Gallstones occur most often in persons after middle life, especially in those of sedentary habits.
A substance called cholesterin is normally present in solution in bile and in the tissues. When, through inactivity of the liver, or when because of sedentary habits the bile remains too long in the system, the cholesterin is precipitated, and, mixed with mucus, it forms gall-stones.
A diet composed mostly of starch and fat favors their formation.
All dietetic measures should be combined with exercise to promote the flow of bile into the intestines.
Two glasses of hot water should be taken in the morning and before retiring. Several glasses of cold water should be drunk through the day.
Sweets and starches should be largely eliminated from the diet; sweet fruits and root vegetables must be avoided.
Fresh green vegetables and acid fruits may be taken. Potatoes contain calcium, but because they contain much more potassium, which lessens the liberation of calcium, they may also be used.
For foods rich in calcium which should be avoided see page [219].
Foods causing calcium oxalate deposits should be avoided as they may cause the formation of gall-stones. For a list of these see p. [219].
Meat, if taken, must be lean and eaten only once a day. Beef and chicken are the preferable meats. Fresh fish may be used.