14. Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol in the body, which in turn reduces the risk of cholesterol gallstones. The benefits extend beyond gallstones: moderate exercise reduces the risk of all gallbladder problems, regardless of a person’s weight (25). When you have a gallstone attack, exercise can also reduce pain levels through the release of endorphins.
15. Avoid Fad Dieting
Even though obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for gallstones, rapid, unsustainable weight loss associated with fad dieting can make things much worse. Rapid weight loss usually leads to nutrient deficiencies and an electrolyte imbalance, both of which can contribute to the development of gallstones. Research studies show that a weight loss of greater than three pounds per week can increase the risks for gallstones 15 to 25-fold (26).
16. Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet
There’s no question that diet has a huge impact on our overall health and well-being. By following a healthy diet high in anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding foods that may increase inflammation, you’ll heal your gallbladder and reduce your gallstone risk. Inflammation is a by-product of gallstones, so anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce pain and discomfort too (27).
17. Check your Medication
Just as there are medications that can help treat gallstones, there are medications that can increase the risk of getting them. Hormone therapy treatments that increase estrogen levels can also cause gallbladder problems as estrogen increases cholesterol levels in the body (28). Luckily, there are medications and hormone treatments options that do not increase the risk of gallstones. Talk to your doctor for more information.
18. Olive Oil
Olive oil will actually help flush gallstones out of your gallbladder (provided they are small enough to pass). Olive oil encourages contraction and emptying of the gallbladder, which also helps prevent gallstones from forming – especially the larger stones that cause a blockage. Bonus: olive oil is one of the best sources of healthy fats, which help lower the cholesterol that can lead to gallstones in the first place (29).
19. Get Some Sun
Exposure to sunlight activates vitamin D2 in the body, and it does so by synthesizing it from cholesterol. Cholesterol is a precursor to vitamin D, and research shows that taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D decreases cholesterol levels (30).
Since most sunscreens block this from happening, try to get 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure at a time to reap the benefits without doing damage to your skin.
Now that you know these home remedies for gallstones, your gallbladder will be healed in no time.