Gallstones Risk Can Be Reduced

Dr. Olin Thurston of Alberta, Canada, says that the risk of gallstones can be reduced significantly simply by eating a bowl of bran cereal everyday.

"By feeding gallstone patients added fiber in their diet in the form of bran, we were able to reduce the cholesterol saturation of their bile," explains Dr. Thurston.

Researchers recommend drinking celery juice to prevent the formation of gallstones.

But how do we develop gallstones?

Medical studies tell us that when cholesterol in the liver or gallbladder solidifies with the bile that is secreted by the liver to help digest fat, gallstones form.

Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder , a membrane sac attached to the liver where excess bile (or gall) is stored; they may pass through the body unnoticed, but if the gallstones get lodged
in the cystic duct--a small passageway from the liver to the gallbladder--they may eventually cause intense pain. Symptoms of the disease may vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. Nausea, jaundice, or fever may result when the patient's bile duct is blocked by the gallstones.

To help prevent gallstone formation, please follow these health tips:

• Eat omega-3 fatty acids, like chia seeds and flaxseed oil.
• Take lecithin daily, supplemented by vitamin E, to lower gallstone formation.
• Drink enough water to help prevent gallstones. (Water keeps the gallbladder clean)
• Do not eat animal fat as it can cause gallstones.
• Avoid processed foods, fried, sweet or junk foods.
• Do not use alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco.
• Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits daily, instead of refined carbohydrates, to prevent stone formation. (Richest food sources of vitamin E are: wheat germ; whole wheat; safflower nuts; sunflower seeds; walnuts; hazelnuts; almonds; brazil nuts; cashew; olive oil; cabbage; spinach; asparagus; broccoli; oats; barley; avocados--and more)
• Exercise. (Cholesterol is excreted more rapidly by the liver and bladder with regular exercise)
• Maintain an ideal weight. (Overweight women over 40--not to mention those having several children--have the most gallstones, compared with men of the same age bracket, according to studies)

TIDBITS... Speaking of acid-alkaline balance, Organic Consumer reports that the relationship of about 80% alkaline-forming foods (fruits and vegetables) to 20% acid-forming foods (protein) will maintain a healthful balance--if the stomach produces sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCL).

Hydrochloric acid is but one component of the stomach's digestive juices and enzymes. The pancreas manufactures and secretes not only pancreatin, but a wide spectrum of enzymes and ferments, active in the small intestine, the primary site for food absorption into the blood stream.