How to Prevent Gallbladder Stones

Gallstones, made of cholesterol and other components in the bile stored in your gallbladder to help you digest fat, form when your gallbladder does not empty properly or if your bile contains too much cholesterol. Gallstones can cause pain in your stomach, upper right abdomen or back or between the shoulder blades and can potentially lead to life-threatening complications, such as gallbladder infection or inflammation of the pancreas (See References 1 and 2). Prevent gallstones and their painful symptoms and complications simply by following a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle.

Instructions

Maintain a Healthy Weight

• 1

  Maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, because obesity can increase your risk of gallstones.

• 2

  If you choose to lose weight, do so slowly, aiming to lose one to two pounds a week, because rapid weight loss can also cause gallstones. If you need to lose weight quickly, talk to your doctor about medications that help prevent the development of gallstones.

• 3

  Continue to maintain a healthy weight, because frequent weight loss followed by weight gain can also increase your risk for gallstones.

Exercise Regularly

• 4

  Exercise regularly, as a physically inactive lifestyle can increase your risk of gallstones.

• 5

  Aim for 30 minutes of exercise or other physical activity, such as walking or playing sports, three to five days a week.

• 6

  Continue to lead a physically active lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol levels.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

• 7

  Eat a healthy, balanced diet containing whole grains, fiber, calcium, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and don't skip meals.

• 8

  Avoid or limit saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol, such as fried foods, fatty meats, butter and other animal products.

• 9

  Include some fat in your meals because this causes the gallbladder to empty, preventing gallstones (See Reference 4). Stick to healthy monounsaturated fats, found in olive and canola oils, and omega-3 fatty acids, found in avocados as well as flax-seed and fish oils.

• 10

  Opt for lean chicken and turkey over red meats, and choose skim milk and low-fat yogurt over whole milk.

Consider the Risk Factors of Taking Estrogen

• 11

  Carefully consider whether or not to take estrogen after menopause or high-dosage birth control pills, especially if you are already at risk of developing gallstones. Estrogen can cause the body to produce more cholesterol and increase a woman's risk of symptomatic gallstones.

• 12

  Talk to your doctor about your risk of gallstones before taking hormones, particularly estrogen.

• 13

  Reduce your risk factors for developing gallstones by maintaining your weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet if you decide to take hormones.