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Reducing Your Risk of Gallstones by Editorial Staff and Contributors

Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce your risk of gallstones:

Make Changes to Your Diet

Eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet may help reduce the risk of gallstones. Also, there is evidence that increased intake of various nuts may reduce your risk, as well.

Be Aware of Side Effects From Medications

If possible, avoid the use of estrogen, ceftriaxone, and octreotide, which are known to increase the risk of gallstone formation.

Achieve and Maintain a Healthful Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is a key to lowering your risk of future gallstones. If you are overweight, a slow loss of weight is advised because fasting and extreme dieting can lead to gallstones. Ask your healthcare provider for a weight loss plan that will be safe and effective for you. Your doctor can also refer you to a registered dietitian (RD) who can help you change your eating habits for weight loss.

Exercise Regularly

Regular, vigorous exercise may reduce the risk of gallstones. In addition to controlling weight, exercise normalizes blood sugar and insulin levels. When these levels are abnormal, they may contribute to the development of gallstones.

References:

American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://www.acg.gi.org.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov.
Venneman NG, van Erpecum KJ. Gallstone disease: primary and secondary prevention. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2006;20:1063-1073.

Last reviewed October 2012 by Marcin Chwistek, MD

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