Easy ways to prevent gallstones

Your hardworking gallbladder processes fats. But when it becomes inflamed or clogged with gallstones, the pebble-like cholesterol clumps can cause nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion and bloat. And women are up to three times more likely than men to be affected. To block the stones from forming, try one of these tips

- Jennifer Bringle

Snack on salsa

German research suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C, found in foods like tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries and grapefruit, cuts gallstone risk by 66%. The vitamin helps convert cholesterol into bile, preventing it from collecting in the gallbladder. And scientists say the longer you keep your C levels up, the further your risk plunges. Just one bell pepper has 128% of the 75 mg. of vitamin C you need daily.

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