Gallbladder disease has a greater propensity for people older than 60, according to Dr. Ronald Hoffman, as well as those who are obese. Those suffering from gall stones and other symptoms of a fatty gallbladder have been shown to have high levels of cholesterol in the bile, making it a thick and sticky substance prone to form stones. Eating foods that support the system can help keep the gallbladder healthy and able to do its job. Eliminating foods that impede it affords the gallbladder and its companion organ, the liver, a chance to experience less stress and regain their function.
High-Protein Foods
Foods that have been shown to contribute to gallbladder attacks causing colics and stones that become stuck in ducts are eggs, poultry, milk, dairy products, pork, red meat and nuts, according to Gallbladderattack.com. Eggs in particular were shown to cause symptoms in approximately 95 percent of people with gallbladder problems.
Vegetables, Fruits and Legumes
Certain vegetables should be avoided, such as onions, cauliflower and all vegetables in the cabbage family known as bitter greens. These include cabbage, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, which may cause problems for some people due to their use by the liver as detoxifiers. People with fatty gallbladders should avoid eating these because it may be too hard on them until they improve their health, suggests Gallbladderattack.com.
All legumes or dried beans should be avoided with a fatty gallbladder to keep cholesterol levels lowered in the bile. High cholesterol stresses the gallbladder, further contributing to the production of gall stones. Also stay clear of oranges, grapefruits and fruit juices.
Fats
Animal fats found in heavily marbled meats, poultry skin and other saturated fats including margarine should be avoided. Also avoid trans fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils and all fried foods.
Sweets and Sweeteners
Eliminate chocolate and ice cream due to high fat content, as well as artificial sweeteners, refined sugars and refined flour products. These may cause problems with digestion.
Beverages
Coffee, tea and alcohol are irritants to the digestive tract. Compounds found in them add to stress on the liver and gallbladder.
Carbohydrates
Wheat , barley and rye flour have been known to create problems, and oats do for some people. These flours all contain gluten, which may cause an allergy or intolerance for certain people.
Food Allergens
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UCCM) advises eliminating all foods to which you may be allergic to reduce irritation of the gallbladder. Some of these are mentioned above. Avoid dairy products, corn, soy, wheat, barley, rye and foods with chemical additives such as MSG.
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