Table of contents:
- Tips to prevent gallstones from recurring
- 1. Pay attention to the choice of food consumed
- 2. Food portions must be considered
- 3. Apply good eating habits
- 4. Exercise regularly
- 5. Routine health checks to the doctor
Gallstone disease causes unpleasant symptoms. Starting from pain in the upper right stomach that spreads to the shoulder, to nausea and vomiting. People who have had this disease, must be treated immediately so that it does not become a more serious complication. After gallstones are treated, the patient needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that the disease does not recur. So, how do you prevent gallstones from recurring? Here are the tips.
Tips to prevent gallstones from recurring
Just like any other disease, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a way to prevent gallstones. Especially if the person has had this disease before.
If not, the disease will be exposed to this disease again and again. Risk of complications, such as acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or cholangitis. So, to prevent gallstones from recurring, you can follow the following tips.
1. Pay attention to the choice of food consumed
Gallstones indicate crystallization of substances in the gallbladder. Generally, these crystals are formed from a buildup of cholesterol. The rest is made up of salt, calcium, or bilirubin (the result of the breakdown of red blood cells).
Cholesterol, salt and calcium are found in many foods and drinks. For this reason, the intake of foods containing these substances must be limited. This is the key to preventing gallstones from coming back. A number of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat that should be avoided include:
- Fatty meat and offal
- Butter and cheese
- Any food that is fried
Instead, increase your intake of foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. Don't forget, you shouldn't use too much oil to process the food. Also use healthier oils, such as olive oil.
2. Food portions must be considered
People who are overweight are at risk for gallstones. For gallstone patients who are overweight, diet is the key to preventing gallstones from recurring.
Try to reduce the portion of foods that contain carbohydrates. However, do not do large-scale suddenly. This will make your body weak, and your appetite will increase at mealtimes afterwards. Reduce portions slowly.
Then, replace snacks to be healthier, such as yogurt and fruit. Certain types of fruit, such as bananas and apples, can help keep your stomach full longer.
3. Apply good eating habits
Maintaining an ideal body weight is not only about paying attention to food choices and portions. You also need to adopt good and correct eating habits to prevent gallstones from recurring.
For example, not eating at night, eating slowly, and not skipping meals.
4. Exercise regularly
Diet will be maximized if it is balanced with increased physical activity, such as sports. A study reports that regular exercise can reduce a person's risk of developing gallbladder disorders. In particular, the types of sports that can have a big effect on body weight.
Some of the most recommended types of exercise to prevent gallstones from recurring include cycling, swimming, jogging, and brisk walking. Do this regularly, at least 60 minutes per exercise 5 times a week.
5. Routine health checks to the doctor
In addition to implementing a healthy lifestyle, routine health checks at the doctor also help patients prevent gallstones from coming back. Make a schedule with your doctor to determine the condition and health of your bile.
x