Many people are surprised to learn that they can have gallstones without any symptoms at all. On the other hand, gallstones can cause abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, indigestion, and flatulence – especially after eating a high fat meal. Unfortunately, many cases of gallstones require surgery to successfully treat the symptoms. Is there a way to prevent gallstones from occurring in the first place?
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
There are certain uncontrollable factors that increase the risk of developing gallstones – including age, sex, and family history. Gallstones are more common in females and the incidence of gallstones rises as a person gets older. In women, over the age of 60, the risk of experiencing gallstones is as high as 20%.
Gallstones are more commonly seen in certain families who are genetically predisposed and in people of Hispanic, Native American, and Northern European heritage. Pregnancy also increases the risk of gallstones – probably due to the fluctuations in estrogen levels. People who have diabetes mellitus or inflammatory bowel disease are also at higher risk. Unfortunately, these are factors that can’t be changed.
How to Prevent Gallstones: What Factors Can Be Controlled?
One of the best ways to prevent gallstones is to stay around ideal body weight and eat a healthy diet. Gallstones are more common in people who are overweight or obese and in those who eat a diet high in fat or cholesterol. On the other hand, gallstones are also common at the other end of the spectrum. People who lose weight rapidly or go for long periods without eating are also at higher risk of getting gallstones. People with eating disorders are more prone to gallbladder disease for this reason. It’s believed that eating regular meals that contain some fat, helps the gallbladder empty so that stones are less likely to form.
How to Prevent Gallstones by Staying Active
Animal studies show that mice that are active have a lower risk of gallstones, even when they eat a diet high in fat and cholesterol. This seems to hold true for humans too. Physical activity lowers the risk of gallstones by preventing obesity – but it also has a protective effect independent of that. To prevent gallstones, get regular physical exercise and stay active throughout the day.
Medications Can Increase the Risk of Gallstones
Women who take estrogen therapy for menopause or birth control pills that contain higher levels of estrogen have a greater risk of gallstones. Some cholesterol lowering drugs increase the risk of gallstones too.
To Prevent Gallstones: The Bottom Line?
Gallstones can’t be completely prevented, but most people can lower their risk by eating a healthy, low fat diet, maintaining a normal weight, and staying physically active.
References:
Medscape.com website. "Cholelithiasis". Accessed 04/04/10.
Kristie Leong - I'm a family physician interested in all aspects of traditional and alternative medicine, especially the use of nutrition to prevent ...
