Foods That Help Prevent A Gall Bladder Attack

The gallbladder is the warehouse for bile that is produced by the liver. Bile is stored and gradually released as the body needs it. Sediment accumulates in the bile and hardens into small crystals that can grow large enough to form gallstones. Attacks are often caused when the gallstones obstruct ducts that lead from the gallbladder. Spicy foods and those high in fat and cholesterol are often the cause of gallbladder flareups.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients and fiber. In their freshest, most natural state, they are easily digested and assimilated by the body. Foods that are broken down efficiently help to keep the gallbladder free of the particles that lead to gallstones. They also offer nutrients that help to fight infection and inflammation that lead to painful attacks. Apple, pear and beet juices are efficient cleansers of the liver and gallbladder, according to Phyllis Balch, CNC, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

Vegetables fried in fats and oils and fruits that are prepared with massive amounts of sugar cause the digestive system to become sluggish. Foods that cause the digestive process to slow down allow fat and cholesterol to build up and cause irritation.

Proteins

Legumes, beans and soy products contain abundant amounts of plant proteins. Fish and other types of seafood also contain high levels of usable protein without the fats and cholesterol that lead to inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Many foods that are high in protein, such as eggs and red meat, contain cholesterol. Dairy products, such as whole milk, also contain fats and cholesterol. Avoiding red meat and eggs will reduce levels of fats and cholesterol in the diet. If you continue to drink milk and consume dairy foods, choose low or reduced fat varieties.

Good Fats

Good and bad fats exist in our diets. Our job is to reduce the amount of bad fats while increasing the amount of good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seeds reduce cholesterol levels when included in the diet. Olive oil is a healthy alternative to processed cooking oils. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol.

Abundant amounts of omega-3 and other monounsaturated fatty acids in your diet work to prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the bile of the gallbladder, according to Deborah Graefer, L.Ac.

More Fiber

Foods high in fiber are beneficial in a number of ways. They not only keep you regular, they also ensure your digestive tract works efficiently and thoroughly. Whole grains, such as flax meal and oat bran, contain large amounts of fiber that move food through the digestive tract. Fiber also acts as a cleaner by carrying particles and fats along with it. Leaving these behind to accumulate can eventually cause gallstones or other types of irritation.

Fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes are sources of fiber that can be included in every meal. Avoid eating too much at one meal. Even beneficial foods can cause pain and irritation in the gallbladder if too much is consumed, according to Ronald Hoffman, M.D., of the radio program "Health Talk."