Considering the aforementioned, it would be wise to take steps to help prevent the formation of gallstones. Since most gallstones are made of cholesterol, diet is usually responsible for their formation. People who are at risk are those who have a hereditary existence of gallstones, are overweight, have experienced a recent swift weight loss, females who are pregnant and females taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy following a menopause diagnosis. For those who are at risk who wish to prevent the formation of gallstones, here are some ways that may help:

Lose Weight Slowly

If you need to lose weight, do not go on a crash diet or a diet that causes you to lose weight too quickly. Crash dieting can cause gallstone formation. Take a sensible approach to dieting. Lower your caloric intake to the recommended amount for your height and body type. Exercise regularly. This is the best way to lose weight.

Drink More Water

Hydrating the body with the recommended amount of water (8-10 glasses per day) can greatly reduce the risk of gallstones. If you exercise, increase the intake of water to 10-12 glasses a day. Granted, it is difficult to increase the water intake because most people drink very little water. However, once the commitment is made to drinking the recommended amount, after about a month, a natural thirst will develop.

Calcium

Getting the proper amount of calcium in the diet is essential in the prevention of gallstones. Getting calcium through the diet is the best way to aid the prevention of gallstones. Lots of fruits and vegetables each day (5 servings) is recommended. However, men should limit calcium. Men should consult with their physician to determine the level of calcium they need to get each day.

Limit Fats

Limiting fats to 25 percent of the daily caloric intake will reduce the risk of gallstones. In a high fat diet, the gallbladder will produce bile and trigger the formation of gallstones. Since gallstones are composed of cholesterol, obviously you do not want to consume too much of it. Have your cholesterol levels checked by your physician to see if you need to reduce the amount of cholesterol you consume or perhaps get medication to control it.

Limit Sugar

It is advisable to keep the sugar intake in the diet down to a minimum. This could cause conditions that can produce gallstones. It can also be detrimental to weight loss. Only minimal amounts of refined sugar should be consumed in order to promote a healthy gallbladder.

Increase Fiber

Increase fiber and replace whole soy protein with animal protein in your diet. This will help in digestion and keep cholesterol levels low.