Probably one of the most common complex of complaints is caused by the disease of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In general, more women suffer from these diseases than men. The first pain usually appears during or shortly after pregnancy. In this case, the constriction of space and the great metabolic stress on the liver play a significant role. It is also often inflammation that occurs due to bacterial infestation of the gallbladder or viral disease of the liver (hepatitis epidemica).
Diseases of the gallbladder and bile
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of the gallbladder with gallstones. Click to enlarge. Stone formation in the gallbladder also causes severe pain. Living organisms, medically called lamblia, that live as parasites in the gallbladder can also cause significant discomfort. By probing the small intestine with the aid of a thin rubber tube, it is possible to determine whether bacteria or parasites are present in the bile and whether the reflex activity of the gallbladder is present. Many patients are afraid of this examination, but the fear is unfounded, as the gag reflex is easily overcome with the help of an experienced physician. In addition, there are agents that allow the gag reflex to be minimized. This diagnosis is very important for the doctor, because he has to identify the causes of the disease exactly, in order to be able to set an appropriate treatment and diet. When the gallbladder is diseased, the release of bile juices into the duodenum is reduced. However, bile is absolutely necessary for proper digestion, since bile emulsifies fats and facilitates the action of the active substances (ferments) present in the intestine in this way. Chemical cleavage of the fats takes place, and in this form they are absorbed by the intestinal wall (resorption). If there is too little bile in the small intestine due to gallbladder disease, there must be disturbances in fat digestion. This explains the aversion to fats, which have a double disadvantage for the bile patient. They cause pain to the sensitive organ and overload the intestine with substances that do not agree with it because of poor absorption. Often during the course of biliary disease, violent diarrhea, or constipation, may develop, alternating with each other. As already mentioned, the diet for bile patients depends on the particular diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the doctor for any biliary disease. A very common occurrence is biliary colic. It is an attack of pain caused by a violent spasm in the duct of the gallbladder. In such a case, the first thing that is recommended is complete immobilization of the diseased organ. This means avoiding fats and proteins, which also have a bile-irritating effect, as well as cabbage, beans, lentils and onions because of their rich content of cellulose and essential oils. If possible, one should not eat anything at all for the first three days after colic, but only consume liquids that relieve irritation, such as tea.
Diet and nutrition in biliary disease
Peppermint tea, unsweetened or with glucose added, has a particularly beneficial effect. After abstaining from solid food for one or two days, one can start with a diet consisting primarily of carbohydrates, that is, starch carriers. Oat and wholemeal flours in soup and porridge form are particularly suitable for this purpose. It is not necessary to use only white flours or white bread, rusks and similar gentle foods, on the contrary, it is necessary to always remember that even in the diet the vitamin and mineral needs of the body must be met. After a few days, milk and raw butter can be added to these soups in minute quantities. From our suggestions for the composition of a permanent diet, attached below, you can take further advice on the diet of bile patients.
Fat digestion
One more note about fat digestion. Raw butter and oils are particularly easy for the bile juices to process. They are also carriers of vitamin A and other vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the activity of liver cells. Butter is even richer in vitamins in summer than in winter. The poor tolerance of other animal fats is explained by their melting point. The most difficult to tolerate is lard and meat fats.Many patients are unclear about the tolerance of eggs. The raw or beaten egg is relatively easy to digest. However, the digestibility is considerably reduced by boiling or frying. In addition, the egg yolk exerts a strong Reit on the reflex activity of the gallbladder and can thus cause severe colic. It is recommended to add the egg raw to the food. However, in seizure-ridden periods of illness it is advisable to avoid eggs altogether. In general, it must be said that the tolerance of food depends on its preparation. Bile patients should not eat anything that comes out of the frying pan. Frying chemically alters the fats, and the resulting crust becomes particularly difficult to digest. These dietary principles also apply after gall bladder surgery. In such cases, it is especially important to eat smaller meals frequently, to eat slowly and to chew well. The individual dishes should be finely cut and chopped during preparation, because the well-being of the sick person depends not least on the kitchen technique and the way of eating.
Diet plan
After surgery, it is possible to relax the diet after initially strict discipline. Be warned all gallbladder patients against overeating. Appetite and true hunger make a big difference. Suggestions for a bile sparing diet:
1. breakfast:
Peppermint tea. Also light black tea, with a little lemon or even milk, sweetened. Crisp bread, stale whole wheat bread, well-seasoned mixed bread or stale rolls. Some fresh butter, honey, jelly, white cheese. 2nd breakfast:
Peppermint tea. Oatmeal, cooked or as a cereal (soak a tablespoon of oatmeal the night before in three tablespoons of cold water, pour some milk in the morning, add sugar or sweeten with honey, add some grated apples, mix with a tablespoon of lemon juice if necessary). Lunch and dinner:
Vegetable soups (not lentil, pea, bean soups), defatted meat broths. Meat: well soft cooked lean beef, veal or chicken, also grilled, not fried. Lean fish, steamed or grilled. Vegetables: carrots, spinach, peeled tomatoes, salsify, asparagus, cauliflower, tender Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi. Tender green salad or cress, prepared with sunflower oil. Mashed potatoes or disintegrating boiled potatoes. All pasta. Fruit: compotes of apples, pears, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries. Raw fruit: grated, crumbly apples, bananas, grapefruits, very soft, ripe pears, oranges, whipped strawberries and raspberries. Eat in the afternoon as for breakfast. Before going to bed, hot strong peppermint tea is recommended again.
