Causes of Gallstones

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Gallstones occur when the liver produces bile that is saturated with dissolved substances and has an excess of cholesterol in it. This may be caused by a relative reduction in bile salts.

Excessive cholesterol may be due to factors such as:

A high cholesterol diet
Advancing age
Excessive refined dietary carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes, and low-fibre cereals
The use of oral contraceptives
A genetic disorder featuring excessive cholesterol in the blood (hypercholesterolaemia)
Liver disease that reduces the levels of bile salts.