Ten to 15 percent of the population develops gallstones but only half of that population ever develops symptoms, as noted in the December 2002 issue of the "Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine." The necessity of surgery for gallstones is fairly common. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that gallbladder surgery was one of the top 10 surgeries performed in the United States in 2003 and most of those surgeries were performed on women. Following the proper diet and lifestyle can help prevent some of these surgeries.
Definition
Gallbladder attacks often happen rapidly and at night, according to the National Institutes of Health. Gallstones that block bile ducts cause these attacks, which involve pressure and rapid pain, hence the name "attack." Gallstones are caused by two different materials -- cholesterol or bilirubin -- which build up in the gallbladder and form the hardened, round stones. Cholesterol stones are the more common of the two.
High Fat
Diets high in saturated fat are the most likely dietary cause of gallstones. High fat diets also lead to higher cholesterol levels in the blood. Saturated fat should only account for 10 percent or less of the day's total calories. If an individual already has high cholesterol, saturated fats should be kept to 7 percent or less, according to eMedTV. Avoiding fried foods and prepackaged meals will help reduce overall fat consumption. Some fats are helpful like omega-3 fats from fish or flaxseed oil. It is still important to keep all fats at a healthy level.
High Cholesterol
Foods high in cholesterol, such as packaged foods, animal meat, fats, livers and other organ meat as well as eggs, can contribute to high blood cholesterol levels. Other foods higher in cholesterol include dairy products and foods containing trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. Diets high in cholesterol can increase the risk of gallstones.
Lack of Fiber
Diets without enough soluble fiber lead to higher levels of cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber helps clean out the excess cholesterol so it can be eliminated in the feces. Diets lacking in a variety of fruits and vegetables may lead to an increased risk for gallstones.
Green Vegetables
High amounts of leafy, green vegetables can lead to the liver detoxing, thus, increasing the levels of bile and cholesterol released. While helpful overall, it is important to avoid over straining the gallbladder when there are symptomatic stones present.
Other Considerations
Simply skipping meals for those already at risk of developing gallstones can lead to the development of stones. While it is important to avoid the wrong foods, it is also important to eat regularly. While not a food, medicines can lead to gallstone formation causing gallbladder attacks. These medications include cholesterol-lowering drugs and other drugs for hormone therapy, specifically containing estrogen.
References
- "Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine"; Gallbladder Disease: An update on diagnosis and treatment. DP Vogt et. al.; 2002.
- National Institutes of Health: Gallstones
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstone Risk Factors
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstone Prevention
- Gallbladder Attack On-line: Foods triggering attacks
- US Department of Health and Human Services: 2003 Surgery Data
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