List Of Foods To Prevent A Gallbladder Attack

Gallbladder problems occur when the bile from the liver thickens, contributing to the formation of gallstones. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or large enough to get trapped in ducts, blocking the flow of bile and causing what is known as gallbladder colic. With this condition, pain is often felt on the right side of the upper body extending into the right shoulder, and is sometimes mistaken for heart attack symptoms. The incidence of gallbladder attacks can be controlled by the foods you eat.

Fats

There is some evidence that consuming essential fatty acids may help to prevent gallbladder attacks, according to Gallbladderattack.com. The gallbladder processes fats and needs them in order to function properly, but eating certain types of fat can cause problems. Avoid or reduce your consumption of heavy, saturated fats from animal sources, such as fatty meats, poultry skin, and high-fat dairy products and margarine. Consume healthy fats that are unsaturated and high in omega-3 fatty acids. These include fish oils in the form of supplements, or eat two to three portions of coldwater, oily fish weekly such as bluefish, Alaskan salmon, sardines and mackerel. Also include healthful fats such as olive oil, hemp oil, coconut oil, avocados, and flaxseed and flaxseed oil (unheated and uncooked).

Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are recommended for preventing gallbladder attacks and keeping the gallbladder healthy, according to Gallbladderattack.com. These include cucumbers, beets, green beans sweet potatoes, okra, tomatoes, fresh garlic and onions. Avoid all vegetables from the cabbage family for eating and juicing. These are considered bitter greens and can worsen gallbladder problems.

Fruits

Certain fruits have also been found to be helpful in keeping the gallbladder healthy. Eat more grapes and grape juice, apples, berries, papaya, pears and lemons. All of these fruits are high in potassium and are also able to help create an alkaline-forming state in the body, keeping it healthier, according to Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, author of "Alkalize or Die." Baroody explains that the body is naturally slightly alkaline when healthy, and eating foods that help maintain that state can enable the body to combat acidosis and disease states.

Vinegar

All vinegars may be consumed except for white vinegar, says Baroody. Apple cider vinegar is highly recommended for helping to stimulate digestive juices, encouraging the flow of bile and aiding in creating an alkaline-forming state in the body. It is the least acidic of the vinegars and full of essential nutrients, if you use the recommended organic version. It has the ability to neutralize acids by helping the pancreas release bicarbonate into the digestive stream.

Juices

Add fresh vegetable juices to your diet as they are especially helpful for gallbladder problems, says Gallbladderattack.com. Make them yourself with a vegetable juicer. Juice beets and cucumber, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, baby green vegetables right out of the garden, celery and carrots. Add the juice of half an apple for a delicious, healthy cocktail.