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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Certain events in your life can trigger episodes of higher bilirubin levels in Gilbert's syndrome, leading to jaundice. Doing what you can to manage those situations can help keep bilirubin under control and perhaps prevent bouts of jaundice.

These steps include:

  • Tell every doctor about your Gilbert's syndrome. Gilbert's syndrome affects the way your body processes certain medications. This has the potential to worsen side effects. Tell each doctor you visit that you have Gilbert's syndrome, so any medications can be selected with this in mind.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Avoid extremely low calorie diets. Stick to a routine eating scheduled and avoid fasting or skipping meals.
  • Manage stress. Find ways to deal with the stresses in your life. Consider exercise or quiet time alone to cope with stress.
References
  1. Berk PD, et al. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver test results. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-4/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
  2. Lidofsky SD. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-5/0/1389/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
  3. Ferri FF. Gilbert's disease. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189880460-5/0/2088/0.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
  4. Chowdhury NR, et al. Gilbert's syndrome and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to bilirubin overproduction. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed March 18, 2010.
DS00743 April 17, 2010

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