Gallstones: Proper Diet

That is why it is usually recommended to avoid harmful fats as much as possible in order to prevent gallstones.

Gallstones are very common, with many believed to be caused by poor eating habits.

That is why it is usually recommended to avoid harmful fats as much as possible to prevent gallstones, which can be very painful.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are  crystallized, poorly soluble components of the bile that  can be found in the gallbladder or bile duct.

Bile is a small organ next to the liver and pancreas that is responsible for producing bile and digestive enzymes to help digest fats.

Proper diet to control gallstones

Every person is different and therefore reacts differently to different foods. That is why it is important to consult a doctor and get advice before starting any diet.

A low-fat diet is recommended for gallstones,  but completely excluding fats is also not healthy. If the condition is not too advanced, the intake of fat should therefore be reduced, whereby it is particularly important to avoid unhealthy fats.

In order to control and improve symptoms, it is advisable to observe the following advice:

• Do not eat when you are stressed.
• Do not eat more than necessary.
• Always eat fresh food.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not smoke.
• Consume many antioxidant foods.

What can you eat if you have gallstones?

Vegetables should not be missing under any circumstances,  this is especially important with gallstones. Include beetroot, cucumber, artichokes, tomatoes, radishes, and potatoes in your diet regularly. Smoothies with vegetables are also highly recommended!

Don’t forget to consume fruit regularly as well: apples, grapes, figs, melon, pears, papaya, etc.

What not to eat if you have gallstones?

Avoid red meat and pork as much as possible. You should also avoid fried foods and saturated fatty acids, eggs, onions, spicy foods and products with gluten.

Carbonated soft drinks, acidic fruit juices, coffee and alcoholic beverages are also not recommended. Also avoid foods with colorings, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners.

Gallstones can be very uncomfortable and  sometimes require surgery to remove them. 

However, if you pay attention to a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, drink plenty of water and incorporate sufficient exercise into your everyday life, you can prevent this ailment or control the pain.

As with any other disease, it is important  to consult a specialist who can initiate the right diet and treatment if necessary. It’s not worth putting your health at risk just because someone promises a miracle cure.

Specialist advice and care is also of great importance in the case of gallstones in order to achieve good results.

Photo provided by Felix Garcia