Gall stones, as the name suggests, are small stones that crystallize out of bile in the gallbladder. Approximately 20 million people in the United States have gall stones, according to the Weight-control Information Network, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Because the gall bladder and bile are components of the digestive system, there are certain foods that people with gall stones should avoid.
High-fat Foods
Net Wellness, a health information service of multiple universities, advises avoiding high-fat foods if you have gall stones. Avoid whole dairy products and instead opt for low- or non-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses. If you eat meat, avoid high-fat meats such as beef. Additionally, avoid high-fat processed foods, such as cakes, pies, cookies and doughnuts. Many of the options at fast food restaurants are high in fat, especially hamburgers and fried foods like french fries. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes says that exchanging foods containing trans fats like butter for foods that have unsaturated fatty acids like olive oil.
Foods That Trigger Allergies
Aggravation of gall stones has been shown to sometimes occur often as a result of consuming foods to which you are allergic, says the University of Michigan Health System. If you suspect you have food allergies, consult a medical doctor for advice about foods that could cause the reaction. Though allergies generally do not cause gall stones, they can can cause a painful attack.
A seminal research study into the link between food allergies and gall stone attacks was conducted by Dr. James C. Breneman, chairman of the Food Allergy Committee of the American College of Allergists, and was published in the Annals of Allergy in February 1968. This study is still the most compelling evidence that food allergies are one of the most common triggers for gall stone attacks. In his study, Breneman showed that common foods that trigger allergies and gall stone attacks in some people are eggs, pork and onions. When these foods were removed from the person's diet, the pain and discomfort of a gall stone attack were prevented.
Refined Foods
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises avoiding refined foods to prevent gall stone attacks. These foods include white bread, foods with sugar added and pasta. Also included in this class of foods are high-fat foods such as cakes, pie and doughnuts. Because they are both high-fat and high-sugar foods, avoid them to support a healthy gall bladder.
References
- Weight Information Control Network: Dieting and Gallstones
- University of Michigan Health System: Gallstones
- Net Wellness: What Type of Diet Should I Be on if I Have Gall Bladder Problems?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- "Annals of Allergy"; Allergy Elimination Diet as the Most Effective Gallbladder Diet; James C. Brenemen; February 1968
