Bile aids in fat digestion and is stored in the gallbladder. Occasionally, bile forms hard particles known as gallstones, which can block ducts that lead in and out of the gallbladder and cause inflammation. Gallstones can be treated through medication and surgery, but dietary intervention can also help prevent gallstones from forming and minimize symptoms.
Risk Factors
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people at risk for gallstones include individuals over the age of 60, American Indians and Mexican-Americans, overweight and obese individuals, diabetics, people who take drugs to lower cholesterol and people with a family history of gallstones. Pregnant women and women who use hormone replacement therapy or take birth control also have a higher risk for gallstones.
Symptoms
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and Mayo Clinic say symptoms of gallstones include intense and sudden pain on the upper right side of the abdomen, pain after meals, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and back or shoulder pain.
Foods to Limit
Foods high in calories, fat and cholesterol increase the risk of gallstones. Avoid foods such as butter, cream, lard, shortening, margarine, mayonnaise, ice cream, fatty meats, chicken skin, whole milk, high-fat cheeses and coconut or palm oil. Cholesterol can be reduced by eating more plant foods and limiting animal products. Egg whites are OK because most of the fat and cholesterol in an egg is in the yolk.
The best way to lower calories and fat while cooking is to cook with little or no oil by grilling, steaming, poaching, roasting and broiling. Removing all visible fat and skin from meat and poultry and skimming fat from gravies, sauces and stocks also will reduce calories and fat. Exercising portion control prevents overeating and subsequent weight gain associated with excess calorie intake. According to the UMMC, people with gallbladder disease should also avoid alcohol.
Foods to Eat
The healthiest foods for gallstone control include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products and healthy, unsaturated fats. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are naturally low in calories and fat, but rich in fiber, which supports a healthy weight and decreases the risk of gallstones. Whole grains include brown rice, bulgur, barley, cornmeal, oats and quinoa. Examples of lean proteins include skinless poultry, eggs, beans, legumes, fish, seafood, soy and lean meats. Unsaturated fats are in olive and vegetable oils, avocado, nuts and fish.
According to the UMMC, drinking caffeinated coffee may decrease the risk of gallstones, but scientific studies are mixed.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbs and supplements may help prevent and treat gallstones, but many have not been scientifically proven to be effective. Herbs and supplements can have side effects and interact with food and prescription medication, so it is important to talk with a physician prior to taking any for gallstones. According to UMMC, supplements that may benefit gallstones include multivitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphatidylcholine, alpha-lipoic acid and taurine. Herbs that have been used to prevent and treat gallstones include green tea, milk thistle, globe artichoke and turmeric.
