| THE BEST MEDICINEf- LAUGH! FIRST DOSE There are always two ways to look at everything, I guess. My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion last October, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife noticed me staring and asked me, "Do you know her?". "Yes", I sighed, "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since." "My God!" says my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?" Got a Joke? E-mail it to us: frontpage@collectivewizdom .com |
| THE BEST MEDICINE- LAUGH! SECOND DOSE Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug." She got up, unplugged the TV, and threw out my wine |
Gallstones--Prevention
March 23, 2008
By Paul Andrews, Associate Editor and Featured Columnist
Cholesterol is responsible for over 80% of all gallstones, the
small, hard, pebble-like substances which form in your
gallbladder.
Although genetics, gender and age seem to play a major role in
determining who gets gallstones, lifestyle choices also play a
major role. There are, for example, foods and diets which help
to prevent gallstones.
The major risk factors for gallstones give us clear clues as to
how to prevent them. Here are those risk factors
Being Overweight. A large clinical study showed that being
even moderately overweight increases the risk for developing
gallstones. The most likely reason is that the amount of bile
salts in bile is reduced, resulting in more cholesterol. Increased
cholesterol reduces gallbladder emptying. Obesity is a major
risk factor for gallstones, especially in women.
Diabetes. People with diabetes generally have high levels of
fatty acids called triglycerides. These fatty acids may increase
the risk of gallstones.
Rollercoaster Yo-Yo Weight Loss or Gain. As the body
metabolizes fat during prolonged fasting and rapid weight loss—
such as “crash diets”—the liver secretes extra cholesterol into
bile, which can cause gallstones. In addition, the gallbladder
does not empty properly. There is some evidence that yo-yo
dieting is a major risk factor for gallstones. Aim to lose wight
gradually, and keep it off.
Diet. Diets high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber increase
the risk of gallstones due to increased cholesterol in the bile
and reduced gallbladder emptying. You should avoid eating red
meat. All red meat contains the type of cholesterol which puts
you at high risk for gallstones.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs. Drugs that lower cholesterol levels
in the blood actually increase the amount of cholesterol
secreted into bile. In turn, the risk of gallstones increases.
Foods That Lower Your Risk of Gallstones
The same diet and lifestyle that lowers your risk of developing
diabetes or being overweight helps to reduce your risk of
developing gallstones. Active people who eat more vegetables
and avoid cholesterol-building fat such as fatty meats have a
significantly reduced risk of developing gallstones.
Here is a sensible diet and exercise plan that can help you lose
weight at a moderate, healthy rate. The foods that reduce your
risk are the same foods that are heart-healthy. In particular,
you should make sure to include fiber in your diet to reduce
your risk of gallstones.
Related Links:
What Causes Gallstones?
Why Americans Read In Bathrooms-The Hidden Epidemic of
Constipation
Bowels -3 Keys to Normal Bowels
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fat-It's Alive!
Diet and Exercise-A Simple Plan
Snoring Increases Your Risk of Stroke 67%
Six Pack Abs--Step By Step
Foods That Reduce Blood Pressure
Foods That Shrink Your Waist
Owning a Cat Reduces Risk of Stroke 40%
Home > Conditions > You Are Here |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| COLLECTIVE WIZDOM.COM Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Life |