I was recently diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor told me that they will not dissolve and cannot be passed. However, my friends at church have brought me articles claiming remedies that can do both. Is there a way to get rid of gallstones that really works? Is there a danger of them getting stuck in a duct somewhere and putting me into an emergency situation? If so, what is the risk, and how can I distinguish between the normal pain of passing them and something that needs medical attention?
Wow! How many questions are there in this one?
First, gallstones are not a single entity. Some are cholesterol collections; others are calcium-containing stones. Still others are concretions of bilirubin and may be more a type of sludge. Since I don't know which yours are, it is possible to speak only in generalities.
As a rule "gallstones," as opposed to "sludge," will not dissolve. Depending on their size, they may or may not be able to pass through the cystic and then the common bile duct. A smaller stone may pass, and when it does it sets up intense, colicky pain that often puts the patient into a cold sweat. The pain can be so severe that it requires a visit to the emergency room.
There are a few popular regimes that are touted as being able to clear or pass gallstones. These are not, however, methods that have been subjected to serious study and trial. In fact, the support for them is nearly always anecdotal (a story of someone who had a good outcome) and, as such, cannot be recommended. Most of the methods involve drinking copious amounts of olive oil or another cholagogue (an agent that stimulates the flow of bile into the duodenum by causing contraction of the gallbladder). In some situations in which stones are small or more like sludge, this could move the material down and out. If the stones are large, however, this is not likely to happen. In some situations stones, or a stone, could be moved into the ducts and cause extreme pain or even blockage of the ducts. Blocked ducts will cause jaundice and possible liver damage, and the pain may be excruciating. The success of these methods is not documented sufficiently to warrant any claims of gallstone movement.
Today the surgery for gallstones is performed through a laparoscope in more than 90 per cent of cases, and the hospital stay is approximately one day. I would recommend you listen to the advice of your doctor over that of laypersons, who really have very little experience or scientific support behind them.
Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, causes pain similar to biliary colic, but is more likely to be continuous and associated with fever. This inflammation can lead to perforation and serious peritonitis, which can be life threatening. I suggest you control your fears, place yourself in the care of a reputable physician, and follow that advice.
What is the position of the Adventist church regarding reflexology? Some church members seek this approach for relieving illness.
The Adventist church exists to promote the gospel of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We believe the church has received guidance as to the best lifestyle for health. In matters of treatment, in addition to the preventive lifestyle, the church recommends true science as a guide, a position also affirmed by Ellen G. White.
Reflexology is one of the many systems for which inconclusive evidence has been produced for either its rationale or its effectiveness, which is why the Health Ministries department doesn't recommend it. The church does not take positions on every factor in life, expecting instead that members will be intelligent and explore the facts. We need to be particularly cautious of New Age philosophy brought in the guise of "health." We should also be aware of what we call the "gullibility factor" so rampant in kindly souls looking for the best in everyone.
I have friends who serve decaffeinated tea and coffee. I'm never sure what to think of this. Have you any comments?
One of the problems with tea and coffee is the addiction to caffeine that keeps you drinking it. Decaffeinated drinks don't have the caffeine "hook," but you may have to look at the rest of the ingredients. Coffee contains all kinds of substances, some better and some worse than others. Studies done on coffee suggest that there is a quantitative effect, because the number of cups taken per day relate to its measurable harm. Demonstrable effects appeared around the four-cup-a-day level. Beyond that, heart problems are measurably increased. This cardiac effect is not caffeine-related, because the decaffeinated coffee had the same, if not worse, effects on the heart. The decaf coffees come from a different strain of coffee bean. Probably an occasional cup of decaffeinated coffee is not going to hurt. It also is not going to hook you with a drug dependency, but definitely less is better than more.
Decaffeinated tea is a slightly different story. Many articles have extolled the benefits of the antioxidant properties of tea and, in particular, green tea. There are three techniques for dissolving the caffeine from tea. One uses liquid carbon dioxide; the other two use either methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. Methylene chloride is not used for decaf tea in the U.S.A. markets because of fears that it may cause cancer. Tea decaffeinated with ethyl acetate loses up to 60 percent of its flavenoids. The carbon dioxide process depletes only 10 percent of the flavonoids.
Decaffeinated tea (carbon dioxide technique) contains 90 percent of the good flavonoids and no caffeine. If you enjoy a cup of tea, this is the better way to go. But which companies use such technology? Lipton and Celestial Seasonings both use the liquid carbon dioxide process to make decaffeinated teas—both the regular and the green tea varieties.
Our children are wanting a pet. Are there any health hazards we should be aware of before we purchase an animal?
Pets can do a great deal of good for children and adults alike. Many hospitals will allow pets to come to the wards, as there is evidence that stroking a dog will calm a person and reduce blood pressure. The affection shown by a pet is very comforting to old and young alike. The care of a pet teaches responsibility and gentleness. Yet, for all the benefits that pets may bring, there are some precautions that should be noted.
Allergy to a pet can be a difficult problem, especially if bonding between children and the pet has taken place. It is advisable to be very careful if your child displays allergic tendencies. Some dogs, such as poodles and schnauzers, whose hair is clipped and not shed naturally, may be easier on the allergic person.
There are also some infections that can be transmitted by pets. Immuno-compromised persons and the very old—or very young—are at risk. Birds may transmit bacteria called chlamydia psittaci, which causes flulike symptoms, rashes, and arthritis. Some bacteria called salmonella are carried by turtles, snakes, and other reptiles and can cause diarrhea.
Pregnant moms have to be particularly careful of cats that may carry toxoplasmosis, which can hurt the unborn. The organism is transmitted in feces, so cat litter is out of bounds to pregnant mothers (not that they really want to use it!) It's best not to allow the cat to hunt, because the wild animals eaten may carry tapeworm.
As a rule, a dog should not be allowed to lick faces, mouths, noses, etc., and hands should be washed after handling the pet and always before eating. The cat litter should not be in the kitchen or eating area; it should be kept disinfected and changed regularly. Cats should never be allowed on tables, kitchen counters, or near food—that's just simple common sense.
Now, goldfish! There's a rather safe type of pet—but really rather cold and aloof, I'd say.
Yes, go ahead and get the kids a pet if they are up to looking after it, but remember—training and caring for the animal is essential if you and it are to have a happy and peaceful coexistence.
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Allan R. Handysides, M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P.(c), F.R.C.S.(c), is director of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Health Ministries Department; Peter N. Landless, M.B., B.Ch., M.Med., F.C.P. (SA), is I.C.P.A. executive director and associate director of the General Conference Health Ministries Department.
Decaffeinated tea is a slightly different story. Many articles have extolled the benefits of the antioxidant properties of tea and, in particular, green tea. There are three techniques for dissolving the caffeine from tea. One uses liquid carbon dioxide; the other two use either methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. Methylene chloride is not used for decaf tea in the U.S.A. markets because of fears that it may cause cancer. Tea decaffeinated with ethyl acetate loses up to 60 percent of its flavenoids. The carbon dioxide process depletes only 10 percent of the flavonoids.
