After gallbladder surgery to remove gallstones or a diagnosis of symptomless gallstones, you might be looking for a diet that can help prevent future gallstones from forming or help reduce the ones you already have. While existing gallstones cannot be cured by diet, you might be able to prevent recurrences by watching what you eat.
Gallstones
Gallstones form when cholesterol collects in the gallbladder and forms crystals that can grow into hard stones. Gallstones range in size from small sand-like grains to golf ball-sized stones. Gallstones affect up to 20 million people in the United States and many of those affected are unaware that they have gallstones, according to 2008 information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you do experience symptoms, you might notice abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and indigestion after eating fatty foods.
Dieting for Gallstone Prevention
One of the biggest risk factors for gallstones is obesity, so eating more calories than you expend can contribute to the formation of these stones. However, rapid weight loss of over 3 lbs. per week can also lead to gallstones, so opt for a diet that causes slow and steady weight loss. You should also try to eat every few hours instead of going long periods without food. Dieters who skip breakfast or other meals experience fewer gallbladder contractions that can clear out bile and help prevent gallstone formation.
Foods to Eat
Fat in the diet is necessary for proper gallbladder contraction, so eliminating fat completely can lead to a higher risk of gallstones. You should get 20 to 35 percent of your daily calories from fat, but choose from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds and fish, instead of saturated or trans fats. Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, are also good for preventing gallstones. Also beneficial are foods that are high in vitamins E and C. Vitamin E-rich foods include seeds, nuts and leafy greens. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes and berries.
Considerations
In addition to a healthy diet, regular physical activity is vital for preventing gallstones. You need 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous intensity activity on most days of the week to lower your risk of developing gallstones. Physical activity can be in the form of formal workouts, sports participation or simply an increase in physical participation in household chores or everyday activities.
