How to prevent gallstones

Prevention of gallstones can be achieved by adjusting your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing your physical activity, all of which help reduce the risk of cholesterol crystal formation and maintain normal gallbladder function.

The main cause of gallstones is the imbalance of the ratio of cholesterol, bile salts and phospholipids in bile, so scientific eating habits are the key to prevention. Reducing the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, such as eating less fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products, and consuming more fiber-rich foods, including whole grains, vegetables and fruits, can help maintain normal bile metabolism. Drinking more water can also dilute bile to prevent it from being too concentrated and causing crystallization. Maintaining a regular diet and avoiding long-term fasting, especially dieting to lose weight, can lead to bile stasis and increase the risk of gallstones.

In addition to diet, weight control is another important prevention strategy. Obesity and rapid weight loss both increase the risk of gallstones. By combining steady dietary control with moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, a healthy weight can be steadily achieved without compromising gallbladder function.

It is particularly important to develop good living habits, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular physical examinations can detect possible gallbladder problems early. If there is a family history of gallstones or other metabolic diseases such as diabetes, special attention should be paid to lifestyle adjustments. If necessary, consult a doctor for professional personalized prevention strategies.