Healthy Eating for Gallbladder Stones
Gallbladder stones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, which is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen, below the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver, which is released into the small intestine to help break down fats. Symptoms of gallbladder stones include abdominal pain, indigestion, back pain, fever, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your Gallstone doctor in Kolkata for diagnosis and treatment.
Eating a healthy diet may not cure all the symptoms of gallbladder stones or prevent surgery, but it can help alleviate symptoms and prevent them from worsening. This article provides a guideline on what foods you should include in your diet to help reduce stress on the gallbladder. It’s important to note that you should consult a Gallbladder stone doctor and a nutritionist for an appropriate meal plan.
Foods to Eat
Plant-Based Foods
Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients that are essential for the body to stay healthy and functional. They provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help flush out toxins and free radicals from the body, which can cause cell damage. Plant-based foods also decrease the risk of cholesterol in the body, which may help manage cholesterol gallbladder stones.
Lean Protein
Including a source of protein that is low in saturated fat might help lower bad cholesterol amounts in our bodies. Choosing lean protein sources such as low-fat milk and dairy products, nuts and seeds like almonds, and dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk might help manage the symptoms of gallbladder stones. You should also avoid processed meats and dairy products as they generally have higher salt content.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is essential for good digestive health and enhances the movement of food through our gut. Thus, fiber-rich foods help lower the production of secondary bile acids, which can help decrease the stress on the gallbladder. Following a fiber-rich diet might offer relief to people affected with gallbladder stones. Some sources of fiber are whole fruits and vegetables, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, magnesium, and folate can help reduce the risk of gallbladder diseases and improve your gallbladder health. Some sources high in Vitamin C are citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, vegetables like broccoli and red and green peppers, and other fruits like kiwis and strawberries.
Foods to Avoid
Refined Bread and Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are more difficult to digest and may increase the risk of gallbladder diseases. Processed baked items, added sugars, sweeteners, chocolates, white flour, and refined grains are some carbohydrates that you need to steer clear of.
Saturated and Trans Fats
Saturated and trans fats are difficult to break down and may add to the stress on the gallbladder. Some major sources of these unhealthy fats are processed meats and red meat, dairy products (excluding low-fat ones), processed and fried foods, and candies, chocolates, and ice cream.
Also Read: Is Your Abdominal Pain Gallstones?
Tips for Fast Recovery After Gallbladder Removal
After gallbladder removal, you may need to make certain dietary changes to accommodate your body’s condition. Some common tips include eating smaller but frequent meals, reducing fat intake and consuming low-fat alternatives, avoiding caffeine, spicy food, and anything that might upset your digestive system, and consuming easy-to-digest light meals. Always consult your Gallstone Speicialist doctor if you experience nausea and pain.
About Docor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
