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Foods to Avoid if You Have Gallbladder Issues
Cares for You

Foods to Avoid if You Have Gallbladder Issues

By Gretel Morales - 2022-03-30T10:52:22Z
The gallbladder is an organ of great importance, as it is responsible for producing and storing bile, a liquid that helps us digest food. Nowadays, due to many people consuming unhealthy foods, it is very common to suffer from gallstones, a health problem that can become serious.

If you are experiencing issues with your gallbladder or simply want to start taking care of it through your diet, here we tell you which foods you should avoid and which you should eat more often.

What are gallstones?

The stones that form in the gallbladder are the result of the “accumulation of bile salts, calcium, and cholesterol, which build up over the years […] They are usually the most common cause of pain in the right side, due to overeating,” according to information published by the Coordinating Commission of National Institutes of Health and High Specialty Hospitals.

The most common symptoms of gallstones are pain under the ribs on the right side, as well as nausea, bloating, and vomiting after consuming fatty foods; however, it is worth noting that 80% of people with gallbladder issues do not present symptoms. It is also important to note that individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience gallbladder problems.

You can also read: Diet for fatty liver: everything you need to know

Foods to avoid

If you suffer from gallstones, it is best to avoid junk food, as it appears that fatty foods and cholesterol levels play an important role in this condition.

According to experts, these are the foods you should avoid to protect your gallbladder:
  • Junk food
  • Vegetable oil
  • Processed meats
  • Sliced bread
  • Pasta
  • Fatty cuts of meat
  • Butter
  • Ice cream
  • Lard
  • Cream
  • Cheeses
  • Cakes and desserts
  • Cookies
  • Palmoil
  • Coconut oil
  • French fries

Foods to care for your gallbladder

If you want to take care of your gallbladder, it is best to adopt a nutritious and balanced diet, which should include the following foods:
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Oats
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain bread
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Beans
  • Olive oil
  • Citrus fruits
  • Bell peppers
  • Leafy greens
  • Tomato
  • Sardines
  • Nuts
  • Lentils
  • Tofu
  • Low-fat dairy
The portal WebMD indicates that some preliminary studies suggest that coffee and peanuts may help reduce the chances of developing gallstones, although more studies are needed to confirm this information.

In general, experts recommend increasing the intake of foods rich in fiber and healthy fats, while avoiding carbohydrates and sugar.

You can also read: The best teas for lowering cholesterol

Diet for the gallbladder after surgery

If you had gallbladder issues and have already undergone surgery, these are the foods you should avoid to protect your health, especially your d digestion, as it will be difficult to process certain foods:
  • Spicy foods
  • Junk and fried food
  • Bacon
  • Beef
  • Sausages
  • Butter
  • Ice cream
  • Whole milk
  • Cream
  • Chocolate
  • Coconut and palm oil
On the other hand, there are foods that, although very nutritious, should be temporarily avoided:
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Legumes
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower
Remember that these foods may cause inflammation and pain, so you should consult your doctor after the operation, who will advise you on when you can enjoy these ingredients again.

On the other hand, it is essential to include more soluble fiber in your diet, which will improve your digestion. In this same sense, your meals should be smaller and more balanced.

You can also read: Foods that accelerate the aging process