A review published in July 2016 in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that regular exercise lowers the risk of gallbladder problems. And this was true regardless of the person’s body mass index (BMI). And you don’t have to overdo it with exercise to achieve results. Studies have also found that there is not a significantly greater risk reduction for extreme levels of activity. In fact, overly strenuous exercise, such as long-distance running, may even cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. This doesn’t mean you should cut out physical activity entirely, just be aware of what your body can handle. Diya Alaedeen, MD, a general surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, says “all types of exercise that aim at healthy weight loss are preventative for all kinds of diseases, not only gallbladder diseases but GI diseases in general and cardiovascular diseases in particular.”
How Inactivity Can Lead to Gallstones
Obesity, on the other hand, can increase a person’s risk of developing gallstones. The most common types of gallstones are cholesterol gallstones, which often appear yellow in color and form when there is an overload of cholesterol in the bile that is stored in the gallbladder, according to Mayo Clinic. The excessive buildup of cholesterol may result in the formation of crystals and eventually into stones. In a study published in the journal Hepatology in June 2013, researchers found that a high BMI was associated with an increased risk of gallstones, and this association was stronger for women. Researchers say that obesity may be a precursor to gallbladder disease because abdominal fat mass may cause gallbladder hypomotility (decreased movement of the gallbladder) and bile stasis (when bile can’t flow efficiently), another risk factor for gallstone formation.
Finding the Right Kind of Exercise to Reduce Your Risk of Gallstones
While various exercise methods have been studied, including bicycling, calisthenics, jogging, swimming, tennis, and walking, existing research has yet to show whether one form of exercise is better than another for reducing the risk of gallbladder problems. Research on women published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that it didn’t matter if the person engaged in vigorous exercise such as running, or moderate exercise like speed walking — an increase in exercise in general led to increased benefit while no exercise at all increased chances of developing gallstones. What is consistently shown is that for exercise to be beneficial, it needs to be habitual and practiced, at least in a moderate amount, over a long period of time. Dr. Alaedeen stresses: “We never, ever tell the patient not to exercise.” Gallbladder problems are painful and treatment can be expensive. The bottom line: To help prevent gallstones — and many other conditions — follow your doctor’s advice and get regular, moderate exercise. Additional reporting by Jamie Putman.
