Gallstones are hardened deposits in your gallbladder, and many factors, including your diet, contribute to your risk for developing them. Atkins, a low-carbohydrate diet for weight loss, is likely to increase your risk for more gallstones.
On Atkins you have a daily limit for net carbs, or the total number of carbohydrates minus the grams of fiber. Guidelines for the diet include eating four to six meals per day and including a source of protein and fat at each meal. A potential benefit of the diet for your gallbladder is that it claims to help you regulate your blood sugar to prevent or control your diabetes, and diabetes is a risk factor for gallstones, according to the Langone Medical Center.
Weight Control
Atkins claims that you will lose weight on a low-carbohydrate diet because your body switches from using dietary carbohydrates to burning stored fat for fuel. Losing extra body fat reduces your risk for gallstones, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, rapid weight loss, or losing more than 1 to 2 lbs. per week, may harm your gallbladder. Atkins claims that you can lose up to 15 lbs. in the first two weeks of the diet and more than 2 lbs. per week during Phase 2, or Ongoing Weight Loss.
High-Fat Diet
Atkins is a high-fat diet, so it may increase your risk for gallstones, according to the Langone Medical Center. Phase 1, or Induction, includes only 20 daily net carbs, and you gradually increase your daily net carbs through Phase 2, Ongoing Weight Loss, and Phase 3, Pre-Maintenance, until you reach about 45 to 100 net carbs during Phase 4, Lifetime Maintenance. Most of your calories on Atkins come from protein and fat, and the diet can be high in unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol if you choose fatty meats and butter.
Other Information
Atkins may be harmful for your gallbladder because it severely restricts fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide dietary fiber and they may promote gallbladder health, according to the Langone Medical Center. The University of Maryland recommends avoiding refined starches and added sugars, and a potential benefit of Atkins is that it prohibits these foods. It is best to follow a balanced diet and consult a doctor so that you can lower your risk for more harmful gallbladder conditions.
