Gallstones are probably another example of a disease induced by the Western diet. It is unknown in cultures where there is a high fibre, low meat and low fat diet. That's probably why vegetarians have been observed to have half the gallstone incidence of meat eaters.
Gallstones are likely to be present in more than half of patients who are twice their ideal body weight. Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood are associated with gallstones, but ironically, elevated blood cholesterol levels are not. There is also a link between pre-diabetes and diabetes and gallstones.
In a presentation he made at an international workshop on gallstone disease, Dr. Williams suggested the following measures for prevention:
Diet changes alone may be useful as a preventative in people who are at high risk for gallstones, according to Dr. Williams. Diet is particularly useful for patients whose gallstones have been dissolved by medication. If the diet and normal body weight can be maintained, the gallstones are not likely to reoccur.
Dr. William's recommended diet to prevent gallstones or aid in their reduction is high fibre (30 grams or more), low protein (20 to 25 percent of calories) low fat (30 to 35 percent of calories) and high complex carbohydrates (40 to 50 percent of calories). He advises regular meals with a bedtime snack of fat or protein to contract and empty the gallbladder (at about ten or 11 pm).
In other words, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, 100 percent whole wheat or rye bread and pastas, brown rice, millet and other whole grains, along with moderate amounts of chicken and fish. This is the same diet that also prevents heart disease and cancer.
And as the Lancet says, "One can only reinforce the currently fashionable counsel for the healthy lifestyle which attempts to keep us slim and avoid very large families."
| 
|
|
  Lose weight – diet and exercise plans |
