by Christobel Rajesh

Created on: November 02, 2007

Cholelithiasis or calculi are the medical terminologies used for gall stones. Gallstones are common in women than men and they occur usually after the age of 40. It is easy to avoid gallstones when you know what is causing them.

Firstly, women over 40 years of age, who are obese and used oral contraceptives are prone for gallstones. Ageing cannot be avoided. Next comes obesity and oral contraception. It is better to prevent obesity rather than working to lose weight after gaining them. Regular exercise and taking a well balanced diet as a normal part of life can prevent you from becoming obese and eventually prevent gall stone formation.

Oral contraception, estrogens and clomidene are known to increase biliary cholesterol saturation. Avoiding them is better. Take only if they are highly recommended by your doctor.

Secondly, men or women both should keep their cholesterol under control. Though cholesterol is a constituent of bile, as age goes up and the cholesterol level increases in the body,the bile will be unable to dissolve these cholesterol which soon becomes a gallstone.

Thirdly, avoid heavy meal with fried and fatty foods. This primarily reduces obesity and cholesterol levels thereby preventing gallstones.

Fourthly, it is believed that those trying to lose weight rapidly by dieting are more prone for gallstones though the reason is not clear. If you feel you are obese do not assume your own diet plan instead seek appropriate help from doctors and dieticians.

Fifthly, gallstones may be prevented by increasing consumption of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Vegetarians have low incidence of gallstones due to the benefits of fibre.

Sixthly, a study has proved coffee drinkers are at lower risk of getting gallstones.

Seventhly, drink plenty of water, 8 to 12 glasses of water a day which dilutes the bile secretion.

Eightly, vitamin C, lecithin, flaxseed oil are certain foods which prevent gallstones.

If you have a family history of gallstones or gallbladder disease, you should probably be even more careful than others. Eat a low-Fat, low-Cholesterol, high fibre diet and avoid complex carbohydrates, refined sugars. Involve in some kind of exercise like jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, walking or play your favorite sport daily.

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