Gallstones develop when the bile, made up of bilirubin, bile salts and cholesterol, stored in your gallbladder hardens. Gallstone disease affects between 10 and 15 percent of Americans, according to 2007 information provided by the American Gastroenterology Association. When you eat broccoli in conjunction with a well-balanced diet, it may help relieve or control gallstones. However, managing your diet should not replace professional medical treatment for gallstones. If you suspect you have gallstones, contact your doctor for a medical evaluation.
Low Fat
A diet high in fat and cholesterol decreases the ability of your gallbladder to empty and increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile -- two factors that lead to gallstone formation. A low-fat diet, on the other hand, promotes proper emptying of your gallbladder and helps prevent gallstone formation. Broccoli naturally contains very little fat, making it an ideal addition to your low-fat diet when you prepare it using low-fat cooking methods. You can also eat your broccoli raw to keep it low in fat.
High Fiber
Fiber helps promote the emptying of your gallbladder, limiting gallstone formation. One cup of freshly chopped broccoli contains 2.4 g of fiber, which equals approximately 10 percent of your daily fiber needs, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The USDA's 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommends that you consume 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories. Do not limit yourself to getting your fiber from broccoli. Add additional fiber to your diet by increasing your intake of whole grains and all fruits and vegetables.
Vitamins and Minerals
The failure to consume adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin C or vitamin E may increase your risk of gallstones, according to MayoClinic.com. Broccoli provides you with 135 percent of the calcium, 4 percent of the calcium and 3 percent of the vitamin E you need each day. Increase your intake of these nutrients even further by eating a variety of vegetables and fruits such as sweet bell peppers, carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, kale and pinto beans. Other sources of calcium include tofu and dairy products, while other sources of vitamin E include safflower oil, canola, olive and corn oils.
Weight Loss
Overweight and obese people have an increased risk of gallstones because excess weight reduces the amount of bile salts in your bile, increasing the proportion of cholesterol your bile contains and decreasing the ability of your gallbladders to empty. However, rapid weight loss also increases your risk of developing gallstones. Lose weight slowly by decreasing your calorie intake or increasing the number of calories you burn each day. Broccoli can help you lose weight if you substitute it for high-calorie snacks or side dishes.
References
- American Gastroenterology Association; Understanding Gallstones; 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Gallstones; July 2007
- "2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans"; U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; December 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Gallstones: Alternative Medicine; Mayo Clinic staff; July 2011
- "Williams' Basic Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; Staci Nix; 2001
- HealthAlisciousNess.com: Nutrition Facts Comparison Tool
