Your gallbladder is a small organ that sits just outside your liver. Its role is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive juice that is made by your liver. Bile helps you digest fat. If you've had your gallbladder removed, you may have difficulty digesting certain foods. You should, however, be able to tolerate most wheat products without problems.
Gallbladder Removal
Your doctor may suggest you have your gallbladder removed if you are experiencing abdominal pain after eating, nausea, vomiting or indigestion related to gallstones or biliary dyskinesia -- a condition in which your gallbladder does not function properly. A gallbladder infection may also lead to removal. The gallbladder can be removed laproscopically, or as an open procedure. After your gallbladder is removed, bile can no longer be stored between meals, and instead continuously drains directly into your small intestines.
Diarrhea
Some people experience diarrhea after their gallbladder is removed. Usually, the diarrhea resolves after a few days, although some individuals may continue to have diarrhea for years, according Dr. Michael F. Picco from MayoClinic.com. The exact cause of the diarrhea is unknown, but it is believed that the continuous excretion of bile into the small intestines acts as a laxative. In addition, because you no longer have the gallbladder to concentrate and control the bile, you may have difficulty digesting high-fat meals, which can exacerbate the diarrhea.
Diet
In order to control you diarrhea, your doctor may suggest modifications to your diet. Eating smaller meals more frequently can aid in digestion and help to decrease digestive problems. Meals should contain a mix of nutrients, including lean proteins such as poultry or fish, fruits or vegetables and whole-grains such as wheat. Limiting your fat intake should also help. Food items should contain less than 3 g of fat per serving. In addition, it is also recommended that you increase your intake of fiber. Fiber can help you to normalize your bowel function.
Wheat
Wheat is not bad to eat after you have your gallbladder removed. In fact, it may be beneficial. Wheat itself is naturally low in fat, so it should be easy for you to find low-fat wheat products. In addition, wheat is a good source of fiber, which can help to control your diarrhea and improve overall bowel function. Good wheat products to include on your diet following your gallbladder removal include whole wheat bread, whole wheat cereal and whole wheat pasta.
References
- MedlinePlus; Gallbladder Removal; David Zieve
- University of Southern California; What is the Gallbladder and the Bile Duct; 2002
- MayoClinic.com; What's OK to Eat After Gallbladder Removal?; Jennifer Nelson and Katherine Zeratsky; July 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Chronic Diarrhea: A Concern After Gallbladder Removal?; Michael F. Picco; March 2011
- Wheat Foods Council: What is Wheat?
