Eighty percent of gallstones are caused by high cholesterol in the bile according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, is a common ailment resulting from gallbladder stones. When a gallbladder stone blocks the bile duct severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite can occur. The liver makes bile in order to aid the digestion of fat. Bile is stored in the gallbladder. When bile hardens, gallstones are formed. While there are many "natural" cleanses advertised to dissolve or remove gallstones, none of them have been clinically proven to work. The best way to treat gallstones is to improve the diet.
Saturated Fats
Cholesterol that comes from saturated fats is particularly bad. Red meat such as steak, hamburger and other fatty beef should be used minimally in the diet. Saturated fats elevate total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which is the unhealthy cholesterol, according to Mayo Clinic. Animal food products contain the largest amounts of saturated fats. Red meat, chicken, pork, lamb and egg yolk should be used sparingly in the face of gallbladder stones. Mayo Clinic recommends that no more than 10 percent of the daily calories come from fat. To avoid further development of gallbladder stones, eat less meat.
Fast Foods
When you eat that egg McMuffin do you know what you are putting into your body? An egg McMuffin contains 12 grams of fat and 260 mg of cholesterol, according to McDonald's nutrition facts. A KFC extra crispy chicken breast is saturated with 33 grams of fat and 110 mg of cholesterol. To protect the gallbladder stay away from fast foods.
Trans Fat
Commercially baked cookies and other pastries are high in trans fats, a particularly bad type of fat, according to Mayo Clinic. Many margarines, crackers and snack foods also contain trans fats. Partially hydrogenated oil listed on the food label tells you the product contains trans fat. Avoid trans fats in order to prevent gallbladder stones.
Healthy Foods for the Gallbladder
Foods that will protect your gallbladder from further stones and provide you with overall better health include fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, whole grain breads and very small amounts of healthy fats. Choosing these foods over high fat foods will help prevent gallbladder disease.
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