Gallstone disease and water consumption
Gallstone formation has been found to be associated with low levels of daily water intake. One small group of 30 patients with gallstones had a typical daily drinking water consumption of only 400-700ml. It was found that that drinking 500ml of tap water at room temperature stimulated gallbladder emptying. In addition, supersaturation of gallbladder bile is one of the important causes of cholesterol gallstone formation. High daily water intake and consumption of water at regular intervals can dilute the bile and promote emptying of the gallbladder, which in turn could help to prevent gallstone formation in those predisposed to this condition.(1) The evidence for this beneficial effect is, however, highly speculative.(2)
Last updated: January 2006
1. Math MV, Rampal PM, Faure XR and Delmont JP. Gallbladder emptying after drinking water and its possible role in prevention of gallstone formation. Singapore Med J 1986;27:531-2
2. Manz F and Wentz A. The importance of good hydration for the prevention of chronic diseases. Nutr Rev 2005;63:S2-S5
