Especially in overweight women… the risk is higher.
According to statistics, the majority of people with gallstones are elderly women with overweight bodies. This is because women experience the accumulation of cholesterol, which is a major component of gallbladder bile. This imbalance in the composition of bile leads to the formation of gallstones.
5 ways to avoid gallstones.
Although gallstones can be partly genetic, our own behaviors are the main cause of gallstone formation. Therefore, here are the precautions you should take:
1. Avoid consuming high-fat and low-fiber foods directly, as they directly contribute to the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the body. Prolonged accumulation will lead to the development of gallstones, especially during old age. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol also has similar effects.
2. Do not allow yourself to develop diabetes, as patients with diabetes tend to have increased levels of triglycerides in the blood, and the gallbladder contracts less in people with high blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of gallstones.
3. Avoid becoming obese, as it is a significant risk factor. Obesity increases the amount of cholesterol in bile.
4. Do not attempt to lose weight rapidly within a short period of time, as it causes the liver to excrete more cholesterol, and the gallbladder contracts less. This leads to a prolonged stay of bile in the gallbladder and increases the chances of gallstone formation.
5. Avoid continuous use of birth control pills or long-term use of hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen hormones and pregnancy contribute to increased cholesterol levels and decreased gallbladder motility.
If you are aware of the risk of gallstones, it is better to change your behavior early on rather than not changing at all. If you don’t want to have gallstones and experience abdominal pain after every meal for the rest of your life, it’s important to make adjustments.
