Can gallstones be prevented?
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Some people can prevent gallstones by reducing their risk through lifestyle changes. Getting some physical exercise (about 30 minutes) several days of the week and maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent gallstones. If you need to lose weight, do it slowly. Losing too much weight too quickly can actually increase your risk of gallstones. Also, eat healthy meals on a regular basis rather than skipping them as a way to lose weight. But some risk factors, like age and family history of gallstones, cannot be changed.
Some people can prevent gallstones by reducing their risk through lifestyle changes. Getting some physical exercise (about 30 minutes) several days of the week and maintaining a healthy weight will help prevent gallstones. If you need to... More -
Healthwise answered:There is no sure way to prevent gallstones. But you can reduce your risk of forming gallstones that can cause symptoms.
Maintain a healthy weightStay close to a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, do so slowly and sensibly. When you lose weight by dieting and then you gain weight back again, you increase your risk for gallstones, especially if you are a woman. If you diet, aim for a weight loss of only 1 lb (0.5 kg) to 1.5 lb (0.7 kg) a week.
Eat regular, balanced mealsTry not to skip meals. Eat on a regular schedule. And eat meals that contain some fat (which causes the gallbladder to empty). This can help prevent gallstones. Eat plenty of whole grains and fiber. And be sure to often have servings of foods that contain calcium (milk products and green, leafy vegetables). Limit saturated (animal) fat and foods high in cholesterol.
Exercise regularlyIf you exercise more, you may be able to reduce your risk for gallstones. Along with eating a low-fat diet, exercise is also an effective way to help you stay close to a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Deciding whether to take estrogenSome evidence shows that taking hormones such as estrogen after menopause or taking high-dose birth control pills may increase a woman's risk of gallstones that cause symptoms. If you are taking such hormones, talk with your doctor.
There is no sure way to prevent gallstones. But you can reduce your risk of forming gallstones that can cause symptoms. Maintain a healthy weight Stay close to a healthy weight. If you need to lose weight, do so slowly and sensibly. When you lose... More -
Dr. Lisa Ganjhu answered:One way to prevent gallstones is to eat the right stuff. In this video, gastroenterologist Dr. Lisa Ganjhu discusses which foods and drinks you should add to -- and drop from -- your diet.
One way to prevent gallstones is to eat the right stuff. In this video, gastroenterologist Dr. Lisa Ganjhu discusses which foods and drinks you should add to -- and drop from -- your diet. More
