Prevent Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder problems can be a minor nuisance or turn into a major medical condition if they are not treated properly. Risk factors for gallbladder problems include genetics and gender, with women twice as likely to develop issues. While there are no straightforward prevention methods, there are a few ways you can lower your risk of developing gallbladder conditions, such as gallstones or gallbladder disease.
Contents
Steps
- Exercise to prevent gallbladder disease. Regular exercise reduces cholesterol in the blood tissues, which can lead to gallbladder problems. Experts recommend moderate activity at least five days a week.
- Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats to prevent gallbladder disease.
- Take supplements that may reduce your chances of developing gallbladder disease. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet through food, take a daily fiber supplement. The same is true with vitamin B: you should take a supplement if your diet lacks foods with vitamin B, like whole grains and leafy greens.
- Avoid high-fat foods like whole-milk dairy products, processed foods, sugary items, fried foods and red meats. Eating too much cholesterol or foods high in fat may cause gallstones.
- Try one of the foods thought to prevent gallbladder disease. Drink moderate amounts of coffee with caffeine to reduce your chances of developing gallstones. Drinking alcohol in moderation may also reduce gallbladder problems. Eating a small amount of peanuts each day may also have a preventative effect.
- Watch out for quick-fix diets. Losing weight too quickly can be a trigger for gallstone attacks or other gallbladder complications. Losing and gaining weight in cycles has also been linked to gallbladder problems.
- Consider breastfeeding if you have had a child. Breastfeeding is said to help prevent women from getting gallstones after giving birth.
- Seek treatment from an acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been used to prevent flare-ups of gallstones or gallbladder attacks. Always discuss alternative medical treatments with your doctor before trying them.
- Add omega-3s to your diet by either taking a supplement or eating fish that are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna and trout. Doctors think that omega-3s prevent cholesterol from forming bile in the gallbladder, thus preventing gallstones or gallbladder disease.
- Try some raw vegetable and fruit juice if you have experienced gallbladder pain. A mixture of raw juices of carrot, cabbage, apple and other vegetables and fruits may help reduce gallbladder issues.
Tips
- You can try to flush your gallbladder using an alternative medical treatment for liver and gallbladder health. However, the flush isn't for everyone. It may cause severe diarrhea and cramping, so you should discuss the procedure with your doctor. The flush is a mixture of citrus fruit juices, water, ginger and olive oil taken in specific quantities over a short period.
Warnings
- Dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, and butter can lead to gallbladder problems and should be avoided if you experience gallstone pain.
- Some studies suggest exercising too much can cause gallbladder problems, so engage in moderate daily exercise and avoid overly strenuous daily activity.
Sources and Citations
- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gallbladder-disease-000066.htm
- http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/gallbladder-diet-foods-for-gallbadder-problems
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/exercise-can-prevent-gallbladder-problems.aspx
- http://www.liverdoctor.com/index.php?page=liver-problems&subpage=gall-bladder