Gallstones are a common condition affecting 1 in 10 people. Although generally harmless, gallstones can be extremely uncomfortable.
After overindulging at Christmas, many people turn to fasting in order to help them shed those excess pounds. However, this can squeeze and place pressure onto the gallbladder.
If you are looking to keep your gallbladder healthy this January, below you’ll discover some great tips you can follow.
Avoid skipping meals
Every time you eat, your gallbladder releases bile in order to help break down food. If you skip meals, bile juices can build up which in turn cause the cholesterol levels in the gallbladder to increase. Over time, this can lead to the development of gallstones and worse, increase your risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder cancer.
While it may be tempting to skip meals to try and lose weight this January, doing so could increase your risk of gallbladder troubles.
Eat the right foods
Keeping the gallbladder healthy is all about eating the right foods. Opting for whole grains is a great way to boost gallbladder health as they contain lots of rough fibre. This is needed to lower the cholesterol and flush bile out of the system.
You’ll also want to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. These are packed full of important nutrients and vitamins which aid in gallbladder health. They also contain high levels of fibre and water, keeping you feeling fuller for longer while aiding the digestive system. Avoid eating fried foods as these are much harder for the gallbladder to help digest.
Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is also key to a healthy gallbladder. Did you know that a recent study revealed those who are obese are three times more likely to develop gallstones? While you may think crash diets and skipping meals would be good for maintaining a healthy weight, they can actually increase the risk of gallstones.
In order to maintain a healthy weight, it is best to eat a balanced diet, including the foods mentioned earlier. You should also partake in regular exercise.
Keep yourself hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for gallbladder health. The average adult needs around eight glasses of water each day. If you aren’t getting as much water as you need, it can cause trouble for the gallbladder.
Water is used to prevent a buildup of bile, and to help empty it. So, if you aren’t drinking enough water, you’re going to be at an increased risk of both gallstones and gallbladder cancer.
These are some ideas for you to try and keep your gallbladder healthy. If you are suffering with gallstones, it is best to seek treatment to have them removed and to ensure that nothing more serious is going on.
