However, serious complications can arise, such as blockage of the common bile duct, inflammation of the gall bladder, inflammation of the pancreas and cancer of the gall bladder. A common symptom of gall bladder disease is pain in the chest, just below the right shoulder. Gallstones occur more often in women and the elderly. Fat, female and over forty' is the commonly used tag to describe the most likely sufferers. Diabetes, diverticular disease and hiatus hernias are common companions of gallstones.
Prevention Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and unrefined carbohydrate.
Use poly or mono-unsaturated oils instead of animal fats. Take adequate exercise, as this stimulates the gall bladder. Reduce your alcohol intake to a minimum and thus keep your liver healthy. Adequate vitamin A is also important. Bear in mind that emotions such as hate, anger and fear are harmful to the liver and gall bladder, so try to avoid situations which provoke them.