How To Lower Your Risk For Gallbladder Pain
If you have ever wondered about the health of your gallbladder, the good news is that we can determine some risks for the development of gallstones and gallbladder disease. The bad news is that some of the risks, you may not have much control over. But the ones you can control make a big difference for your health so let’s find out what they are and what you can do to prevent gallbladder pain before it starts.
The four “F’s” are risk factors that can elevate the chances of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease. They include being Female, Forty, Fat and Fertile. You may have guessed that we don’t have the option to reduce some of these risks, however obesity is a health problem that we can address through lifestyle and dietary changes. As well, being fertile increases risks because estrogen plays a large factor in gallstone formation, but additional triggers for estrogen level increases such as pregnancy and taking hormone replacement or birth control have also been linked. As well, inefficient hormonal detoxification may lead to problematic imbalances.
Aside from hormones, the food we eat is the major cause of gallbladder pain for men and women. If you wish to reduce your risk of developing gallstones and related problems, the following health and dietary changes could be key for you.
Bad Fats
Corn oil, hydrogenated and deep-fried oils, soy, canola oil, safflower, sunflower or peanut and many other processed oils- are all damaging to your system and stressful to your gallbladder. Good fats that you can safely switch to include dairy cream, raw nuts and seeds, coconut oil, avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil. Moderation is always important as good fats are meant to be taken in small amounts.
Stop Smoking
Avoid second hand smoke.
Avoid Excess Caffeine
Unfortunately, caffeine has been found to stress out the liver and gallbladder. The safe amount varies between individuals, so we recommend that if you are experiencing gallbladder pain, you should stop consuming caffeine until your symptoms clear up, then reintroduce slowly.
Alcohol
Is also very hard on the liver and gallbladder, so a minimal daily amount is recommended and if you are currently having gallbladder problems, it would be wise to stop until you feel better.
Avoid Synthetic Sweeteners
Like Aspartame and MSG.
NSAIDS
Anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen and Aspirin can also tax the liver and gallbladder greatly, especially with chronic use.
Lastly, try adding gallbladder-friendly foods, herbs and supplements to your diet. Lots of fresh leafy greens and veggies will help to keep bile healthy. Apple cider vinegar, beets, artichokes and many other fruits or vegetables have tonic effects on the liver and gallbladder, so they help to produce bile as well as prevent stones.
