The gallbladder is a sac-shaped organ located just beneath the liver and to the right of the stomach. Bile, which is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is utilized for the neutralization of acids and the digestion of fats. Without a gallbladder, the body is less efficient at digesting excessive amounts of fat. Although the absence of a gallbladder may lead to weight gain in some individuals, the weight gain may be prevented by controlling fat intake and glucose fluctuations. If you have undergone a surgical operation for gallbladder removal, consult with a health care provider about diet and lifestyle recommendations.
Step 1
Review the glycemic index rating of food products. The glycemic index measures the degree to which foods containing carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 having the least impact on glucose and 100 having the highest. Foods with a GI ranking below 55 have a minimal affect on glucose levels. Foods with a moderate effect on glucose levels have a GI ranking between 56 and 69, while foods with a GI ranking above 69 induce the most fluctuation in glucose levels.
Step 2
Opt for foods with a low glycemic index, such as nuts, legumes, oranges, pears and brown rice. Starchy foods, such as breads and potatoes, tend to have a high GI rating. Since protein contains no carbohydrates, meat and dairy products typically contain no GI rating unless carbohydrates are added by way of a sauce. While protein will help to control blood-glucose levels, choose lean protein over fatty protein as the absence of the gallbladder will negatively impact the body's ability to digest the excess fat.
Step 3
Refrain from caffeinated food and beverage products. According to a study published in the November 1998 edition of "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," the presence of caffeine in the bloodstream induces blood-glucose levels to elevate. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea and chocolate.
Step 4
Exercise on a regular basis to control blood glucose levels. Since the body uses glucose as fuel, the lack of physical activity means that excess amounts of glucose will be stored as fat rather than utilized as energy. According to a study published in the August 1983 edition of "Journal of Applied Physiology," glucose concentration in the bloodstream in lower in physically active individuals compared to their non-active peers.
References
- "Journal of Applied Physiology"; Effects of Exercise and Lack of Exercise on Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity; G.W. Heath, et al.; August
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Caffeine on Glucose Tolerance; Pizziol A, et al.; November 1998
- Linus Pauling Institute: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
- Glycemic Index: Home of the Glycemic Index
- Net Wellness; Obesity and Weight Management; Dennis Mungall, Ph.D., et al.; September 2004
- Mark Fusco MD; Gallstones, Cholecystitis and Gallbladder Dysfunction; Mark Fusco, M.D.
