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When the gall bladder secretes bile that is filled with cholesterol, it results in crystallisation of the cholesterol, thereby forming gall stones. Gall stones are as small as sand grain or as big as a golf ball. Back and abdominal pain are the symptoms of gall stones. Excessive cholesterol or proteins in the bile, result in stones. Obesity, rapid weight loss and multiple pregnancies are some of the causes of gall stones. Remember the four 'Fs' that aggravate the risk of gall stones, such as female, fertile, flatulent and fat. Secondary diseases such as hyperparathyroidism, cirrhosis, diabetes, pancreatic disease and Crohn's disease also act as risk factors.
The risk of gall stone formation can be decreased. It is difficult to prevent the formation of gall stones. Maintenance of body weight plays a vital role in gall stone protection. Starvation or crash diets are not helpful. Opt for a balanced diet, which helps in a gradual weight loss in case you are obese. The probability of gall stone is high, when on a crash diet. About 1 to 1.5 pounds loss per week should be the ideal target. A loss of six to ten percent in a period of six months is also helpful. Weight loss also brings about certain other benefits, such as better image and personality. Whole grains vegetables, fruits, foods with calcium such as milk and green leafy vegetables help. Cholesterol rich foods, like egg yolk, red meat and poultry with skin are not preferred.
Opt for unsaturated fats, rather than saturated fats, such as margarine and butter. Little amount of fat is essential to empty the bladder. Accumulation of bile and thereby the formation of gall stones is thus prevented. About thirty percent of total calories is contributed by fat. A three meal pattern helps. Vegetable oils are helpful, such as soy, flaxseed, groundnut, safflower and sunflower oil. Fiber in the diet decreases the absorption of deoxycholic acid, and thus reduces the cholesterol gall stones. Wheat fiber, soy fiber and oatmeal help in addition to pectin and guar gum.
Decrease the risk of gall stone by opting for regular exercise. At least, two to three hours of exercise on a weekly basis proves beneficial. A low fat diet, in combination with regular exercise helps. It also helps to decrease the triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Other factors, such as consumption of oral contraceptive pills or hormone therapy with oestrogen also increase the risk of gall stones.
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