Foods to Avoid Gallstones

Gallbladder is a small sac-like organ, lying just below the liver. It stores the bile, which is a greenish-brown liquid that is produced by the liver. Bile helps to digest the fats and other substances. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol and waste products such as bilirubin pigments. Gallstones are formed, when cholesterol or bile salts harden to develop a stone-like material. Gallbladder stones are pebble-like, hard deposits that are present in the gallbladder or the bile ducts. Gallstones cause obstruction leading to a serious infection in the bile duct, liver or pancreas. Symptoms of obstructed bile duct are known as a gallbladder attack. A typical gallbladder attack includes the gallstone symptoms such as persistent pain in the right upper abdomen, pain under the right shoulder, fever, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, restlessness, belching and indigestion.

The risk factors for gallstones are gender, age, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, hormone therapy and birth control pills (in case of women), Crohn’s disease and increased serum triglyceride levels. Generally, women are at higher risk for gallstones than men. The chances of developing gallstones increase with age. Besides this, your diet that includes high fat foods and low-fiber diet contributes a lot in developing the gallstones. However, rapid weight loss and extremely low-calorie diets can disturb the bile chemistry, leading to formation of gallstones. Certain changes in diet can help to prevent the gallstone symptoms. Let’s know in detail about which foods cause gallstones and which foods should be consumed to avoid gallstones.

Foods that Cause Gallstones

A diet, high in animal fats and low in fiber, prevents the absorption of bile acids by the liver, causing the formation of gallstones. Therefore, people suffering from gallstones should strictly avoid all animal fats and dairy products. Since obesity is one of the main causes of gallstones, excluding the fatty foods from diet is beneficial for maintaining a healthy body weight and preventing the gallstones. People with gallstones should stay away from a sugar-rich diet and the foods that are rich in starch such as rice, white breads, cereals, etc. Following is the list of foods that should be avoided in order to prevent gallstones:

• All animal fats such as beef, pork, butter and lard.
• Dairy products such as whole milk, soft and hard types of cheese.
• Hydrogenated oils and fats such as mayonnaise and margarine.
• Refined carbohydrates such as rich cakes and pastries, white bread, beans, corn and nuts.
• Deep-fried foods such as chips.
• Stimulants such as black tea, coffee (stimulates gallbladder contraction, causing a gallbladder attack), alcohol, especially cocktails and hard liquors.
• Carbonated beverages such as colas and sodas.
• Artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives.
• Certain vegetables such as cabbages, cauliflowers and legumes.
• Fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.
• Eggs should be avoided as they contain high amounts of cholesterol.
• Foods rich in sugar such as chocolates, candies, ice creams, desserts and sweets.

All these foods act as a triggering factor for the formation of gallstones and hence, they should be avoided to prevent a gallbladder attack. Besides this, you need to avoid sedentary lifestyle, drastic weight reduction therapies and mental stress.

Foods to Avoid Gallstones

Having a low fat and high-fiber diet is a key to prevent gallbladder stones. Since obesity is one of the risk factors for gallstones, such a diet will help to reduce excess body weight. Avoiding animal fats and having a vegetarian diet is the best way to minimize the possibility of gallstones. Studies reveal that vegetarians are at a lower risk of developing gallstones. The vegetarian diet is often low in cholesterol and calories; hence, vegetarians generally don’t have to face the problem of obesity, thus reducing the risk of gallstones. Having foods rich in fiber play a crucial role in preventing gallstones. Vegetables and fruits are rich in water-soluble fibers. Hence, people suffering from gallstones should eat fresh vegetables such as broccoli, spinach greens, mustard greens, horseradish, radish, celery, carrots, beets, garlic, leafy green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard as well as fruits such as lemons, apples, watermelon and water chestnuts. They can have meats such as turkey, fresh fish and chicken, which are low in cholesterol.

Gallbladder diet includes soybean products such as tofu, which are the excellent alternative protein sources to milk and meat. It also includes lentils, beans and whole grains. The gallstone diet should be rich in plenty of salads and sprouts. People with gallstones should have the foods containing unsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil, nut and seed oils such as walnut oil or flax seed oil. Poly-unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are advantageous for gallbladder. Diet rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and other minerals is recommended for people with gallstones. It helps keep the body alkaline. Here is a list of recommended foods for gallstones:

• Steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, long and short grain brown rice.
• Broiled fish
• Fresh vegetables and fruits as well as juices.
• Apple butter instead of jam.
• Yogurt, low-fat Kefir and cottage cheese.
• Soaked and sprouted grains.

In addition to gallstone diet, you should drink plenty of water and other fluids. Regular exercises are also important to reduce obesity and maintain normal weight.

By following a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can maintain a healthy body weight. It helps prevent the severe symptoms of gallstones, as well as maintain good overall health and physical fitness.