Nutrition Tips For The Prevention Of Gallstone Disease

One of the important links in the treatment of various diseases is the diet and the development of healthy eating habits in accordance with the disease from which the patient suffers.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It acts as a reservoir for collecting bile juice, which is formed in the liver and is involved in breaking down fats that enter the intestines with food.

The composition of bile includes water, salts, pigments, cholesterol and others. The formation of gallstones (stones) occurs when the concentration of one or more of the components that make up the bile, as well as when there is an obstacle to its outflow. The most common cause is elevated cholesterol.

The most common symptoms of the disease are pain and heaviness in the gallbladder. Their appearance is usually associated with the presence of stones that cause an inflammatory reaction, as well as a "stop" in the outflow of bile. Acute crises occur mainly after heavy consumption of fatty foods.

The incidence of gallstone disease is higher in women, which is explained by higher levels of estrogen - a hormone that is also involved in increasing the concentration of cholesterol in bile. This is the reason why taking oral contraceptives increases the risk of gallstone disease.

Being overweight is related to the formation of gallstones, as it is directly proportional to the increased amount of cholesterol in the body. In addition, obese people have a reduced amount of bile salts in the bile. Carrying out diets with a quick result leads to a sharp rise in cholesterol in the liver and bile, respectively. This in turn is a prerequisite for increased formation of stones in the gallbladder.

Low fat and high fiber foods are one of the main requirements of the diet related to the prevention of gallstones. Limited consumption of animal fats and their replacement with more unsaturated fatty acids is relevant to preventing the risk of possible crises.

The main sources of unsaturated fatty acids are oily fish - mackerel, salmon, herring, as well as vegetable oil (olive), sunflower, linseed oil and others. Excessive restriction of any type of fat is also not preferable, because if the body does not get the minimum levels of cholesterol from food, it begins its active synthesis to compensate for the deficit.

Frequent episodes of constipation also play a role in the genesis of the disease, as the retention of fecal masses in the intestine for a longer time leads to additional resorption of some substances, including components of bile. It is recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, which have a peristalsis-boosting effect, as well as the intake of at least 8 glasses of water a day (about 2 liters).

Vitamin C is also related to the level of cholesterol in bile. Its benefits in reducing the risk of gallstone disease have been proven. Rich in vitamins are red peppers, rose hips, cabbage, as well as some fruits - kiwi, lemon and others.

Some herbs, whether in the form of a decoction or tablets, are also involved in lowering the amount of cholesterol in bile. Such for plantain and dandelion. In addition, peppermint oil is important for dissolving already formed gallstones.

In addition to a balanced diet, moderate physical activity, which should be at least 150 minutes a week , is also important for the prevention of gallstone disease . 3628