Foods I Should Eat With Gallstones

Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, occur when bile, a digestive substance, creates hard deposits in the gallbladder. They can block passageways in the gallbladder and cause inflammation and severe abdominal pain. Traditional treatments include medications to dissolve stones, shock wave therapy to break stones up and surgery to remove the gallbladder. Risk factors for gallstones include age, gender, diabetes, overweight or obesity, ethnicity, diet and certain medications. Avoiding certain foods can prevent gallstones and minimize symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite.

High-Fiber Foods

According to the Mayo Clinic, a high-fiber diet may prevent gallstones from forming. Fibrous foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes. Overweight individuals should eat plenty of fiber because it helps regulate appetite, which can promote weight loss and subsequently lower the risk of gallstones. High-fiber foods can cause gas and bloating, but negative symptoms can be minimized by increasing dietary fiber slowly and drinking plenty of water.

Low-Fat Foods

Italian researchers from Bari, Italy, published an article in 1999 in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” that looked at the connection between diet, physical activity and the incidence of gallstones in southern Italians. They found that diets high in animal fat and low in vegetable fat increased the risk of gallstones. Excess consumption of all types of fat can also lead to weight gain and obesity, which increase the risk of gallstones.
Individuals can decrease dietary fat by filling up on naturally low-fat foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and eating less processed and fast foods. The best lean proteins include fish and seafood, poultry, egg whites, soy, beans, legumes and lean cuts of meat. Reduce dietary fat by removing all visible skin and fat from meat and poultry and cooking with healthy methods like grilling, broiling, steaming and poaching. Healthier vegetable fats come from olive and vegetable oils, avocados and nuts.

Low-Cholesterol Foods

The Mayo Clinic says a high-cholesterol diet is a risk factor for gallstones. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in animal products. Cholesterol-free foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Individuals on a low-cholesterol diet can consume egg whites instead of whole eggs, because all the cholesterol in an egg is in the yolk.

Vitamins

According to the Mayo Clinic, deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium may be associated with an increased risk of gallstones. Vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium are available in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and vegetable oils. Individuals who are unable to consume a vitamin-rich diet may benefit from taking vitamin supplements.