As each day passes, the frequency of gallstones and gallbladder sludge increases as younger and younger people are reaching out to me that are experiencing gallbladder problems. Gallbladder issues were common with those who were in their fifties and more so with the general population as they go through their sixties and seventies. What are the factors that are attributable to that steady decline in age and increase of Gallstones?

There are generally four factors that play a part in most health issues.

1) Diet
2) Genetics
3) Environment and Geography
4) Activity Level.

With little evidence that genetics have changed from that of our predecessors and being that environmental issues will always play havoc in extreme cases, and supposing that activity levels are assumed to be sufficiently adequate, let us focus on the factors pertaining to diet.

The facts bear out that the average person today is consuming as little as half or a third of the fiber that they should be consuming on a daily basis. Sugar consumption is at an all time high both in the use of refined sugar as well as in sugar substitutes. The consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are at an all time low. The use of processed foods, preservatives and chemicals in the food and drinks we consume are at rampant levels.

If this is any indicator of what the potential problem might be, the fix is really quite simple. Let us return to a simpler diet, with more natural ingredients.