How to prevent gallstones in the elderly

The key to preventing gallstones in the elderly is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise and regular physical examinations, which can reduce the risk of gallstone formation by improving metabolic function and promoting bile circulation.

The formation of gallstones is usually related to an imbalance in cholesterol or bile salt metabolism in bile. Especially in the elderly, decreased metabolic function, more frequent abnormal gallbladder contraction, and some chronic diseases (such as diabetes) may increase the risk of disease. Low-fiber, high-fat eating habits, long-term use of some drugs, or rapid weight changes may all be triggers. In the prevention process, diet is one of the core. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods, such as eating less animal offal, fried foods, and high-sugar snacks; at the same time, eat more fiber-rich foods, such as oats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which help improve bile metabolism and prevent cholesterol deposition. Lack of exercise is also one of the risk factors. Moderate physical activity, such as daily brisk walking or light aerobic exercise, can improve metabolism and gallbladder function. Maintaining good weight management and avoiding excessive dieting or drastic weight loss are areas that the elderly need to pay special attention to.

The formation of gallstones is usually related to an imbalance in cholesterol or bile salt metabolism in bile. Especially in the elderly, decreased metabolic function, more frequent abnormal gallbladder contraction, and some chronic diseases (such as diabetes) may increase the risk of disease. Low-fiber, high-fat eating habits, long-term use of some drugs, or rapid weight changes may all be triggers. In the prevention process, diet is one of the core. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods, such as eating less animal offal, fried foods, and high-sugar snacks; at the same time, eat more fiber-rich foods, such as oats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which help improve bile metabolism and prevent cholesterol deposition. Lack of exercise is also one of the risk factors. Moderate physical activity, such as daily brisk walking or light aerobic exercise, can improve metabolism and gallbladder function. Maintaining good weight management and avoiding excessive dieting or drastic weight loss are areas that the elderly need to pay special attention to.

It is recommended that the elderly have a health check-up once a year and that abnormalities in gallbladder function be detected in time through abdominal ultrasound. If the risk of gallstones is high, you may need to take drugs such as ubenimex and ursodeoxycholic acid under the guidance of a doctor for prevention and treatment. At the same time, you should drink plenty of water to dilute the bile concentration and ensure regular meal times to promote bile excretion. If you have symptoms such as recurrent pain in the right upper abdomen or indigestion, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid the progression of the disease. Health comes from details. We should adjust our habits bit by bit and manage our bodies with a positive attitude so that we can welcome a healthy old age together.