What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for gallstones?
There are no alternative treatments for symptomatic gallstones; that is, gallstones that are causing pain and other problems. But since most stones are composed of cholesterol, diet plays a role in their formation. If you are at risk of developing gallstones, you may be able to prevent them or prevent symptoms from worsening with these measures: • If you need to lose weight, do so slowly (crash dieting can lead to gallstone formation). • Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep the bile in your gallbladder fluid and help you digest and absorb fat. • Make sure you get 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium from all sources daily (associated with a lower incidence of gallstones). Women should consider taking 500-700 mg of calcium in supplement form. This can help bind bile acids and decrease the risk of stone formation However, men should limit calcium consumption to 500 to 600 mg from all sources. • Take 300 mg of curcumin (an active component of the yellow spice turmeric) three times a
