The gallbladder is next to the liver and is responsible for holding bile. Bile is needed to break down oils and fats in the digestive tract so that the intestines can absorb them. Gallstones are small stones or crystals which form in the gallbladder and can cause intense pain in the abdomen. Nutrition plays an important role in gallstones.
Gallstone Attacks
The gallbladder stores large amounts of bile, which is needed for the proper digestion of fat. Consequently, the ingestion of fatty meals causes contraction of the gallbladder. If you have gallstones, a diet which is high in fat may exacerbate the symptoms of your gallstones, resulting in a steady gripping or gnawing pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen. As a result, the foods which you eat can affect the symptoms of your gallstones.
Prevention
Gallstones can also be prevented by following a careful diet. Because most gallstones are made of cholesterol, eating a diet which is low in cholesterol can help you reduce your risk of developing gallstones. A diet which is high in fiber can also help prevent gallstones, particularly if this fiber comes from fruits and vegetables. You can also lower your risk of developing gallstones by consuming more of vitamins C, E and calcium.
Surgery and Nutrition
In some cases gallstones must be treated by removing the gallbladder. Because the gallbladder is not essential for life or digestion. On the other hand, if you have had your gallbladder removed you will have a hard time digesting high-fat meals. This is because while the the digestive tract will still produce bile, there will be no reservoir of bile which can be excreted in response to a high-fat meal. Consequently, after gallbladder surgery patients will need to avoid fatty or fried foods.
Vitamins
People who have gallbladder disease need to protect against certain vitamin deficiencies. Some vitamins are more easily dissolved and digested in the presence of fat. These vitamins, known as fat-soluble vitamins, include vitamins A, C, D and E. Patients who have to follow a low-fat diet or who have trouble digesting fats due to gallstones may have trouble absorbing these vitamins, resulting in vitamin deficiencies. In these cases, a vitamin supplement may be necessary.
