How to Stop Gallstones

Gallstones are hard crystallized deposits that build from unused bile. Bile helps break down foods in your intestines. The gallbladder is located on your right side, under your ribcage. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball." Gallstones can take years to form, and in some people cause no symptoms. However, when symptoms do arise, the pain can be excruciating. While there is no definitely proven way to prevent gallstones, doctors believe that certain lifestyle changes may help prevent gallstones and, in some cases, their recurrence.

Instructions

Weight Control

• 1

  A healthy lifestyle is the first step in gallstone prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight is a key ingredient. Individuals on extreme diets are considered at high risk for gallstones. Consult with your physician for proper dieting instructions. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Skipping meals or fasting can increase the risk of gallstones." Rapid weight loss can also increase your risk, but a slow-paced diet and daily exercise may help reduce bile build-up and prevent the formation of gallstones.

• 2

  Natural remedies may offer some relief and reduce the risk of gallstones. Adding vitamin C-rich foods such as guava, kiwi fruit, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green cabbage and strawberries to your diet may help prevent gallstones. Foods containing vitamin E, such as avocado, egg yolks, sweet potato, Brazil nuts, margarine, popcorn, peanut oil and mayonnaise may also help reduce your risk of gallstones. Additionally, calcium-rich foods such as cheese, tofu, sardines, anchovies, spinach, yogurt and milk may decrease your risk of gallstones as well.

• 3

  A high-fiber diet may help stop gallstones by forcing your gallbladder to use more bile to promote frequent bowel movements. Adding carrots, cauliflower, corn, green beans, bran cereal, beets, figs, peaches, bananas, grapefruits, plums and whole grains to your diet will increase your fiber intake and perhaps stop gallstones from forming.

• 4

  Lowering your red meat intake and replacing it with poultry and fish can decrease your risk of gallstones. Foods high in cholesterol may aid in the formation of gallstones and should be avoided if you feel you are a candidate for gallstones. Foods high in cholesterol include, beef, pork, veal, liver, duck, lamb, and most fast foods and fried foods.