The removal of troublesome gallstones is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. This is especially true for women whose bodies contain more fat than that of a man. The formation of gallstones is fueled by fat, meaning they are more common in women and the overweight. Although this condition can be quite painful, it is easily avoidable.
Drink coffee or tea
A group of German researchers have discovered that by drinking 10 ounces of tea or coffee per day, you can reduce your risk of developing gallstones by up to 27%. Both beverages contain plant compounds that, when combined with caffeine, prevent cholesterol molecules from gathering in the gallbladder.
Add in coconut oil
According to researchers at John Hopkins School of Medicine, consuming 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per day can reduce the risk of developing gallstones by 50%. Coconut stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder, removing early stones and preventing the development of future ones.
Urogynecologist Larrian Gillespie, M.D. states “Gallstones start out tiny, so if you get them out of your gallbladder when they’re small, they’ll never cause you any trouble.”
Supplement with curcumin
A recent Asian study shows that by supplementing with 500 milligrams of circumin per day, you can flush out roughly 66% of already-formed gallstones before they grow large enough to cause issues. Derived from turmeric, circumin stimulates contractions in the gallbladder, forcing it to empty during meals. This helps to keep bile flowing freely instead of clumping or forming pools.
Consume vegetables and lentils
Gillespie states that reducing your risk of developing gallstones (25% to be precise) is as easy as consuming half a cup of lentils per day. To reduce your risk even further, add in a cup of vegetables. Both of these foods are high in vitamin C and fiber, nutrients known to reduce inflammation in the gallbladder.
Pop a few peanuts
Harvard researchers have proven that by consuming 1 ounce of peanuts or fresh nut butter every day, you can reduce the risk of developing gallstones by 25%. Nuts, especially peanuts, contain healthy fats that stimulate proper bile flow. Not only does this aid in digestion, it prevents the formation of stones.
Although every individual’s body and health history is different, following the about natural ways to prevent gallstones may help you avoid painful surgery and a lengthy recovery.
Sources:
US National Library of Medicine
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Having studied and educated others on these topics for over 16 years, she has gained a large following of fellow health enthusiasts. After helping hundreds of her followers to lose weight, she published a book entitled 'Smoothie Slim' which explains how to lose weight effectively through the use of healthful fresh fruit and vegetable protein smoothies.
Aside from being well known as a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, Amber is also a certified holistic stress management specialist, master herbalist, reiki master, and has a diploma in aromatherapy. She is currently finishing classes in order to obtain a holistic health practitioner license.
