Gallbladder inflammation is called cholecystitis and is almost always caused by gallstones, as noted on the Patient.co.uk website. When a gallstone blocks the bile duct of the gallbladder, the gallbladder fills up with bile and becomes inflamed. Gallbladder inflammation may require surgical removal. You may be able to lower the risk of gallbladder inflammation and gallstones by lowering the fat in your diet and eating more high-fiber foods.
Lean Meats and Fish
Lowering the amount of fatty foods in your diet can prevent the development of gallstones, according to the NHS Clinical Knowledge Summaries website. Red meats contain fat; you should select leaner cuts of meat like beef that has had the fat trimmed already or poultry without the skin, as noted by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Other good choices include fresh or frozen fish or eggs which are not cooked in additional fat. The lean meats should not be fried or cooked in additional fat or butter which increases the fat content of the food.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Full-fat dairy products contain a lot of fat which may lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, as reported by NetWellness.org. Regular fat cheese, ice cream, butter and whole milk should be limited in your diet. Examples of lower fat dairy products include low-fat or no-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese and fat-free cheeses, as noted by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Since dairy products contain important nutrients, you should discuss the number of servings needed per day with your physician.
Fruits and Vegetables
Other foods that may help prevent gallbladder inflammation are fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in fat and also contain necessary vitamins and minerals; these foods also contain significant levels of fiber, according to NetWellness.org. Many fruits like blueberries, tomatoes and cherries contain antioxidants and leafy green vegetables contain B-vitamins and iron, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating more fruits and vegetables also helps maintain your appropriate weight; being overweight is also a risk factor of developing gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
Foods With Whole Grains
Products containing whole grains can also help prevent gallstones, as noted by NetWellness.org. Foods like whole grain breads and cereals, barley and oatmeal should be included in your diet. Refined foods like white bread, breads made with eggs or cheese, or granola all contain fat, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Baked foods like doughnuts, muffins, waffles and pancakes may also contain trans fatty acids and should be avoided in these patients, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
