Between 10 to 20 percent of adults over age 40 in the United States have gallstones, collections of material, often cholesterol, that accumulates in the gallbladder and bile ducts, according to the University of Pennsylvania. Gallstones can travel from the gallbladder into the bile ducts, blocking bile flow and causing inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis. Not everyone with gallbladder disease experiences symptoms, but those who do may need gallbladder removal surgery. Eliminating certain foods from the diet or restricting them can help reduce symptoms in gallbladder disease.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods are most likely to cause a gallbladder attack and should be restricted but not eliminated from the diet. Fat cause the gallbladder to contract and release bile, which help break down food. Between 20 and 35 percent of calories in the diet should come from fat, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states, because fat stimulates contraction and emptying of the gallbladder. If the gallbladder doesn't contract regularly, which happens in some very low-fat diets, gallstones may develop. Lean meats and low-fat dairy products helps supply necessary fats without worsening gallbladder disease. Both foods that naturally contain large amounts of fat, like fatty meats such as bacon and foods with added fat, such as fried foods, should be avoided.
Refined Sugar
Refined sugar can also contribute to gallbladder disease. While much emphasis is placed on cutting down on fat in the diet of people with gallbladder disease, refined sugar also increases gallstone formation, according to NetWellness. Refined sugar also supplies empty, non-nutritional calories that contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of gallbladder disease.
Processed Foods
Processed foods tend to be high in both partially hydrogenated fats and refined sugar and low in fiber, all substances that can increase gallbladder disease. Processed cakes, pies, donuts and cookies should all be avoided to decrease symptoms in gallbladder disease, NetWellness recommends.
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