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    Looking after yourself


    Diet
    Alcohol and smoking
    Exercise
    Complementary and alternative medicines

    Diet     

    There is no special diet for people with gallstones, or those who have had their gallbladders removed    25. Most people do not need to change their diet at all. However, eating a good, balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself well. Regular low calorie meals containing protein (such as meat, fish or beans), starch (such as bread, potatoes or rice) and vitamins (in fruit and vegetables) are the best approach. The following will also help:  

    • eating plenty of fruit and vegetables: aim for 5 portions a day
    • avoiding salty foods
    • eating plenty of high-fibre foods such as brown rice, wholemeal bread and pasta
    • eating a low fat diet to avoid irritating your digestive system
    • eating a low cholesterol diet. 

    If you suffer from diarrhoea, eating plenty of high-fibre foods can help your body absorb excess water and make your bowel movements firmer. Avoiding spicy and fatty foods, dairy products and caffeine, may also help to reduce symptoms. 

    If your symptoms of diarrhoea persist, or you have any questions about your diet, talk to your GP. You can ask to be referred to a dietician for some personal advice. 

    Alcohol and smoking

    There is no specific requirement to avoid alcohol if you have gallbladder disease. As for everyone, it is important to watch your alcohol intake and stay within the recommended guidelines (see ‘Prevention’ section).

    Alcohol is     processed by your liver, and if your gallstones are a result of a liver condition, it is important to check with your doctor whether it is safe for you to drink any alcohol, and if so, how much.

    Smoking is dangerous to everyone’s health and has been shown to increase the risk of gallbladder disease26. If you smoke, speak to your doctor about what help is available with cutting down and giving up. 

    Exercise

    Exercise will help you to maintain a healthy weight. Some studies show that physical activity may prevent gallstones forming by improving the flow of bile27. The Department of Health recommends adults should take at least half an hour’s gentle exercise a day, leaving you warm and slightly out of breath. You can do this all at once or, if you find it easier, in shorter 10 minute bouts. If you are overweight, the amount of exercise you do may need to be increased from 30 minutes to 45-90 minutes a day to help you to lose weight28.

    Finding an exercise that you enjoy will help; try walking, swimming, cycling or dancing.

    If you are overweight, speak to your doctor about losing weight safely. Avoid crash diets and rapid weight loss as these rarely work and you are unlikely to maintain weight loss. They can also be dangerous and increase the risk of malnutrition and gallstones. A safe weekly rate of weight loss is between 0.5kg and 1kg (1-2lb)28.

    Complementary and alternative medicines

    There are a few complementary and alternative remedies available that are suggested to ease the symptoms of gallstones. At present, healthcare professionals are not clear on the role and place of these therapies in managing gallstones and gallbladder diseases.

    Many products are not licensed as a medicine and therefore are not stringently regulated. This means you cannot be sure how much of the active ingredient you are getting and how pure it is. It is wise to be cautious about the claims made for herbal remedies, particularly those advertised on the internet, as they can offer false hope. It is a good idea to discuss the use of these remedies with your doctor.