The gallbladder stores bile, which is used in the digestive process to break down fats. If the bile contains too much cholesterol, it forms into small stones. These gallstones can lodge in the ducts of the gallbladder, causing considerable pain and may require surgery. A low-fat diet can help prevent gallstones and help you avoid gallbladder surgery.
Step 1
Remove fatty foods from your diet. Choose lean cuts of meat and remove any visible fat before cooking. Remove the skin from poultry. Choose preparation methods such as roasting or grilling, which require no added fat. Include beans in your diet as a good source of fat free protein. Carefully read product labels to look for hidden fats.
Step 2
Avoid commercial salad dressings. Use a small amount of vinaigrette or a fat free salad dressing instead.
Step 3
Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. These include fat free or skim milk, fat-free sour cream and reduced fat cheeses.
Step 4
Choose fat-free beverages such as water, juice without added sugar and skim or fat-free milk. Do not drink carbonated beverages even though they are fat-free. Carbonated beverages can cause existing gallstones to move, causing pain and possibly more blockages.
Step 5
Avoid processed foods that are low fat and contain refined sugar. Not only do these foods lack nutrition, a diet that contains large amounts of refined sugar may increase the formation of gallstones.
Step 6
Include lots of vegetables, fruit and whole grains in your diet. These foods are naturally low fat and can be prepared without adding fat. Additionally, these foods contain fiber, which can help keep your cholesterol levels lower, preventing the formation of new gallstones.
Step 7
Include healthy fats in your diet in the form of daily omega 3 supplements. These supplements have been shown to reduce the amount of cholesterol in bile, reducing the chances that gallstones will form.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are having problems adjusting to your new diet, a nutritionist may be able to help you. Not all "fat-free" foods are healthy foods. Choose fresh, natural foods over processed foods, and always read labels.
- Even with an optimal diet, gallbladder surgery may still become necessary. If you experience gallbladder pain, contact your physician right away.
