Gallstones occur when you experience an excess of fluid in your gallbladder. A gallstone is a hard deposit of excess fluid that can cause intense pain in your abdomen as well as in your back and shoulders. Some gallstones can occur if you have too much cholesterol in your diet, and changing the way you eat may help prevent future formations. Avoiding certain foods may improve your health as well as reduce your risk of developing painful gallstones.
Red Meat
Red meat should be eaten in moderation because it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eating meat that has a large amount of cholesterol causes your liver to produce too much cholesterol and may lead to painful gallstones, Michio Kushi and Alex Jack report in their book, "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health: A Complete Guide to Preventing and Relieving More than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders Naturally." Hamburgers and steak often have large amounts of saturated fat as well, which can cause excess fluid in the gallbladder and allow gallstones to develop. Restricting your intake of fatty red meat by replacing it with fish and skinless chicken will reduce your risk of gallstones from forming.
White Bread
White flour is a common staple in many diets, but it is not considered a part of a healthy diet. A diet high in white flour can cause mucus build-up, which can contribute to gallstones, Kushi and Jack note. White bread and white pasta are two common sources of white flour and limiting your intake can help reduce your chances of developing gallstones. Replace white bread and pasta with whole grain bread and pasta because a diet high in fiber is an important way to lower your odds of gallstones, MayoClinic.com adds. Other sources of white flour include doughnuts, pastries, crackers, cookies and packaged baked goods.
Soda
Sugar is another substance that makes it easier for gallstones to form. Soda is one of the most common sources of sugar in many diets, note Kushi and Jack, and may encourage the formation of gallstones. Sugar is also a mucus-producing food, which contributes to build-up in the gallbladder. Soda is consumed cold, which can cause gallbladder build-up to occur more rapidly so gallstones have an easier time forming. Replacing soda with water and tea will reduce your sugar intake so you are less likely to develop painful gallstones. Cutting other sources of sugar, including desserts and fruit drinks, may also reduce your risk.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstones
- "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health: A Complete Guide to Preventing and Relieving More than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders Naturally"; Michio Kushi and Alex Jack; 2003
