Fostering Positive Body Image in Weight Management: Insights from a Registered Dietitian
Positive Body Image In a world bombarded with conflicting messages about weight and body image, it is crucial to seek guidance from experts who can provide evidence-based perspectives to give you a Positive Body Image. As a registered dietitian, I have immersed myself in the world of weight management and body image over the past 26 yrs, blending scientific knowledge with a compassionate approach. In this blog, I will be exploring a few different areas of balanced nutrition, mindful practices and enabling self-acceptance. With my expertise in this area, I hope to encourage individuals to believe they can too reach these goals. The Balancing Act of Weight Management: Weight management is a delicate balance between nurturing our bodies and maintaining a healthy weight. Instead of succumbing to fad diets or quick fixes, the focus I believe is on sustainable lifestyle changes that support overall well-being. As a registered dietitian, and a Hashimoto’s sufferer myself (Gillians Story) I promote a comprehensive approach that encompasses fixing the gut, checking bloods, balancing nutrition, portion control, regular physical activity, mindful eating and much more. By embracing this full-body holistic perspective, we can release the handbrakes and build a healthy relationship with food and establish habits that nourish both our bodies and minds. I firmly believe in focusing on internal well-being from the outset and the rest will fall into place. A great analogy: Just as you don’t fix the exhaust when you see blue smoke, but rather fix the engine, the same is true for our bodies. The first step… Is by making contact and believing you are good enough to make the changes with professional help. Nurturing Positive Body Image: Positive body image is not solely defined by societal standards, but rather by our perception of ourselves and how we feel in our own skin. I’m familiar with society’s unrealistic standards of beauty, and the negative effects this has on people. In the 80s, when I was growing up magazines featured skeletal models, sharing harmful advice and contributing to a culture of self-loathing. We’ve been exposed to this kind of advertising while shopping, socialising and browsing online. It has been actively encouraged and continues to be an integral part of the digital experience. By self-compassion, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can begin to redefine body image on our own terms. This journey towards positive body image is not straightforward or easy, but it starts with us all, men and women, acknowledging our worth beyond physical appearance and embracing our unique qualities. I have had the privilege of helping and watching thousands of people move from being stuck fearful, depressed and alone to taking control, finding their inner harmony and sparkle with life again as they emerge from feeling trapped. It is honestly the best feeling ever. Empowering a Positive Body Image through Education: Education plays a pivotal role in transforming our understanding of weight management and body image. With over 25yrs of sifting right from wrong, my role has never been more important as I provide my patients with personalised, accurate, and reliable information about nutrition, debunking myths and misconceptions that often fuel unhealthy behaviours. Understanding the science behind weight management allows for informed choices, and healthier eating patterns, and allows for realistic goals that work with our individual needs and preferences. Education equips us with the tools necessary to navigate the complex landscape of weight management and body image with confidence. Cultivating a Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment is vital in the journey towards positive body image and sustainable weight management. Toxic people and toxic messages are hugely influential on all ages, social media driving this every minute of every day. Definitely surrounding ourselves with people who inspire and support us can build resilience and reinforce the importance of self-care. By seeking professional guidance from registered dietitians and engaging in support networks, you can navigate challenges, celebrate achievements, and share experiences in a safe and understanding space. Conclusion: Weight management and body image are multifaceted topics that require a nuanced approach. With my experience and qualifications as a registered dietitian, I know what works. A balance of a healthy gut, optimal nutrition, being active, mindful practices, and self-acceptance is the first level, If required blood testing and genetics (nutrigenomics) may be required to work a little more under the bonnet! Remember, you are not alone in this process. Seek the guidance of registered dietitians and surround yourself with a community that values your well-being beyond societal expectations. Together, we can unlock the handbrakes to assist any concerns you have with your weight and build a strong and positive body for a happier, healthier future. So, what to do next or anything else.. If you are needing help with your weight and body image worried you have a poor diet or ongoing stress and wish to change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat and are not sure what programme to select, please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health. Gillian x
What You Need to Know About Probiotics and Their Health Benefits
What are Probiotics and What Makes them so Beneficial? As we are still in the awareness month of gut health I felt it may be helpful to focus on an area that many people want to know more about for improving their gut; Probiotics. Probiotics have been around since ancient times when cheese and fermented products were popular among the Greeks and Romans. They even encouraged each other to consume these for the potential health benefits. The word “probiotic” comes from the Greek word for “for life.” Jump to 1905, a Bulgarian physician and microbiologist Stamen Grigorov identified the first recorded probiotic, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, in Bulgarian yoghurt. This discovery was groundbreaking and has led to further research into the potential of probiotics for many years. Today, probiotics are widely used in healthcare and nutrition as a natural way to improve digestive health and overall well-being. So what are they? Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been researched and proven to provide health benefits when consumed from suitable sources in adequate amounts. They are commonly found naturally in food sources often fermented such as yoghurt, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut and cheeses. In recent years this can also be taken as a supplement and due to modern manufacturing a mass market of choice has “mushroomed” onto the probiotic shelves. Probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut microbiome which helps to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. This balance is important for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system functioning. Research has shown that probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, improve digestive health, and boost the immune system. Additionally, probiotics may also help to reduce symptoms of certain diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exploring the Different Sources of Probiotics and How to Properly Integrate Them Into Your Diet We know probiotics are found naturally in certain foods, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and miso. But as mentioned they can also be taken as supplements in the form of liquids, pills or powders and even research has been carried out intranasally. I can’t cover them all as you would be really bored still reading in a few hours time! Suffice to say there are so many to choose from I often wonder is this more to do with confusing the consumer and encouraging them to keep buying new ones, and thus clever marketing, more money spent from repeat purchases. I really hope it is that we are just really lucky that the manufacturers are improving therapeutic doses, strains and delivery methods for all ages and stages of life. Most common types of probiotics Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) – This strain helps maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in your intestines. It’s also thought to help prevent diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium lactis) – This strain helps improve lactose intolerance, boost immunity, reduce inflammation throughout the body (including in joints), help regulate blood sugar levels after eating carbohydrates like bread and pastas–and even reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Just because they are common and frequently recommended in health food stores they are not always the best choice for many. Probiotics for Specific Conditions Probiotics are a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their health. They can help with digestion, immune function and even weight loss. But there are some specific conditions where probiotics are useful: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition affects the colon or large intestine. It causes abdominal pain and bloating that may be accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation. Many people with IBS also experience gas and other symptoms like nausea or vomiting after eating certain foods. Studies have shown that taking certain probiotics while addressing the diet can help relieve these symptoms because they help balance out the bacteria in your gut–a process called “gut dysbiosis.” Our gut health programmes are uniquely designed for each individual to ensure probiotics are selected based on your specific requirements. Diabetes Type 2 prevention/treatment: Research has shown that taking certain strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) over time can reduce blood sugar levels in people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In one study published in Diabetes Care journal found that supplementing with LGG lowered fasting blood glucose levels by almost 10 percent compared to those taking placebo pills over six weeks period. Weight loss: Another study published in Obesity Reviews journal found supplementing with Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis helped reduce body fat percentage while increasing lean muscle mass. A snapshot of thousands of probiotics available. What Are Some Potential Side Effects or Risks Associated With Taking Probiotics? While the potential benefits of probiotics are well-known, there are also potential risks associated with taking them. These risks could include allergic reactions, interactions with medications, and changes in the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Certain people may be at higher risk for adverse events due to various conditions. These include people with immunodeficiency, short bowel syndrome, central venous catheters, cardiac valve disease, and premature infants. These individuals may be more vulnerable to certain infections or other medical issues that can result from their medical condition. It is important to understand these risks before taking probiotics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to take them and discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. I think it is important to point out here that if your gut is doing as it should you have no unpleasant GI or health issues then leave it to get on doing what it does best and don’t interfere! Prebiotics and Synbiotics You may have heard of Prebiotics and synbiotics. These are dietary supplements that help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria by providing food for the probiotic organisms, thus encouraging them to multiply.Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that pass through your digestive system unchanged, but they act as fertilizer for probiotic bacteria in your intestines. They’re found naturally in foods like bananas, onions and
The Health Benefits of Eating Eggs and How to Incorporate Them into Your Diet
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Eggs? If you don’t already know, eggs are a great source of nutrition and provide a variety of health benefits. They are high in protein, contain essential vitamins and minerals, and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Eating eggs regularly as part of a varied and nutritious diet can help improve your overall health and well-being. In this blog, you will learn of the health benefits of eating eggs and why they should be part of your diet. Firstly why were Eggs considered bad for us? For decades, eggs have been the subject of controversy and debate. In the 1970s and 80s, they were linked to high cholesterol levels and salmonella poisoning, leading to a wave of negative press and public advice to avoid eating eggs. However, more recent research has revealed that eggs are actually a healthful food with numerous benefits for our bodies. In 1999, a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) sought to challenge the long-held belief that egg consumption was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The results of this study found no such link, leading to a paradigm shift in how eggs were viewed by medical professionals and the general public alike. This shift in attitude towards egg consumption has continued over two decades later, with many health organizations recommending moderate egg consumption as part of a balanced diet. In 2020 an observational study has stirred the pot again and has not been so favourable regarding eggs and heart disease! Many experts are sceptical due to the methods of data collection so it will be interesting to see what researchers come up with next! For now, Eggs are definitely on the 121 Dietitian yum list, read on to find out why.. Egg Nutrition Eggs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin E, folate and many more, as well as being a great source of protein. They contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Additionally, eggs are loaded with choline, an important nutrient that can help support many bodily functions including cardiovascular health and the yolks are one of the best sources of lutein, a pigment that has been linked to better eyesight and lower risk of eye disease. With their powerhouse of nutrition, eggs make a great addition to any healthy diet. For the protein and nutrients they provide, they are an inexpensive food group. If you are already a Boiled egg eater you will be delighted to know the following: Eating just one large boiled egg can give you 8% of your daily value (DV) of vitamin A, as well as 6% DV of folate, 14% DV of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), 23% DV of vitamin B12, 20% DV of riboflavin (vitamin B2), 7% DV of phosphorus and 28% DV selenium. Eggs are an excellent source of several essential vitamins and minerals. 78 calories, 6 g of protein and 5 g of fat can be found in each egg, as well as trace nutrients which are important for overall health. Nutrients found in eggs include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium, zinc. How to Choose the Right Type of Egg for Your Diet Choosing the right type of egg for your diet can be a tricky task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which type of egg is best for you. Organic eggs, regular eggs, free-range eggs, cage-free eggs, pasture-raised eggs and omega-3 enriched eggs are some of the main types of eggs available in the market today. Each type of egg has its own unique benefits and drawbacks that should be taken into consideration when making a decision about which one to buy. Organic eggs we know are a healthier and more sustainable alternative to regular eggs. Eggs that come from hens are fed organic feed and are allowed to roam freely in their natural environment. These hens have access to fresh air, sunlight, and plenty of space for foraging. As a result, organic eggs contain higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals than regular eggs. Additionally, organic egg production is more humane and does not involve the use of antibiotics or hormones. For those looking for a healthier option that is also better for the environment, organic eggs are a good choice if you are able to spend the money as this can be prohibitive if consuming large amounts. Omega-3 enriched eggs are a type of egg that has been enhanced with additional omega-3 fatty acids. These eggs are produced by feeding chickens a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, fish oil, and algae. The resulting eggs have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than regular eggs and can be used as an alternative to traditional sources of dietary omega-3s. Omega-3 enriched eggs have been shown to have health benefits such as improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function. They also provide an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals so a win-win. Caged eggs, also known as battery eggs, are eggs laid by hens that are kept in a cage. The cages used for caged eggs are typically small and restrict the hens’ movement. This type of egg production is controversial due to animal welfare concerns. Caged eggs have been banned in some countries, while others have implemented regulations to ensure that the hens receive adequate space and enrichment activities. It is good to know that more is being done to stop hen cruelty and to assist this further – selecting alternatives where possible is a good start. How to Incorporate Eggs into Your Diet Eggs are not only a super choice nutritional but so versatile and can be cooked in many different ways to create delicious dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying. From omelettes to frittatas, quiches to salads, and the infamous cloud bread!
Waist Hip Ratio Measurement are you familiar with this?
Waist Hip Ratio. I released a recent blog highlighting the positives and negatives of the BMI calculation and wanted to follow up on this with another measurement that you may find useful. Just to recap, BMI (Body Mass Index) is a well-known measurement that checks weight against height to select a number that you then can plot in a range for health. You can check yours here on our BMI calculator. This unfortunately in some circumstances can be misleading, and my BMI blog covers this in more detail. One example is if you have a high muscle mass, you may see your BMI number to be ‘overweight’.. What to use instead of BMI? The measurement that is now recommended as standard by the British Diabetes Association is the Waist : Hip Ratio This is a simple and quick-to-do measurement that just requires a tape measure. The tape measure below is designed to assist you to be more accurate as it holds the tape in place as required so you can record your numbers.. How to take your own Waist-Hip Ratio Start with the tape around your tummy, this should be the smallest part of the waist. Record this number. Next, drop the tape down around the hips, you need to measure the widest point across your bottom. Take down this number. Next, you need to divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement this will give you another number called the ratio. You use this number to check against the guidelines below. Waist Hip Ratio Guidelines The following are the recommended parameters: What does the Waist Hip Ratio number show? In simple terms the nearer this ratio you have recorded is to 1, the more likely you are to be insulin resistant and at risk of developing Type-2-Diabetes. If you have a high waist-hip ratio you may notice you have more of an ‘apple’ body shape. This body shape means you are carrying excess abdominal fat. Why does this matter? Health risks rise significantly with increased abdominal fat as many of our vital organs like your liver and pancreas are located here, if these organs are restricted by excess fat they are put under extra pressure. What can you do to lower your Waist Hip Ratio? Thankfully you can assist your waist-hip ratio by taking action in several ways. What to do next about your Waist Hip Ratio or anything else.. If you are unsure of how to increase or decrease your weight, change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat and are not sure what programme to select please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health. Gillian x
Wegovy – New Diet Drug
Wegovy – New Diet Drug 121 Dietitian is excited by the launch of the New Diet Drug Wegovy for weight loss and obesity. A game changer for weight loss, but not without consequences. If you decide this is for you, you need to ensure you get the maximum results possible. As weight loss experts 121 Dietitian wants the best for you, we are seeing a massive push on online prescribing. What support do you get with this????? In most cases, it is lip service and not personalised. These drugs are not a quick fix, they are expensive, require 18 months of time commitment and stop working when you don’t inject. So what can you do? How to get maximum results with Wegovy- new diet drug If you decide Wegovy is for you. You may be surprised to read that the only way to get maximum results is by working with a Specialist. Dietitians like us here at 121 being the gold standard! Wegovy is not the golden ticket to weight loss. We know and have many years of experience assisting thousands of people with optimising their diet and health for life. Wegovy what you need to know As a Dietitian for nearly 30 years, I have watched many drugs come and go regarding weight loss. Wegovy is one of the newer kids on the block. Big breakthroughs have been the headlines over the years and many people eager to get their hands on the latest launch, pay big bucks for something they know nothing about. Creating drugs to allow for a substantial amount of weight loss without serious side effects is the dream for many pharmaceutical companies and many attempts have been made. In this blog, I hope to provide you with all you need to know about these medications the positives and negatives of taking these drugs and what alternative may work better for you long term. How Do These Anti-Obesity Drugs Work? In normal digestion, the gut secretes hormones after food intake, stimulating insulin secretion. These pharmaceutically created peptides (Wegovy) mimic these same gut hormones and provide more GLP-1 to flood the system and allow for additional weight loss. Wegovy and Mounjaro work differently in the body but both keep you fuller for longer by delaying gastric emptying, increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing glucagon, and reducing high glucose levels. Both drugs reduce triglycerides, LDL and raise HDL cholesterol, along with reducing blood pressure. Who is eligible for Wegovy? Wegovy is intended for use by adults aged 18-75 who have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above AND a weight-related health condition such as (asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, a history of certain cancers, osteoarthritis or gout, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Side effects of Wegovy – New Diet Drug Something that is often overlooked or underplayed is the side effects of drugs. For Wegovy and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) include nausea vomiting abdominal pain constipation diarrhoea There is a concern of 4.5 x higher intestinal obstruction in 25,000 people studied. Fatigue and headache are also very common, mainly as doses increase. Other common side effects include: feeling lightheaded excess passing wind gastroesophageal reflux injection site reactions hair loss hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes Less common side effects have been noted with these drugs including allergic reactions gallstones (which can occur with a large amount of weight loss) the potential of medullary thyroid cancer You are also at risk of acute kidney injury. In rare cases, there can be serious side effects, such as pancreatitis or anaphylaxis. A list NOT to be ignored. How is Wegovy Given and Practical Considerations Wegovy (Semaglutide), is in a prefilled self-injection delivered under the skin in the arm, abdomen or thigh. 0.25 mg for a month, increasing monthly to a maximum dose of 2.4 mg in the 5th month. It takes a year to 18 months to have full effect. As with any medication, there are positives and negatives and I have spent most of the last 15 years in my clinics trying to reduce my patient’s medication lists where possible! I am aware however that some medications are beneficial, and it is a major hope that these drugs will genuinely assist in weight loss for the select individual. One thing for sure is that they do seem to be a better option than bariatric surgery which is a blog for another day! Currently, the hype is big and no doubt we will find out more as time goes by, but for now, I prefer to recommend you don’t get swept up too soon and spend extortionate amounts of money without doing the following first. Wegovy -Work with a Dietitian Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with multifactorial causes, and taking a drug and expecting life-changing weight loss is too simplistic. For those seeking to improve their health and lose weight and really stuck these drugs may be a short sharp kickstart but no more. It is clear from the research that when people stop taking Wegovy/Ozempic, they rapidly regain the weight. It is very expensive and there are important issues that need to be highlighted regarding everyday considerations like how alcohol impacts blood sugar control, fasting, health risks and other medication interactions. Verdict on Wegovy – New Diet Drug As a Dietitian, I have been asked repeatedly about weight loss drugs. I always consider all options and for the greater good of all who may be thinking about using these and believe in working on lifestyle, diet and fitness interventions first or alongside any targeted medication. I am concerned that vulnerable people who are really in need of significant weight loss may need to stay on Wegovy indefinitely in order to maintain any weight loss achieved, and this definitely raises concerns about long-term use. As 121 Dietitian offer weight loss services it is something for you to consider. You can invest in a 121 Dietitian programme, the
Gallstones Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
How common are gallstones? Gallstones are very common and there are many gallstones diets out there. It’s estimated more than 1 in every 10 adults in the UK has gallstones, although only a smaller number develop unpleasant symptoms. Here at 121 Dietitian we see and assist patients each week with gallstones. This blog is to help you if you have symptoms and are needing trusted advice for a gallstones diet. What are Gallstones? There are two types of gallstones: The most common are cholesterol gallstones, made up of excess cholesterol in the bile. Less common pigment gallstones are made up of excess bilirubin. The processing of these stones being made takes place in the gallbladder which is a small sac below the liver. The stones can be very small like gravel to single large stones. Interestingly gallstones can cause no symptoms in two out of three people who have them. If you do experience symptoms you may find problems such as upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and gallbladder inflammation with paler stools and diarrhoea. Surgery is the treatment offered for people whose gallstones cause symptoms. A combination of diet and lifestyle factors and genetics are likely the cause of gallstone formation. Who is at risk of Gallstones? Women people over 40 overweight people Gallstones are also more likely if: Your bile contains too much cholesterol The outlet from your gallbladder is blocked or infected You have an underlying health condition – diabetes, liver disease, or sickle cell disease You have a family history of gallstones What can flare up a gallbladder? When we eat food, our digestion requires the gallbladder to actively squeeze bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, conjugated bilirubin, electrolytes, and water out of the gallbladder and down the bile duct to the small intestine. If you have an inflamed gallbladder anything in the stomach can trigger this action and irritate it. We know the gallbladder has to squeeze harder when there is fat in the stomach so anything fried, greasy, fatty, pizza, pastries, will upset the gallbladder. Symptoms of a Gallbladder attack Gallstones may lead to your gallbladder becoming inflamed (cholecystitis), which can cause: Pain below your ribs on the right-hand side Pain in your back and right shoulder Fever Nausea Biliary colic If gallstones pass down your bile duct into your duodenum, you will experience a painful condition known as biliary colic. The pain is usually felt in the upper part of your abdomen, in the centre, or a little to the right, and often occurs about an hour after a meal that has a particularly high-fat content. The pain can be so severe that some people report they feel like they’re having a heart attack. Also, people can feel sick and may vomit. Gallbladder and Obesity If you are overweight or obese, losing weight will be really beneficial. Avoiding highly restrictive plans when you have gallstones is essential, as rapid weight loss has been associated with developing more gallstones. A safe weight loss of 1-2 lbs(0.5 to 1 kg) per week is what you want. 121 Dietitian’s specialist programmes provide you with a personal, safe and enjoyable lifelong plan. What diet can I eat when I have gallstones? It is best to have smaller, more frequent meals and best not to fast for long periods. Choosing small amounts of fats like olive oil can assist the smooth regular contractions of the gallbladder. Eat more foods that are high in fibre these can be fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish and wholegrain carbohydrates like Brown Rice and Quinoa, and lower-fat dairy products. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar. What foods to avoid if you have gallstones? Avoid eating too many foods with a high saturated fat content as cholesterol is involved in forming gallstones. These include: meat pies. sausages and fatty cuts of meat. butter, ghee and lard. cream. hard cheeses. cakes and biscuits. food containing coconut or palm oil. What is best to drink with gallstones? Water is ideal for drinking as it dilutes and detoxifies impurities that impact your gallbladder. If you are experiencing an attack and you are not eating, drinking some protein water can assist with additional plant-based protein. Alcohol is very interesting in regard to gallstones. Research has found that a moderate alcohol intake may help reduce the risk of gallstones, although researchers aren’t sure how this happens. It is always necessary to note that even though it is thought drinking in moderation may lower the risk of gallstones, excess alcohol consumption can increase the risk of many health conditions. What foods help heal gallstones? Fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, buckwheat flakes) Lean meat, poultry, and fish. Low-fat dairy products. Finally on the natural options Getting active when you can is really important. Regular exercise is beneficial for your overall health. It can also help you maintain a moderate weight and prevent gallstones. Ensuring you keep stress to a minimum and sufficient sleep are both important for assisting or reducing gallstone formation, attack, weight and health. Our 121 Wellness shop provides essentials to help you. Medical treatments for gallstones If natural recommendations do not treat gallstones effectively, then medications or surgery may be required. Medication for gallstones Ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid may be used to treat smaller gallstones. These medications can take time to work (up to 2 years) and if stopped gallstones may return. Surgery for gallstones Cholecystectomy is the name for gallbladder removal surgery. Removing the gallbladder ensures that the gallstones cannot re-form. If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. In the meantime please check out our 121Dietitian Shop If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your
