How to Avoid Gallstones
Gallstones are small, stone-like substances that form when bile in the gallbladder hardens and solidifies. There are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones, which account for 80 percent of gallstones; and pigment stones. Symptoms of gallstones include pain in the upper-right abdomen, pain between the shoulder blades and nausea. Because gallstones tend to recur, even with treatment, it is important to learn how to lower the risk of developing gallstones.
Instructions
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Reduce the amount of animal fat in your diet and eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Mayonnaise, fried foods, butter and margarine should be avoided.
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Gradually lose weight through proper diet and exercise. Being overweight and losing weight rapidly are both associated with gallstones. Avoid losing more than 2 lbs per week, unless specifically directed by your doctor.
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Speak with your doctor about the link between birth control pills and gallstones. Your doctor may suggest you switch to another form of birth control. Hormone replacement therapy may also increase your risk of gallstones.
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Increase your magnesium consumption. The "Long-Term Effect of Magnesium Consumption on the Risk of Symptomatic Gallstone Disease Among Men" study by C.J. Tsai, M.F. Leitzmann, W.C. Willett and E.L. Giovannucci---published in the February 2008 issue of "The American Journal of Gastroenterology"---showed a decreased risk of symptomatic gallstones in men who supplemented their daily magnesium intake.
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Control your blood sugar levels and get regular medical checkups if you are diabetic. Diabetics may have higher levels of triglycerides, which increase the risk of gallstone formation.
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6
Undergo surgery to remove your gallbladder if your gallstones return or cause significant discomfort. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is a fairly simple procedure that does not normally cause any long-term health complications.
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