Gallstones are deposits of digestive fluid that can harden within the gallbladder, often causing pain, nausea and even yellowing of the skin and eyes, in severe cases. Surgery is sometimes required to remove gallstones, but, according to the National Institutes of health, changing the way you eat may potentially minimize the effects of your condition.
Foods High in Fiber
Food that is high in fiber may help with gallstones, especially fiber from fruits (such as apples, berries, and dried fruits) and vegetables (like beets, cucumbers, fresh tomatoes and leafy greens). Fiber will aid your digestive system and may prevent further gallstones from forming, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Low-Fat Foods
According to the National Institutes of Health, foods that are low in fat, especially saturated fat, may help with gallstones. Low saturated fat foods include protein from fish, other types of seafood like shellfish, and oils such as canola and olive oil.
Eat Enough Calories
Rapid weight loss can make you more likely to develop gallstones, notes the National Institutes of Health. To prevent more from occurring and managing them if you have already developed gallstones, make sure you are getting enough calories throughout your day. If you're trying to lose weight, consider using a calorie calculator (see Resources). This can help you know how many calories you need to lose weight, but give you enough calories avoid gallstones.
Get Enough Vitamins
The Mayo Clinic notes that not getting enough vitamins C and E as well as calcium may put you at higher risk for developing gallstones. Foods such as oranges, tomatoes and broccoli are high in vitamin C, while sunflower seeds, almonds and olives are rich in vitamin E. Milk is one of the best sources of calcium.
In addition to your diet, consider taking vitamin supplements to help get the vitamins you need to prevent more gallstones forming.
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