What Food To Avoid With Gallbladder Problems

The gallbladder, located on the right side of the abdomen, under the liver, is a pear-shaped organ that collects, concentrates and stores bile. Bile is released into the small intestine in response to food intake, aiding in the digestion of foods, particularly fatty foods. Common gallbladder problems include gallstones, or cholelithiasis, and inflammation of the gallbladder, or cholecystitis. A number of foods can irritate the gallbladder when these conditions are present, leading to an increase in symptoms and prolonged discomfort.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods increase the workload of the gallbladder, causing it to release larger amounts of bile. This increased bile production can add insult to injury, further stressing an already irritated gallbladder. Red meats can be particularly troublesome to those with gallbladder problems as they tend to have higher levels of fat than leaner choices, such as pork, fish or poultry. Fried foods can also increase symptoms in those with gallbladder issues as they typically absorb significant amounts of fat during the cooking process. Also, these foods tend to be high in cholesterol, a main component in the structure of most gallstones.

Sugary Foods

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, high sugar intake has been associated with an increased risk of gallstones, as are diets high in carbohydrates, such as pasta and bread, as these carbohydrates are converted to sugar by the body. Sugary foods can also cause irritation in those who already suffer from gallbladder problems and are best avoided when symptoms are present.

Spicy Foods

Fox Valley Surgical Associates explains certain foods, such as spicy ones, can trigger gallbladder symptoms. It recommends staying away from spicy or peppery foods when symptoms of gallbladder trouble are evident. These foods can irritate gallbladder tissue that are already inflamed, triggering gallbladder pain and discomfort.

Eggs and Whole Milk Dairy Products

Eggs can be the source of increased symptoms for gallbladder disease sufferers. High in cholesterol, eggs can increase stress on the gallbladder resulting in more pain and discomfort. In fact, according to a 2009 article published in “Alternative Medicine Review,” 93 percent of people suffering from gallbladder disease saw an increase in symptoms after eating eggs. Whole milk and dairy products made from it are generally high in saturated fat, spurring the gallbladder to release bile, which can lead to an increase in symptoms.