Your gallbladder plays a vital role in digestion by storing the fluid that helps break down the food you eat. Certain foods can, however, alter the composition of this fluid, causing it to solidify into stones in your gallbladder, says National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Gallbladder Function
Your gallbladder is a small organ that sits just below your liver on your right side and stores a fluid called bile, says the Patient UK website. When you eat, your gallbladder is squeezed, which releases the bile into your duodenum, a part of your gut, to aid digestion, especially the processing of fatty foods.
About Gallstones
Gallstones are formed when bile fluid hardens in your gallbladder, says Patient UK. Bile contains cholesterol, which is often what solidifies to form the stones. They can also be made of other bile components, such as bile pigments and calcium deposits. Gallstones are reasonably common, especially as you age, and the risk increases if you are pregnant, overweight, lose a lot of weight quickly, have a family history of gallstones or diabetes, or use the contraceptive pill. Most people who have gallstones are completely unaware of them, and they will usually disappear with time, says Patient UK. However, in some cases, gallstones can cause inflammation of the gallbladder that can lead to infection and the removal of your gallbladder.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber is not broken down during digestion and moves straight through the digestive tract so it is essential for preventing blockages, according to NDDIC. Include as many whole-wheat sources as you can, such as brown rice and bread, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent toxic build-up, and reduce your risk of gallbladder inflammation.
Alternative Protein Sources
A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet increases the amount of cholesterol in bile, according to NDDIC, the substance that causes gallstones. Reducing your cholesterol intake manages your condition or reduces the likelihood of developing gallstones in the first place. Meat and poultry are generally high in cholesterol, so meet your protein needs from alternative sources for a healthy gallbladder. In fact, Patient UK says that vegetarianism reduces your risk of developing gallstones. Most foods contain protein, but soya products, including tofu and soy milk, are particularly good non-animal sources, says the Vegetarian Society website.
Side Effects
You can still digest food without your gallbladder; however, the storage area for the bile is gone so it flows continuously from your liver to your gut. Most people find they can eat normally, says Patient UK. But it is not uncommon to experience some mild stomach pain or bloating after eating especially if you have had a fatty meal. You may also notice an increase in bowel movements and/or mild diarrhea that is generally not serious and usually remedied with an antidiarrheal medication.
