Gallstones are caused by clumps in the bile. Improper diet is one possible factor that can promote the formation of such clumps. Gallstones in themselves are harmless, but they can cause painful biliary colic or inflammation of the gallbladder. Read here what to look for in your daily diet when you have gallstones and how you can prevent the stones from forming with the right diet.
Gallbladder and gallstones
Bile – also known as gallbladder – is crucial for fat digestion. It is produced in the liver and then temporarily stored in the gallbladder. When needed, the fluid is released into the duodenum by the contraction of the gallbladder. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder due to various factors, such as certain diseases or else a poor diet.
Gallstones – What to do?
Gallstones that do not cause problems are usually not removed. If the stones make themselves noticeable, the offending stone is often operated out after the episode has subsided. In the case of chronic stone disease, however, this procedure is not sufficient; in this case it is usually unavoidable to remove the gallbladder. If gallstones are present, one should try to prevent the development of biliary colic or inflammation of the gallbladder. Various factors – including diet – can contribute to this. In the following, we will give you tips on how to eat if you have problems with the gallbladder. However, you should always clarify details with your attending physician. The diet tips can also help prevent gallstones from forming in healthy individuals.
Diet for gallstones
Provided you follow a few basic rules, you can eat as normally as possible despite gallstones. A bile sparing diet, as it was often recommended in the past, is no longer prescribed nowadays. It should be noted, however, that no food of any kind should be taken during acute biliary colic or immediately thereafter.
Avoid too much fat
Biliary colic is often caused by heavy, high-fat meals. This is because too much fat causes the gallbladder to contract strongly in order to secrete as much bile juice as possible. This process can cause biliary colic. That is why you should avoid high-fat meals if you have gallbladder problems. Animal fats in particular are usually difficult to digest, while vegetable fats are more suitable. However, a completely fat-free diet is also not recommended for gallstones: if very little fat is consumed, the bile juice remains in the gallbladder for a particularly long time and thickens considerably. This can cause gallstones to form, which can result in biliary colic or inflammation of the gallbladder.
Eat small meals
If you have gallstones, you should take care in your daily diet to minimize stress on the gallbladder. It is especially important to avoid large and heavy meals. This is because the more food you eat, the more bile is needed. In order to be able to release large quantities of bile, the gallbladder must empty itself particularly intensively. To spare the organ this strain, you should eat rather small meals. However, the meals should not be too small either, otherwise too much bile will remain in the gallbladder and can thicken. The ideal meal is one after which you feel full, but still comfortable and mobile.
Avoid foods that cause flatulence
Foods with a flatulent effect are better not eaten when you have gallstones, because flatulence increases the pressure on the gallbladder. Cabbage, legumes as well as black salsify are considered to be particularly conducive to flatulence. In addition, onions and garlic are also said to have a flatulent effect, but this is usually weaker. Try out for yourself which foods you tolerate well and where your personal limit lies. Foods that cause you problems after consumption, you should then better avoid in the future.
Diet for gallstones: Ideal foods
Certain foods help to stimulate the production of bile and boost digestion. These foods include chicory, dandelion salad, grapefruit and pomelo, and endive lettuce.The positive effect on bile health is due to the bitter substances contained in the foods. When eating chicory, pomelo and Co. you should make sure that the body is slowly accustomed to the corresponding foods.
6 more diet tips for gallstones
- Consume enough fluids – preferably water or unsweetened herbal teas.
- Refrain from hard-boiled eggs, because they are particularly difficult to digest and therefore unfavorable for the gallbladder. Eggs prepared differently, on the other hand, may be consumed from time to time.
- Excess weight can favor the development of gallstones, therefore you should reduce existing excess weight – but slowly and not by a radical diet. Because starvation diets have a negative effect on biliary health, just like obesity.
- Avoid refined sugars, as they can promote the formation of gallstones.
- Eat fish regularly, because the omega-3 fatty acids contained therein ensure that the cholesterol content in the bile is lowered.
- Favor foods that keep digestion going, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
