Your gallbladder stores a substance called bile and releases it into your small intestine whenever your body digests food. Bile is especially important in digesting fatty foods. Sometimes the gallbladder develops a blockage of built-up bile, which can cause pain and inflammation. Although you may require medication or surgery to repair gallbladder problems, you may also be able to prevent future gallbladder attacks by adjusting your diet.
Risky Foods
A diet that is high in cholesterol and fat can increase your risk of developing gallstones. Cut back on foods such as red meats and whole fat dairy and reduce or eliminate your intake of trans fats from foods such as commercially baked goods, onion rings and donuts. Eating too many refined foods, such as sugar and white breads, can also cause an increase in gallbladder problems. If you suspect you have any sensitivities or allergies to foods such as dairy or wheat, removing them from your diet may help reduce problems as well.
Harmful Eating Habits
How you eat can be as important as what you eat. You are at risk of developing gallstones if you try extreme dieting measures because the liver creates more bile and doesn't empty as well when you cut too many calories. Avoid dipping below around 1,200 calories per day if you're a woman or below 1,500 if you're a man. Additionally, cutting out too many calories usually means you aren't getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. You may be at higher risk of gallstones if you don't take in enough calcium, vitamin E or vitamin C each day.
Healthy Foods
Increasing your intake of fiber-rich nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruits may help prevent gallstones from forming. Regularly snack on fruits such as berries and cherries and vegetables such as bell peppers and squash, as they are rich in antioxidants and can help reduce gallbladder problems. Foods such as spinach and sea vegetables are rich in iron and B-vitamins and can also be helpful. You may become constipated if you're not eating enough fiber. In that case, a supplement such as flaxmeal may give you the extra boost. Since you still need some protein and fat in your diet, focus on healthy sources from foods such as fish, nuts and avocados.
After Gallbladder Surgery
If your doctor recommends that you undergo gallbladder removal surgery, you may be able to revert to former eating habits once your gallbladder is out. However, you aren't completely out of the woods as soon as surgery is over. You will need to continue adhering to a low-fat diet for at least several weeks as your body adapts. Furthermore, different bodies adapt differently to the procedure. Bile will drip continually into your small intestine rather than being stored by your gallbladder, so your body may not have enough bile to properly absorb high-fat foods. You may need to continue following the same diet you had prior to gallbladder surgery if you frequently have digestive troubles such as bloating and diarrhea.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- MayoClinic.com; Gallstones: Alternative Medicine; July 25, 2009
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Low Fat Diet; Frank Jackson, M.D.
- NetWellness: What Type of Diet Should I Be On if I Have Gall Bladder Problems?
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Cholecystitis
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones
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