The gallbladder is a small sac in your right upper-abdomen that stores liquid called bile. Indigestion, tumors, inflammation and hard deposits called gallstones can interfere with its digestive function and cause bothersome symptoms, such as pain, nausea and vomiting. Gallstones affected 20 million Americans in 2004, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Certain foods may enhance gallbladder health and guard against painful disease.
Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as barley, oats, brown rice and quinoa, contain all nutritious parts of the grain. As a result, they provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains, such as white flour. A low-fiber diet increases your risk for gallstones, according to Mayo Clinic. To increase your fiber intake, swap low-fiber grain products, such as white bread, instant rice, enriched pasta and snack foods, with whole grains. When purchasing prepared breads, pasta and cereals, choose those that list whole grains as main ingredients.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help reduce gallbladder disease symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits particularly high in antioxidants include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwi and cantaloupe. Antioxidant-rich vegetables include carrots, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, bell peppers and squash.
Legumes
Legumes, such as lentils, beans and split peas, contain comparatively more fiber than most other fiber-rich foods. One cup of cooked lentils, black beans or split peas, for example, provides between 15 to 16.3 g fiber -- up to two-thirds of women's daily recommended intake. Legumes also provide low-fat, cholesterol-free alternatives to fatty protein sources, such as red, fried and processed meats. A diet high in fat or cholesterol also increases your risk for gallstones, according to Mayo Clinic. Nutritious legume-based dishes include split pea or lentil soup, low-fat vegetarian chili, hummus, steamed soybeans, and baked or steamed tofu.
Vegetable Oils
Margarine, shortening and commercially-prepared cookies, cakes, crackers, pastries and French fries, contain trans fatty acids -- unhealthy fats associated with high cholesterol and heart disease. Cutting back on trans fats and cooking with healthy oils, such as olive oil, may help manage symptoms of gallbladder disease, according to the UMMC. Use olive or canola oil instead of butter or margarine to prepare whole grain toast, baked potatoes, lean meats and tofu. Olive oil and vinegar provides a nutritious alternative to high-fat, creamy salad dressing.
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