The gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile made in the liver. After a meal, the gallbladder contracts to send bile into the intestines where it helps digest fat. Sometimes, bile hardens to form a gallstone that is unable to pass through the bile duct, causing a blockage in the gallbladder. This may lead to a gallbladder attack. Symptoms of an attack include steady pain in the right upper abdomen, usually after a meal and lasting from 30 minutes to several hours. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse indicates that women are at higher risk for gallstones than men, as are people over 60 and those who are obese. Avoiding certain high-fat foods may help lower the risk of a gallbladder attack. Consult a doctor to determine a dietary regimen that is right for you.
Fatty Meats
Eating foods high in fat may precipitate a gallbladder attack when the gallbladder contracts to expel bile after a fatty meal. Avoid eating high-fat cuts of beef, especially those that are marbled -- such as some cuts of steak. Organ meats such as liver and brain are also high in fat. Avoid high-fat poultry such as duck, goose or chicken with skin, and exclude lunchmeats from your diet, as these often are high in fat.
Whole-fat Dairy Products and Eggs
To prevent a gallbladder attack, avoid dairy products such as butter, full-fat milk or yogurt and cheeses. Instead, substitute reduced fat choices such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Replace butter with margarine or choose healthy, liquid oil such as olive or canola oil. Eggs are also high in fat and may be replaced in most recipes by reduced-fat egg substitutes or egg whites.
Fried Foods and Processed Foods
Foods that are fried often take up fat from the cooking oil, substantially raising the total fat level of a meal. Avoid fried foods to minimize your fat intake and lower your risk of a gallbladder attack. Hydrogenated or trans fats are often used in preparing processed foods such as snacks, fast foods or bakery items. As a result, the fat content of such foods is often very high, making them poor dietary choices for someone at risk for a gallbladder attack.
References
- Gallbladder Attack.com: Are You Having a Gallbladder Attack?
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones
- The American College of Gastroenterology: Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders and Gallstone Pancreatitis
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstones: Alternative Medicine
- MedlinePlus: Gallbladder Diseases
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