Gallstones - Prevention

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent gallstones. But you can reduce your risk of forming gallstones that can cause symptoms.

Maintain a healthy weight

Stay close to a healthy weight. Research shows that intentional weight loss (dieting, not weight loss from illness) followed by unintentional weight gain may increase your risk for forming gallstones, especially if you are a woman.³ If you need to lose weight, do so slowly and sensibly. When dieting, aim for a weight loss of only 1 lb (0.5 kg) to 1.5 lb (0.7 kg) per week. For more information, see the topic Healthy Weight.

It is also important to avoid rapid weight loss and starvation diets. If you are on a rapid weight-loss diet, it is recommended that you be under a health professional's care. You may want to ask your health professional about taking medicines to help reduce your chances of developing gallstones while you are on such a diet.

Eat regular, balanced meals

Research shows that eating regular meals that contain some fat (which causes the gallbladder to empty) can help prevent gallstones. Eat plenty of whole grains and fiber, and have regular servings of food that contain calcium (found in green, leafy vegetables and milk products). Limit saturated (animal) fat and foods high in cholesterol.⁴

Exercise regularly

Increased levels of physical exercise also may be an important way to reduce your risk of forming gallstones. One study has shown that women who exercised regularly decreased their risk of having to have the gallbladder removed. Exercising 2 to 3 hours per week reduced the women's risk by 20%.⁵

In a large study of men, 2 to 3 hours of moderate running per week reduced by 20% the risk of forming gallstones that cause symptoms.⁶ Along with eating a low-fat diet, exercise is also an effective way to help you stay close to a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Deciding whether to take estrogen

Some evidence shows that taking hormones such as estrogen after menopause or taking high-dose birth control pills may increase a woman's risk of forming gallstones that cause symptoms.¹ If you are taking such hormones, talk with your health professional.