An inflamed gallbladder can be a very unpleasant experience, resulting in pain and gastrointestinal upset. There are certain dietary changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder. If you suspect that you have this condition, be sure to consult your physician immediately to rule out more serious complications.
What the Gallbladder Does
Your gallbladder is an organ that holds bile, a substance created by the liver with the purpose of digesting fats. The bile is passed into the digestive tract when food is present in the intestines and stomach, allowing the body to break down fats during the digestion process. Although it does an important function, the gallbladder is not necessary for survival and can be removed. When this is done, the body will compensate for its function by finding other ways to release bile into the intestine.
Symptoms of an Inflamed Gallbladder
An inflamed gallbladder, or cholecystitis, can happen for a number of reasons. According to MedlinePlus, "Your gallbladder is most likely to give you trouble if something blocks the flow of bile through the bile ducts." This means that gallbladder will commonly become inflamed when a gallstone is present. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, back pain, gastrointestinal upset, fever or vomiting.
Foods to Avoid
The gallbladder is used by the body to aid in the digestion of fats. To alleviate or avoid the symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder, foods that are high in fats must be avoided. This includes egg yolks, avocados, fried foods, oils, whole milk, and butter. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can be helpful to eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy, wheat, soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives.
Helpful Supplements
Certain supplements can also be helpful when it comes to the symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking between 300 mg and 2,000 mg of phosphatidylcholine each day. This has been known to help dissolve and eliminate gallstones. Other supplements that can be helpful are multivitamins and vitamin C, to avoid various vitamin deficiencies. Always consult your physician before treating any condition with herbal or vitamin and mineral supplements.
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