The gallbladder is the small organ underneath the liver that stores bile. Gallbladder pain is most often caused by gallbladder disease, according to "Gastrointestinal Nursing." Though gallstones commonly accompany gallbladder disease, the gallbladder can fail as the result of gallbladder disease without the presence of gallstones, says "Foundations of Nursing." In some cases, adhering to a special diet can relieve the pain associated with gallbladder disease. Consult your physician prior to making changes to your diet to treat your gallbladder pain.
Step 1
Consult a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract, of which the gallbladder is part. A gastroenterologist will determine the cause of your gallbladder pain and work with you to treat it, including instructing you how to eat for your condition.
Step 2
Visit a dietitian. Dietitians are trained to teach patients about the diet that is most appropriate for them as an individual. The gallbladder tends to negatively react to excessive amounts of fat. Therefore, a dietitian may assist you in adopting a low-fat diet to manage your gallbladder pain. The diet that you and your dietitian work on will vary based on your personal health history.
Step 3
Attend support groups for people with gallbladder disease. Support groups are available both online and in person. Ask your gastroenterologist for a referral to a support group if you have trouble locating one. Discuss which diets work best to manage gallbladder pain with others in the support group. Keep in mind that what works well for one person may not work well for you. Therefore, consult your dietitian or physician about any dietary changes you are interested in making to ease your gallbladder pain.
References
- "Gastrointestinal Nursing"; Graeme Smith and Roger Watson; 2005
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw and Anne M. Smith; 2007
