & Symptoms
What are liver stones?
Liver stones are not a recognized medical term or condition. However, there is a condition called liver stones or intrahepatic stones, which are stones that form within the bile ducts inside the liver. These stones are primarily composed of cholesterol or bilirubin and can cause symptoms similar to those of gallstones, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and digestive issues.
Liver stones are relatively rare compared to gallstones, which typically form in the gallbladder. The treatment for liver stones may involve medications to dissolve the stones, minimally invasive procedures to remove them, or, in some cases, surgical intervention. If you suspect you have liver stones or are experiencing symptoms related to liver or gallbladder issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What causes liver stones?
The exact cause of liver stones, also known as intrahepatic stones, is not fully understood. However, they are believed to form due to several factors, including:
- Bile Composition: Liver stones can develop when there is an imbalance in the composition of bile, which is produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. If the bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, it can lead to the formation of stones.
- Liver Conditions: Certain liver conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or Caroli disease, can increase the risk of developing liver stones. These conditions can cause inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, which may contribute to stone formation.
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Obstruction or narrowing of the bile ducts within the liver can prevent the normal flow of bile, leading to the accumulation of bile components and the formation of stones.
- Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing liver stones, although the role of genetics in their formation is not fully understood.
- Other Risk Factors: Other factors that may increase the risk of liver stones include obesity, rapid weight loss, certain medications, and certain medical conditions affecting bile metabolism.
Overall, the formation of liver stones is a complex process that involves multiple factors, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying their development.
The weird thing is that often liver stones cause little or no apparent symptoms. In other words, the symptoms are there but doctors do not make the connection between the symptoms and the cause. Almost all patients who have liver stones complain that they are always feeling cold. This could be related to liver stones, but also other diseases.
Frequent liver stones symptoms
- Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen is a common symptom of liver stones. The pain may be intermittent or constant and can range from mild to severe.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Liver stones that block the bile ducts can lead to jaundice.
- Digestive Symptoms: Liver stones may cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness after eating.
- Fever and Chills: In some cases, liver stones can cause fever and chills, especially if there is inflammation or infection in the bile ducts.
- Changes in Stool Color: Liver stones may cause changes in the color of stools, such as clay-colored stools, due to the reduced flow of bile into the intestine.
- Itching (Pruritus): Buildup of bile components in the bloodstream can lead to itching, particularly on the hands and feet.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Liver stones can cause fatigue and weakness, especially if they lead to liver dysfunction or impaired bile flow.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of liver stones can overlap with those of other liver and gallbladder conditions, so a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for determining the underlying cause of symptoms and initiating appropriate treatment.
Get rid of these liver stones symptoms!
Many of these liver stones symptoms will disappear immediately after your first successful gallbladder liver flush. Be aware that most liver stones symptoms will return after a week or two, in which case it is important to do another liver flush. Most people will have flushed everything out after 6-8 liver cleanses. This is not true for everyone; several people will require at least 20 flushes to get them all out.
Milk thistle has a reputation of being a weed. That is not surprising as its flowers and leaves look like those of an ordinary thistle. Because it spreads easily and occupies every small bit of ground that can explain such a mistake. Many scientists and natural healers believe the herb should be praised because of its beneficial effect on the liver and other human organisms. When you are suffering from liver stones, milk thistle might be a good natural remedy to look into.
The plant originally comes from Europe. This is also where a majority of scientific studies on the plant were conducted. It is one of the most studied plants in the world, and most studies indicate that milk thistle is a very good natural remedy to all sorts of problems in the body and most notably the liver.
Silymarin: Milk thistle’s main ingredient
- Liver Health Support: The liver helps the body remove toxins and converts nutrients from our body into substances we can use.
- High Potency: Each capsule contains equvalent of 1,000mg of milk thistle (from 111.1mg of 9:1 extract) to provide high-power liver support and contains an additional 50mg of dandelion root for additional benefits.*
- Antioxidant Support: Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant that can help maintain healthy liver function.*
- Trusted Since 1960: The pioneers of Bronson Vitamins were a group of pharmacists who witnessed the benefits of vitamins and mineral supplementation firsthand with their patients. Bronson Vitamins have been consistently mentioned by top medical professionals since our inception in 1960.
- Allergen Statement: This is natural product that contains flowers. Avoid this product if you are allergic to ragweed or daisy-like flowers.
The plant’s main ingredient is silymarin, a chemical substance that belongs to the flavonolignans. The seeds of the milk thistle have the highest concentration of silymarin. That is why most studies have focused their attention on the seeds and their medicinal value.
These studies suggest that this component of milk thistle promotes spleen and kidney protection. It is also very beneficial to the gallbladder and the liver.
It should be noted that milk thistle doesn’t cure any liver disease. It only helps to reduce the influence of:
- influence of viruses like hepatitis C
- toxins like alcohol and chemicals
- some medication (halothane, phenytoin, acetaminophen)
Silymarin is the component that keeps your liver protected. It stops elements that destroy liver cells from entering them. It also stimulates the synthesis of proteins, which will allow your liver to create new cells. It inhibits enzymes that are inflammatory and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
People suffering from chronic hepatitis could be using milk thistle as the inflammation will be reduced. It protects a fatty liver and alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. It helps to soften the liver tissue while promoting the formation of new cells. It might even be beneficial to cancer patients because studies seem to suggest that milk thistle can stop the growth of cancer cells.
Liver cleanse
Milk thistle is also a useful product to clear out your liver and gallbladder. It helps reduce liver stones symptoms. It increases the flow of bile, softens bile duct and gallbladder tissue, and slows down inflammation. However: please consult an expert before using this plant if you are suspected to have gallstones. First, you should find out the number and size of the stones. Milk thistle works as a demulcent, which means it can stimulate the bile flow and clear any stagnation in the gallbladder or liver. However, some stones may be too large to pass. Our health is not something we can risk experimenting with!
That being said, milk thistle seems to be a very good natural way of healing any liver problems you may have. Be sure to look into it before considering any surgery because of liver stones or gallbladder problems!