The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile pigment produced by the liver, thereby playing a key role in fat metabolism and cholesterol control. However, eating a diet high in cholesterol not only increases your risk of heart disease but also puts you at a risk of gall stones. Dr Akshay Challani, Critical Care Specialist and Physician, Akshjyot Clinic, Navi Mumbai, shares simple tips to prevent gall stones.
Say no to crash diets: If you are overweight and are planning to go for crash dieting to lose weight quickly, then drop the idea as it puts undue pressure on the gallbladder. In fact, eating healthy and exercising religiously is the key to keeping your weight in check.
Limit the intake of fried foods: Most of us fail to control the urge for fried foods like samosas, puris, pakoras and medu wadas but excess consumption of fried foods hinders digestion and also irritates the lining of gall bladder, increasing your risk of gall bladder problems. Replace fried foods with fresh fruits and vegetables to improve the organ function.
Eat highly processed foods in moderation: How often do you eat processed foods like cookies or doughnuts? Well, it's time to keep a tab on the intake of processed foods as it might hinder the secretion of digestive gases by increasing the pressure on the gallbladder when had in excess. Add Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, bran cereal) to your diet.
Avoid intake of whole-milk dairy milk: If whole milk dairy products like cheese, butter and ice-cream find a place in your platter then shun these foods from your diet. If you can't live without having dairy products, then opt for low-fat dairy products to ease the pressure on the gallbladder.
Do not have long gaps between meals: If you believe that eating once a day or keeping long hours between meals is ok when you are trying to lose weight, then you are wrong. Instead, eating frequently and having meals at the same time every day is the key for a healthy gallbladder.