The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located under the liver. The purpose of this organ is to store and concentrate bile produced in the liver. However, the gallbladder can sometimes make crystals which turn into stones. This can cause pain and discomfort and occasionally lead to removal of the gallbladder. One way to decrease symptoms is to eat the correct foods.
The Bad Gallbladder
A bad gallbladder, is when there is inflammation of the gallbladder, know as cholecystitis, or the production of gallstones, known as choledocholithasis. The purpose of the gallbladder is to store bile. Bile aids in the digestion of fats and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine. When you consume an unhealthy diet, the liver releases more cholesterol and the balance of cholesterol and bile salts is offset. The extra cholesterol turns into gallstones.
Symptoms
Many people who have gallbladder problems do not know it. Very few people actually can attribute their symptoms to the gallbladder. However, gallbladder problems can be very uncomfortable. The most common symptoms are upper right abdominal pain, pain between the shoulder blades, bloating, nausea, vomiting and increased gas. You can have anywhere from one symptom to all symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
Diet is very important in controlling a bad gallbladder. The fad diets that are associated with quick weight loss are associated with gall stone formation. Yo-yo diets that cause a quick weight loss followed by a regain of the weight also have been shown to cause gallstones. Avoid foods that are high in fat, high in cholesterol, or processed. Foods such as whole milk dairy products and fatty red meats increase symptoms of gallbladder disease.
Foods to Consume
Eating a well balanced, healthy diet will control the symptoms of a bad gallbladder. Consume foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats, poultry and fish. Low fat dairy products and yogurts have shown to decrease the production of gallstones. Recent studies have suggested caffeinated coffee and eating peanuts will also decrease the production of gallstones; however, these studies are in preliminary stages.
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