Dear Anon, thanks for your question. As a former sufferer of gallstones, I must tell you that I would have liked to know in advance how to prevent them. Although gallstones are linked to genetics, there are other factors that influence the development of these nasty and painful stones. Gallstones are formed as a result of the bile becoming saturated with cholesterol. This could be due to an increase in cholesterol levels or decrease on bile and lecithin secretion.
Women are at a four times higher risk to have gallstones than men. There is some indication in medical literature that links the use of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormone replacement to the formation of gallstones. Another cause if obesity which increases secretion of cholesterol into bile and aging. A western diet is also a contributing factor and changes on eating habits can greatly decrease the chances of gallstone formation.
Fiber-rich foods a variety of fresh vegetables (beets, organic dandelion greens, artichokes for example) and fruits (5-6 servings at a minimum), whole grains and oat bran are highly recommended. Many naturopaths recommend using olive oil as a salad dressing as it improves bile flow. If becoming vegetarian does not appeal to you try minimizing red meats and eating more fish like salmon which contains Omega 3 oils which are essential fatty acids (the good "fats" that reduce inflammation. Flaxseed is also great to keep a healthy intake of fatty acids.
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Dear Anon, thanks for your question. As a former sufferer of gallstones, I must tell you that I would have liked to know in advance how to prevent them. Although gallstones are linked to genetics, there are other factors that influence the development of these nasty and painful stones. Gallstones are formed as a result of the bile becoming saturated with cholesterol. This could be due to an increase in cholesterol levels or decrease on bile and lecithin secretion.
Women are at a four times higher risk to have gallstones than men. There is some indication in medical literature that links the use of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormone replacement to the formation of gallstones. Another cause if obesity which increases secretion of cholesterol into bile and aging. A western diet is also a contributing factor and changes on eating habits can greatly decrease the chances of gallstone formation.
Fiber-rich foods a variety of fresh vegetables (beets, organic dandelion greens, artichokes for example) and fruits (5-6 servings at a minimum), whole grains and oat bran are highly recommended. Many naturopaths recommend using olive oil as a salad dressing as it improves bile flow. If becoming vegetarian does not appeal to you try minimizing red meats and eating more fish like salmon which contains Omega 3 oils which are essential fatty acids (the good "fats" that reduce inflammation. Flaxseed is also great to keep a healthy intake of fatty acids.
Hope this helps.
May 27, 2009 - 11:25pmThis Comment
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