How To Prevent Gallstones Problems

“I have gallstones and I don’t want to go through another attack!”

Does this sound like you? Gallstones can bring on excruciating pain, fever, vomiting and sweating. You may also develop jaundice.

One way to cure this problem is through surgery but not everyone is in favor of it. Most people prefer the idea of naturally flushing the stones out. Try increasing your fluids and eat more citrus fruits, especially lemon. The acid content in citrus fruits helps to slowly dissolve the gallstones. Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice three times a day. Apple and cranberry juice are good choices too. Olive oil is another recommended remedy. Take about 2 tablespoons a day or more if you can tolerate it. Take it straight or drizzle it on a salad.

If you succeed in getting rid of your gallstones, I’m sure you do not want the problem to occur again. One factor that contributes to the formation of gallstones is your diet. Your choice of food and weight status can put you at risk.

Before we go on further about gallstones and diet, let’s discuss about what causes gallstones? Our gallbladder functions to store and release bile acid into our intestines. Bile acid is needed to digest dietary fats and cholesterol that we take in. When bile acid combines with cholesterol, you get gallbladder stones. So you see, your effort to reduce the formation of gallstones must start with reducing your fat and cholesterol intake.

Here are some dietary suggestions to help you avoid gallstones problems:

1. A Diet High in Fiber
Maintain a favorable concentration of bile acids by eating plenty of high fiber and complex carbohydrate foods. Brown rice, cereal, fruits, whole grain foods and vegetables are all good. Cut down on sugar, white bread and white rice. If you are still suffering from gallstones attacks, stay away from vegetables that produce gas such as cabbage, onions, beans and root vegetables.

2. A Diet That Is Low-Fat and Low-Cholesterol
Say no to deep fried foods, bakery products and animal fat. They are rich in saturated fat and form stones when combined with bile acids. When you prepare meat for cooking, cut off the fatty part. Don’t forget to get rid of poultry skin too. Instead of animal based protein, substitute with plant based protein like soy products, nuts, seeds, lentil, seaweed and tofu. This will reduce your cholesterol. When you cook, choose healthier ways of cooking such as steaming, broiling and grilling. These methods use less oil.

3. Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Maintain a healthy concentration of bile by drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily. If you are having gallstones problems, drinking caffeine drinks such as tea and coffee will make matters worse. They stimulate contraction of your gallbladder causing you to feel more discomfort. Don’t take alcohol or carbonated drinks either until you are cured.

4. Watch Your Weight
Obesity increases the likelihood of gallstone development. So part of you prevention measure is to maintain a healthy body weight. But do beware that you do not lose weight too quickly. It may cause an imbalance of bile acid production and lead to gallstone formation. Your weight loss should be a gradual event. Losing 1-2 pounds a week is the way to go. Include in your weight-loss or weight maintenance program a regular exercise regime. That also helps to lower your risk of getting gallstones.

These are natural ways to prevent gallstone formations. Making right diet choices can reduce your risk of gallbladder problems.

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