Gallstone Diet Tips

Diet is a key factor in treating gallbladder stone patients. We tell you the details so that you can vary your diet if you suffer from this pathology.

Patients with gallstones must change various aspects of their diet to stimulate the release and renewal of bile. The purpose is not only to facilitate the expulsion of existing crystals, but also to prevent other complications from occurring in the system. The consumption of varied and low-fat foods is decisive in the recovery process; Although it is not advisable to adopt a strict diet, it is essential to avoid some foods that can worsen the situation.

The recommended menus to treat this disease may vary in each person, depending on the severity of the stones, age and lifestyle; however, there are some generalities that everyone can use to make treatment easier. Have you been diagnosed with gallstones? We share in detail what you should know about the disease and some essential tips for diet.

What are gallstones and what are their symptoms?

Gallstones, also called gallstones, are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. It is a disorder that, according to a review published in  The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology,  can cause the accumulation of stones in the bile duct, clogging it.

Most of the time they are formed by the accumulation of cholesterol residues, but they can also be caused by excess bilirubin in the bile. Some people have only one stone, while others develop many at the same time. Their pathophysiology is perfectly described in an investigation published in the journal  Nature Reviews,  where it is also reflected that there is a percentage of asymptomatic people suffering from this pathology.

Symptoms of gallstones

Many cases of gallstones are asymptomatic. If the stone causes an obstruction in any pathway, patients may experience:

• A sudden pain that intensifies in the upper right part of the abdomen.
• A pain that is felt just below the breastbone.
• Back pain between the shoulder blades.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Fever and chills

Tips for treating gallbladder stones with diet

The main objective of the diet against gallstones is to help expel hard deposits that can cause obstructions or difficulties in the system. It also aims to complement treatment to mitigate symptoms and prevent complications.

If the symptoms are severe, or if medications are being taken, the eating plan should be supervised by a professional. Although there are some basic aspects that remain, there are cases in which special measures are taken.

Reduce fat intake

Any gallbladder stone diet plan should restrict your intake of saturated fat and trans fat. Eating low in fat helps prevent calluses from forming inside the gallbladder and, therefore, facilitates the recovery process.

It is not advisable to eliminate all sources of fat, since some healthy lipids improve the composition of the bile and promote its release. Therefore, the ideal is to replace harmful lipids with unsaturated fats such as those provided by avocado or olive oil.

Among the foods to avoid are:

• Whole dairy.
• Yellow cheeses.
• Fatty meats
• Sausages and cured meats.
• Organ meats such as liver, heart, kidney or guts.

• Sauces and dressings.
• Bakery products.
• Chocolate and derivatives.
• Fried foods and fast food.

Increase water consumption

Dehydration can cause serious complications in people with gallstones; for this reason, water consumption should be increased throughout the day. This liquid reduces the concentration of bile and favors the breakdown of cholesterol crystals.

• The ideal is to ingest between 6 and 8 glasses a day until you notice an improvement.

Eat more fruits and vegetables

The abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables provides the body with water, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which seem to play a protective role against gallstones.

These foods are filling and should be included in any healthy eating plan. Its intake, among other things, can  lower the concentration of cholesterol and harmful lipids in the bile. This is stated in a review published in the journal  Current Medicinal Chemistry,  where all the foods that harm or improve these stone formation processes are compiled.

Add more fiber to the diet

Foods high in dietary fiber are essential in the diet against gallstones. The fiber stimulates the vesicular movement to  favor the excretion of the bile. Also, high fiber intake appears to prevent stone formation.

Some foods with fiber are:

• Oatmeal.
• Integral rice.
• Seeds, legumes and whole grains.
• Green vegetables.
• Papaya.
• Figs

Take herbal teas

The consumption of some herbal teas is a great complement to soothe the symptoms caused by gallstones. In fact, some contain components that can help break down the stones more easily.

The recommended ones are:

• Horse tail.

• Milk thistle
• Chamomile.
• Turmeric.
• Artichoke.

Diet influences the formation of gallstones

If symptoms get worse despite following these diet tips, see your doctor right away. Sometimes the stones are too large and can only be removed with surgery. Otherwise they can get stuck in the bile duct causing inflammation and major complications.