How to prevent gallstones

Although no definite preventive technique for gallstone development has been discovered yet, research shows that there are ways people can lower their risk for these stones.

Refrain From Taking These Medications

If you are taking any of these medications, remember that the following can increase your risk for gallstones:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Medicines like gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor) can increase your gallstone risk. Although they may decrease your blood cholesterol levels, these medicines can also increase the amount of cholesterol released in bile.

Hormone therapy: HRT is a general term referring to the administration of estrogen or a combination of estrogen/progestin therapy. Increased estrogen levels can cause the body to produce more cholesterol and raise the levels of it in bile.

As such, if you are a woman who is undergoing HRT or is taking high-dose birth control pills, talk to your doctor about your gallstone risk and ask if there are other hormone-related medications that are better for you.

A Healthy Lifestyle Can Lower Your Gallstone Risk

Decreasing your risk for gallstones begins with a healthy lifestyle, specifically by following these habits:

Maintaining a healthy weight: People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of gallstones. Boost your diet with these foods:

  • Unlimited amounts of fresh, organic and vegetables, especially fiber-rich options (just make sure to introduce these foods slowly into your diet, since they can prompt digestive discomfort, especially in those who have had gallbladder surgery).
  • Moderate quantities of high-quality protein from meat ideally organic.
  • High portions of healthy fats from sources like avocados, coconut oil, organic butter, pastured egg yolks and raw nuts like macadamias, pecans and pine nuts.

The following common practices can also raise your gallstone risk, so it’s best to avoid them:

  • Skipping meals or fasting for long periods of time. As much as possible, try to stick to your usual mealtimes.
  • Following diets that promote rapid weight loss.  By rapid I mean aiming to lose more than 1 to 2 pounds, or 0.5 to 1 kilogram, per week.

• Exercising regularly: Research shows that moderate physical activity can help with increasing the body’s levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) or “good” cholesterol.

References

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