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Gallstones Prevention

Gallstones: Prevention


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1. Healthy lifestyle

The first step in the direction of gallstone prevention is following a healthy lifestyle of which maintaining healthy weight is a key ingredient. People who are on an extreme diet are at a greater risk of developing gallstones in comparison to others. You can get the proper dieting instructions from your physician. If you are in the habit of skipping meals or fasting, then you are increasing the risk of gallstones. The risk also increases with rapid weight loss. However, daily exercise and a balanced diet can help you in reducing bile build up, hence preventing the formation of gallstones.

2. Natural remedies

You can get some relief and, at the same time, reduce the risk of gallstones with the help of some natural remedies. For instance, adding vitamin C rich foods such as kiwi fruit, broccoli, strawberries, guava, Brussels sprout and green cabbage to your diet may help in preventing the formation of gallstones. Food products containing vitamin E such as egg yolks, Brazil nuts, popcorn, mayonnaise, avocado, sweet potato, margarine and peanut oil are equally useful in the prevention of gallstones. Additionally, calcium rich foods such as tofu, anchovies, yogurt, cheese, milk, spinach and sardines may decrease your risk of gallstones as well.

3. Opt for a high fiber diet

A high fiber diet may also help you in reducing the risk of developing gallstones. This happens because the gallbladder uses more bile in case of high fiber diet in order to promote frequent bowel movements. You can increase your fiber intake by adding cauliflower, green beans, beets, figs, bananas, plums, carrots, corn, bran cereal, beets, peaches, grapefruits and whole grains to your diet.

4. Lower your red meat intake

You must decrease the intake of red meat in order to decrease the risk of gallstones. You can replace it with poultry and fish. Foods high in cholesterol such as beef, veal, duck, pork and liver must be avoided as they aid in the formation of gallstones. An excessive amount of cholesterol leads to the formation of gallstones because, in such cases, an excessive amount of bile is needed, which then clumps together in the gall bladder.

5. Avoid obesity

If you are obese, then you are at a greater risk of developing gallstones in comparison to others. It is always unhealthy if you weigh 15 pounds more than your ideal weight (which can be calculated using your height and age). These few extra pounds can have an adverse effect on the efficiency of your gall bladder, therefore, it is very important to maintain a healthy weight.

6. Skip fatty and greasy foods

Foods that are greasy or fried should be strictly avoided as the gall bladder has to work harder because of these food products. Other than this, fatty foods also lead you towards obesity which is another risk factor behind the formation of gallstones. Initially, you may feel tempted towards these food products, but with a little motivation and self control, you will be able to get a hold on yourself.

7. Consider carefully before taking estrogen

The risk of developing gallstones increases manifold if you take birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, so you have to consider carefully before taking estrogen. Studies have shown that increased estrogen levels caused during pregnancy also leads to the formation of gallstones.

8. Exercise on a regular basis

For leading a healthy life, you must exercise regularly. Regular physical exercise helps your body resist many medical complications including gallstones. In fact, exercise may help you in avoiding a lot of other ailments. Also, you don’t have to get involved in some intense exercise regime. Some light physical activities are more than enough. For instance, walking 20 minutes a day, cycling or swimming can make your body more resilient towards gallstones.

9. Other factors

Try to include fresh water fishes, such as tuna and salmon, in your diet as they contain omega-3 acids which help the gall bladder to function more efficiently. Consumption of monounsaturated fats, such as olive and canola oil, are also very effective in the prevention of gallstones. Nuts are known to possess the same properties. Drink a small amount of coffee each day, this reduces the cholesterol levels in the gall bladder. Try to avoid high glycemic carbohydrates and refined sugar as high blood sugar levels are directly associated with gallstone formation.

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