Biliary colic occurs in people who have gallbladder problems. This condition occurs when something like a gallstone blocks the bile duct, causing significant upper abdominal pain, as noted by Drugs.com. The definitive treatment for biliary colic or gallstones is surgical removal; however, if you don't have many symptoms, the physician may opt to observe first. An episode of biliary colic may only last for a few hours but your physician may suggest changes in your diet to prevent worsening the situation, according to PriMed Patient Education Center. Your doctor may still prescribe surgery if the situation does not improve but dietary changes may be the first step during the acute event.
Limit Fat and Cholesterol Intake
High-fat and -cholesterol foods can bring on an attack of biliary colic if you have already have gallstones. Bile plays an important role in the digestion of fat and a sudden or high intake of fat may trigger abdominal pain, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you develop biliary colic, you should lower your fat intake. Low-fat dairy products and low-fat meats like chicken and fish are better choices. This change also decreases your intake of saturated fats. Eggs -- which are high in cholesterol -- may also aggravate your condition so you may want to consider eliminating them from your diet.
Eat Plenty of Fiber
You should also include foods high in fiber in your diet if you suffer from biliary colic. Foods like whole grains and fruits and vegetables can help prevent gallstones from forming, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Eating more fiber can also help with weight control; being overweight is also a risk factor for developing gallstones, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can also take fiber supplements to increase your fiber intake; you should discuss any supplementation with your physician.
Decrease Intake of Refined Foods
Eating a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates can also worsen gallbladder problems like biliary colic. A study published in the June 2005 issue of "Gut" by Tsai and colleagues showed that men who ate the most refined carbohydrates had a higher risk of developing gallstones. Eliminating foods like white breads, white rice, and white pastas can help with your symptoms; substituting whole grain versions of these carbohydrates offers multiple benefits like an increase in your fiber intake and improved weight management.
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
If you don't get enough vitamins and minerals, you are at higher risk for gallstones and biliary colic, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating more vegetables and fruit can increase your intake of necessary nutrients like vitamin C and calcium. Vitamin C can help manage the cholesterol in your body and possible stop the development of gallstones, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale can also supply important B vitamins, as noted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits like blueberries and cherries and vegetables like bell pepper also provide antioxidants which can be of benefit if you have biliary colic.
References
- "Gut;" Dietary Carbohydrates and Glycaemic Load and the Incidence of Symptomatic Gall Stone Disease in Men; C-J Tsai and colleagues; 2005.
- Drugs.com: Biliary Colic
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Gallstones
- PriMed Patient Education Center: Biliary Colic
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstones
- NutritionMD: Cholelithiasis: Nutritional Considerations
