The gallbladder secretes bile, which aids in fat digestion. Biliary colic is the upper abdominal pain caused when a gallstone blocks the bile duct, a tube that connects the gallbladder to the small intestine. This disrupts the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. Patients with biliary colic are often advised by their physicians to follow a special diet.
Symptoms
Patients with biliary colic often experience an ache in the upper abdomen. This pain may be below the breastbone, near the gallbladder and liver, or around the right shoulder blade. These symptoms are common after the ingestion of a fatty meal or when a patient eats a very large meal after breaking a fast. Patients with any of these symptoms should notify their physician immediately.
Considerations
There are many nutrition-related risk factors for developing gallstones, which leads to biliary colic. Diets high in fat and low in fiber will raise cholesterol levels in bile. Excess weight amplifies patients' susceptibility due to decreased production of bile salts. However, rapid weight loss is ill-advised because it triggers the liver to release cholesterol and delays gallbladder emptying, which further increases the chances of biliary colic.
Guidelines
Physicians and dietitians recommend that patients with biliary colic limit fat and cholesterol intake to improve digestion. The amount of fat restriction may be individualized. Fat-soluble vitamin and mineral supplementation may also be prescribed. Patients should avoid fried foods, heavily marbled meats, bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, whole-milk dairy products, butter and oils.
Suggestions
Patients with biliary colic, especially if they require surgery, should avoid foods that cause gastric and intestinal irritation. They may not tolerate highly seasoned foods containing spices such as cloves, nutmeg, chili powder, mustard seed and black pepper. Patients should refrain from coffee, tea, cola and chocolate due to the caffeine content. Alcohol, peppermint and acidic food such as citrus fruits and tomato products also may cause discomfort.
Sample Menu
An example of one day on a diet for biliary colic might look like this. Breakfast: toasted oat cereal, skim milk and banana. Lunch: turkey sandwich with light mayonnaise, vegetable soup, mixed green salad with light salad dressing and an apple. Dinner: baked chicken breast, baked potato, steamed vegetables, dinner roll and grapes.
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