The obesity epidemic in the United States contributes to a number of health problems, with gallbladder dysfunction being one of them. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing gallstones, a condition that affected 20 million people in 2004, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. While other factors may be involved, your diet can play a starring role in your likelihood to develop gallbladder issues and in your ability to combat future attacks.
Role of Gallbladder
Located on the right side of your body below the rib cage, the gallbladder stores bile used in the digestive process. The liver secretes bile, which is then concentrated in the gallbladder and held for later use. When you consume fat, bile is released to assist with the breakdown of the food in the intestines. If the bile in the gallbladder hardens, it can form stones in the organ that may or may not cause symptoms. The majority of gallstones are made up of hardened cholesterol, which is a component of bile.
Effect of Diet
What you eat can play a role in developing gallbladder problems. Diets high in cholesterol and fat both contribute to gallstone development, as do low-fiber diets. This way of eating causes higher amounts of cholesterol in the bile and also may affect the gallbladder's ability to empty the bile for digestion. Gallbladder attacks typically occur after eating a meal high in fat as stones block the bile ducts. Symptoms of such an episode include intense pain in the upper right side, under the right shoulder and between the shoulder blades.
Eating After Surgery
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is needed if you experience pain or other symptoms. During the recovery process, you will likely stick to a diet of plain, low-fat foods. Such foods include pasta, toast, rice and bananas. You can often return to eating other foods within a few days. A potential setback, however, is diarrhea after surgery. It's not clear why this occurs, but it usually resolves itself within a short time. Avoiding dairy products, caffeine, fatty foods and sugary foods is advised if you have such episodes, according to the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Michael Picco.
Preventing Future Problems
While you may think you can eat freely once your gallbladder is removed, the truth is that it will take time for your body to adjust to not having the organ. Because you no longer have it to help with the breakdown of fat, you may have more trouble digesting fatty foods. Foods that contribute to intestinal gas, such as beans, can also be bothersome. Avoid eating fried or processed foods and stick with lean protein sources, low-fat dairy and veggies that don't cause gas. Making such dietary changes will not only help you adjust to eating without a gallbladder but also put you on the right track for weight loss, according to Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, a registered dietitian at the University of Cincinnati.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gallstones; July 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States; June 2010
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine: Gallbladder Post-Op
- Mayo Clinic; Chronic Diarrhea: A Concern after Gallbladder Removal?; Michael Picco, M.D.; March 2011
- NetWellness; What Type of Diet Should I Be on if I Have Gall Bladder Problems?; Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, M.Ed., R.D., L.D., et al.
- NetWellness; Ask an Expert: Diet After Having My Gallbladder Removed; Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, M.Ed., R.D., L.D.; January 2008
