How to Manage Gallstones

According to the American Gastroenterological Association (see reference 2), gallstones are crystallized chunks of bile that form in the gallbladder, which is located beneath the kidney. These stones can travel past the gallbladder and can eventually reach other parts of the body, including the pancreas, where they can become a serious medical issue. There are several ways a person can manage gallstones in order to keep this potentially dangerous condition in check.

Instructions

• 1

  Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a reduced-calorie diet if you are overweight, and performing at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as biking, swimming or jogging, several days a week. Weight should also be lost slowly, at a rate of about 1 to 2 pounds per week. Rapid weight loss could also lead to the formation of gallstones, according to WebMD (see reference 3).

• 2

  Add fiber to your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, (see reference 2) fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and grain can help prevent the formation of new gallstones. Foods that contain unsaturated fat, such as nuts and fish, can also be introduced into a person's diet to help manage gallstones.

• 3

  Introduce foods that contain vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium. These foods, such as chicken, turkey, carrots, almonds and kiwi, can help reduce the risk of forming gallstones, according to the Mayo Clinic (see reference 2).

• 4

  Avoid skipping meals. According to the Mayo Clinic (see reference 2), fasting or interrupting a normal eating schedule can increase the risk of gallstone formation.