Biliary colic, also called cholelithiasis or gallstones, is defined as hard deposits that form within the gallbladder. Gallstones can be very small, but they can also be as large as a golf ball. Gallstones can be created two ways. The most common kind of gallstone is made out of cholesterol. Gallstones can also be created if there is too much bilirubin in the bile, the liquid the liver creates to digest fat. Surgery, medication and possibly electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy are the best ways to treat gallstones, but a proper diet is vital to treat the symptoms of these painful stones and to possibly prevent them from occurring.
High Fiber and Healthy Fats
No known alternate therapies have been proven to cure or dissolve gallstones. However, consuming a diet high in fiber with healthy fats may aid in reducing the risk of gallstone complications. Besides being high in vitamins, fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber. Individuals who consume high quantities of refined carbohydrates have a much higher risk for developing gallstones compared to people who consume high-fiber diets, according to the Mayo Clinic. Foods that contain unsaturated fat, such as fish and nuts, may also help prevent gallstone formation. Foods high in animal fat, cholesterol and animal protein appear to lead to an increased risk for gallstone formation.
Alcohol
Moderate alcohol intake confers a 10 to 50 percent lower risk for gallstones formation when compared to infrequent consumption or abstinence. However, alcohol cannot be suggested in a biliary colic diet since it poses health risks associated with liver diseases and causes its own health risks.
Vitamins C and E
The Mayo Clinic supports the addition of vitamin supplements to a biliary colic diet. There may be a correlation between not consuming enough vitamins C and E and an increase risk of forming gallstones. While there is not enough research to say that this will prevent gallstones from forming, it appears beneficial to consume adequate quantities of these vitamins. Before taking any vitamin or mineral supplement consult a physician about possible drug or nutrient interactions. The safest way to get vitamins C and E is by eating foods. Oils such as soybean oil, corn oil and canola oil are high in vitamin E. Oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and sweet red peppers are high in vitamin C.
Exercise and Weight Maintenance
Exercise may help prevent biliary colic. Include your physician in planning an individualized exercise program. Starting slowly and increasing your regimen as you get stronger will also help in maintaining a healthy weight, another way to treat gallstones. Overweight individuals should attempt to lose weight slowly and safely, since rapid weight loss may increase the risk of developing biliary colic and gallstones.
