We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Prevent Gallstones?

Anna T.
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,228
Share

You may be able to prevent gallstones from forming if you avoid foods high in cholesterol, exercise regularly, and keep your weight in the healthy range for your height. Women who take birth control pills are usually considered at greater risk for developing gallstones, and pregnancy can also cause them to form. Another factor that may contribute to the formation of gallstones are starvation diets, which typically result in very rapid weight loss. The chances of getting gallstones from these diets may be even greater if the weight loss is also gained back at a rapid rate.

Foods that are very high in bad fats and cholesterol tend to cause gallstones. If your body is faced with an excess of these substances, they often turn into gallstones and remain inside your gall bladder. These stones can cause intense pain that may last for hours on end, and there is usually very little that can be done to manage the discomfort until the gallstone attack passes. It may be possible to prevent gallstones from forming if you make an effort not to eat too many high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. If you already have gallstones, eating these types of foods can bring about painful attacks.

Regular exercise may also do a lot to prevent gallstones from forming. Exercise can help to keep your weight stable, which is important because both gaining and losing weight too rapidly can cause gallstones. There is also a good chance that exercising might help to lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which would also probably help to prevent gallstones. Additionally, people who are overweight tend to have more problems with gallstones than those who are not, and exercising could contribute to healthy weight loss when combined with healthy eating.

Women who take estrogen, either in the form of birth control pills or hormones, are at greater risk for gallstone formation than women who are not taking them. If you are on hormones and already have an increased risk of gallstones due to other factors such as diet and weight, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about alternative medications. Pregnant women and women who have had more than one consecutive pregnancy also tend to be in a higher risk group for developing gallstones. This may be another good reason to eat healthy and exercise regularly during your pregnancy, although it is important to speak with your doctor before starting any regular exercise routine if you are expecting.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Anna T.
Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-prevent-gallstones.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.