The exact cause of gallbladder stone is elusive. Prevention of gallbladder stones is possible only by understanding the process of stone formation. By understanding the process, one can prevent this process by modifications in diet and regular exercise.

Liver is responsible for forming bile 24x7. This bile flows into the gallbladder and gets stored and concentrated. Most common component of gallbladder stones is cholesterol. The contributory factors for stones can be high fat diet, obesity, pregnancy, rapid or sudden weight loss and low-fat diet.

Diets with high fat content and in obese people, the levels of cholesterol are higher in bile. Also, liver secretes more cholesterol during fasting and rapid weight loss due to breakdown of body fats. Higher cholesterol content of bile predisposes to stone formation. Dietary and lifestyle modifications related to dietary fat can help prevent gallbladder stone formation. Also, desirable weight loss should be 1 – 1.5 Kg/month and avoid crash, fancy diets for rapid weight loss.

During pregnancy, high estrogen levels lead to an increased amount of cholesterol in bile and progesterone affects the gallbladder ability to pump bile by relaxing muscle of the gallbladder wall. One can only monitor stone formation stone formation by an ultrasound examination after baby is born.

Bile is required for fat digestion. In the presence of fat within the stomach, a signal to the gallbladder starts the process of pumping of the bile from within the gallbladder. In low fat diets, the bile within the gallbladder remains for a long period of time leading to crystallization and ultimately, stone formation.

There is a genetic predisposition to gallstone formation. Here, one can reduce gallbladder stone formation by 

1. A healthy weight – Maintaining weight is indeed an art in our era. One is lucky if it is easy to maintain. Most people are overweight if not obese. Maintaining a healthy BMI (Body mass index) between 18 to 25 is desirable.
2. Concentrated bile predisposes to stone formation. Hydration is an equally important to prevent gallbladder stone formation. s admitted in intensive care units
3. Lifestyle and dietary modifications include a balanced diet with adequate fat intake. Either excess fat or low fat in diet can cause gallstones. Similarly, diet which is low in fiber also predisposes to gallstones. Refined food should be avoided as they are usually high in fats.
4. Avoid rapid weight loss
5. Diabetes should be managed well with fairly good control of blood sugar levels. There are number of hypothesis for gallbladder stone formation in diabetics. Also, the risk of complications due to gallbladders stone disease in diabetics is higher.
6. Gallbladder stones are twice as common in females. Avoiding high estrogen containing medications is one way of reducing risk of gallstones.
7. Medications for lowering cholesterol in blood can increase cholesterol content in bile leading to gallbladder stone formation. One must discuss with the doctor before starting cholesterol reducing drugs.
8. Liver disease or Cirrhosis can also predispose to gallstone formation. Also, the rate of gallbladder stone complications in cirrhotic patients is higher. Regular treatment for liver disease and monitoring disease progress is very important. Also, a well balance diet will help manage liver disease better.
9. Regular activity and exercise are inversely associated with gallbladder stone formation. The exact mechanisms remain unclear and are being studied. A number of possible causes have been suggested like exercise maintains blood flow through the gallbladder and liver, improved gallbladder motility, better emptying of gallbladder contents.