Food & Drink To Avoid If You Have Gallstones

Food & Drink to Avoid if You Have Gallstones

Dec 6, 2010 | By Carmen Gonzalez

Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder made out of cholesterol or bilirubin, which is a yellow pigment found in bile. Gallstones may be caused by the gallbladder's inability to correctly empty excessive amounts of bilirubin or cholesterol in the bile, and factors such as obesity or rapid weight loss may increase your risk. Gallstones may go unnoticed, however, they can also result in abdominal pain. Serious cases can result in jaundice and high fever. This condition may be corrected by surgery or treated with drug therapy. Certain diet modifications may improve gallstones symptoms.

Processed and Fatty Meats

Avoid meats with a high fat content such as hot dogs, bacon, salami, ham and sausages. Fried meats should also be avoided. Choose baked, steamed or microwaved meats. Opt for lean protein such as poultry, fish and soy. Remove the skin from the meat before consumption. Also avoid canned meats packed in oil.

Fat

Stay away from products made with hydrogenated fats such as lard, butter, doughnuts, candies and pastry products. Avoid flavoring your vegetables with cheese, cream or fatty salad dressings. Steam and bake your food and avoid frying as a cooking method. Also refrain from adding fat to cook your food. Look for products with 3 grams of fat or less per serving. Read the label to verify the content of fat in the product.

Irritant Foods

Avoid foods that can cause gas such as cabbage, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, lentils, onions, mushrooms, peppers, radishes, beans and dairy products. Gas formation can cause distention, increased contraction and irritation, according to Sylvia Escott-Stump in "Nutrition and Diagnosis Related Care." Refrain from consuming caffeinated, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Alcohol sugars found in sugar free gum and candy may also cause gas and bloating.