Gallstones are solid matter in the gallbladder that are formed from cholesterol or made from excess bilirubin. Conditions such as liver disease, diabetes mellitus and rapid weight loss may increase your risk of gallstones. Sometimes gallstones may not produce symptoms or they can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and clay-colored stools. Gallstones may be treated with diet and drug therapy. Removal of the gallbladder is recommended when diet and drug therapy does not work.
Low-fat Diet
Consume products with 3 grams or less of fat per serving. Avoid food with hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated fats are present in pastries, candies, lard and butter. Avoid adding fat to your food. Choose broiling, baking, boiling or steaming as cooking methods.
Fiber
Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet; these are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber, are low in calories and provide little or no fat. Avoid refined carbohydrates; opt for products made with whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice and wholegrain pasta and bread. Read the label and choose products with 3 grams of fiber or more per serving.
Beverages
Drink plenty of fluids. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to keep yourself hydrated. Select juices that are 100 percent fruit juice; these juices have no sugar added. If lactose is tolerated, select low-fat or skim milk.
Lean Protein
Choose lean proteins. Select fish, shellfish and chicken and turkey without the skin. Opt for extra lean or lean meats with no more than 15 percent of fat. Avoid processed meats such as salami, canned meat and sausages; these are high in fat. Meat substitutes such as beans, lentils and tofu are good choices of lean protein.
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