Brown rice contains more fiber and magnesium than white rice and has a slightly lower glycemic index. Some people question whether eating the whole grain will exacerbate symptoms of a gallbladder disorder. Whether or not brown rice irritates your gallbladder depends on a variety of factors, among them whether or not the grain is prepared using trans fats and your own individual sensitivities.
Fiber and Gallstones
Research on fiber and gallstones implies that brown rice is beneficial to people with gallstones. According to a 2009 article in the "Alternative Medical Review," a high-fiber diet lowers the risk of developing this disorder, as does a vegetarian diet. Factors that increase the risk of developing gallstones include a diet high in cholesterol, sugar and trans fats. These results suggest that fried rice, especially if it is made with trans fats or high-cholesterol foods like eggs, might irritate your gallbladder.
Glycemic Index and Gall Bladder Disease
A meta-analysis of the link between glycemic index, glycemic load and chronic illness published in the March 2008 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that a low-glycemic-index diet is associated with a lower risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Nearly all types of rice have fairly high glycemic values, but values for brown rice are lower than those for white rice, according to a table appearing on the Glycemic Index Foundation, which is affiliated with the University of Sydney.
Allergies
The same 2009 article in the "Alternative Medical Review" mentions the importance of eliminating allergenic foods when treating gall stones. While eliminating allergens will not dissolve gallstones, it will diminish the symptoms associated with them. If you are allergic to rice, it may indeed provoke an increase in symptoms. Also consider the possibility that the problem may not be the rice itself but another food, like eggs or soy sauce, that is commonly served with it.
Rice and Gallbladder Cancer
A possible link between rice and gallbladder problems was revealed in a January 2003 article in the "Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine." An analysis of disease clusters in Japan reveals that gallbladder cancer is particularly common among women in areas known for rice cultivation. The authors suggest that a combination of heredity, a history of gallstones and exposure to agricultural chemicals create an increased risk of developing the disorder. If you have difficulty digesting brown rice, try organic varieties.
References
- "Alternative Medical Review"; Nutritional Approaches to the Prevention and Treatment of Gallstones; A.R. Gaby; September 2009
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Chronic Disease Risk- A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies; A.W. Barclay, et al.; March 2008
- Glycemic Index Foundation
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallbladder Disease
- "Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine"; Epidemiological Studies on the Distribution and Determinants of Biliary Tract Cancer; Masaharu Yamamoto; January 2003
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
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