How to Prevent Gallbladder Disease

Ten to 20 percent of adults over the age of 40 have gallstones, any many have no symptoms. Large amounts of fat make the gall bladder work harder and can result in the formation of gallstones.

Instructions

1. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. When you eat a large amount of fat, bile becomes supersaturated with cholesterol. The bile can then turn into stones and act as an irritant, producing inflammation in the gallbladder.

2. Choose monounsaturated fats like canola and olive oils, when you do eat fat. They break down more easily.

3. Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess weight results in greater fluctuations of blood sugar and insulin levels. This can predispose a person to the development of gallstones.

4. Limit refined sugars. They cause fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to gallstones.

5. Exercise. One study showed that men who exercised aerobically 30 minutes a day, five days a week, had a 34 percent reduced risk of gallstones.

6. Avoid fasts or ultra-low-calorie diets. Rapid weight loss decreases the flow of bile, causing an increased risk of gallstones developing.

7. Consider coffee. In a study of men who drank more than four cups of coffee a day, gallstone incidence was lowered.

8. Talk to your doctor about oral contraceptives or estrogen-replacement therapy, if you are taking either one. By adding estrogen to your system, you may be mildly overstimulating the removal of bile from your system.

Tips & Warnings

• The diuretic thiazide has been shown to slightly increase the risk of gallstones.

• Small amounts of alcohol has shown to reduce the risk of gallstone development in women by 20 percent.

• Eat plenty of fiber, which aids digestion and the metabolism of fats.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.