The gallbladder is a small sac under the liver that holds the bile produced by the liver; bile helps with the digestion of the fat in food, as noted on the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website. Bile may consolidate into gallstones, which can block the bile duct and cause pain; this blockage can be intermittent or continuous. If you have intermittent symptoms from gallbladder problems, changing your diet may lessen your risk of pain and discomfort; it may also lessen your need for surgery.
Avoid Full Fat Dairy Products
The fat in food may trigger gallbladder symptoms, according to the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology website. Full-fat dairy products can cause abdominal pain. If you have gallbladder disease, you should avoid whole milk, whole milk cheese and sour cream. Low-fat or nonfat milk, cheese, yogurt and cream products are less likely to cause gallbladder symptoms.
Choose Lean Meats and Fish
Meats that contain more fat, like red meats, can lead to gallbladder attacks. You should eat more chicken, turkey and fish, as noted by NetWellness.org. Removing the skin from the chicken or turkey can lower the amount of fat in these meats; eating fresh or frozen fish that is not packed in oil decreases fat levels in these foods. When cooking meats, you should avoid frying in lard or butter and use more olive oil, which is a healthier option, according to the UMMC.
Eat More Fiber
If you have gallbladder disease, you should eat more fiber to prevent painful attacks. A high-fiber diet may also prevent more gallstones from developing and causing more abdominal discomfort, according to MayoClinic.com. Examples of high-fiber foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain products like oats, brown rice and whole grain bread, reports NetWellness.org. You could also consider fiber supplements to increase your daily fiber intake. You should discuss any fiber supplementation with your physician or dietitian to make sure that it is appropriate for your condition.
Avoid Refined Foods
Refined foods, such as white bread and sugar, can increase the risk of additional gallstones and additional gallstone symptoms, according to the UMMC. You should avoid biscuits, donuts, pancakes, sweet rolls and muffins, as noted by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. These products also often contain additional fat; selecting whole grain or baked goods made without additional fats is a better option.
