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What is a Gallbladder Diet?

K T Solis
K T Solis

A gallbladder diet is a diet that benefits people who have suffered from gallbladder disease. The gallbladder is an organ located beneath the liver that is responsible for the storage of bile. This bile is expelled in order to help digest food that travels from the stomach to the small intestine.

If the bile contains too much cholesterol, painful gall stones form inside the body. These gall stones are comprised of crystallized cholesterol and salts from the bile. People whose diets consist of high-fat foods are prime candidates for developing gall stones. At times, these patients need to undergo surgery in order to have the gallbladder removed.

High-fiber, low-fat meals are the cornerstone of a gallbladder diet.
High-fiber, low-fat meals are the cornerstone of a gallbladder diet.

When the gallbladder is removed, patients are required to follow a low-fat gallbladder diet for several weeks or months. A low-fat diet is imperative for such patients, since after this surgical procedure, the body is unable to effectively deal with fatty foods. A body that still contains a gallbladder is able to release a large amount of bile into the intestine so that fat can be absorbed. In contrast, a body without a gallbladder has only a small amount of bile that is released into the intestine. This causes the intestine to experience difficulty with absorbing fat.

A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.

A patient who has recently had a gallbladder removed may suffer from diarrhea and bloating after consuming foods high in fat. Diarrhea and bloating occur because of two reasons. One reason is that fat inside the intestine absorbs more water, causing stomach upset. A second reason is that bacteria begins to digest the fat within the intestine and ultimately produces gas. When a person with gallbladder problems consumes spicy foods, fried foods, beans, nuts, and other foods that adversely affect the body, unpleasant side effects such as gas and heartburn can occur.

Patients who have had a gallblader removed may experience bloating when eating certain foods.
Patients who have had a gallblader removed may experience bloating when eating certain foods.

The way to combat these digestion issues is to follow a gallbladder diet. For example, patients should avoid fast foods, alcohol, caffeine, dairy products that contain full fat, and nuts. Instead, they should choose vegetables, lean meats, grilled fish, and skinless chicken, being careful to remove excess fat before cooking any type of meat. Rice, baked potatoes, salads without dressing, high-fiber foods, and vegetable soups are other smart choices for those who are embarking on a gallbladder diet.

Most people do not have to change their diet after getting gallbladder surgery.
Most people do not have to change their diet after getting gallbladder surgery.

Following the removal of the gallbladder, each patient should consult with a physician in order to determine the best diet for his or her specific needs. Every patient is different and needs to follow the doctor's advice before embarking on a gallbladder diet. By carefully monitoring the diet and avoiding foods that trigger digestive problems, a patient who has undergone gallbladder surgery can enjoy better health and a slimmer body.

Discussion Comments

anon356379

What are the pros and cons of waiting before surgically removing the gall bladder?

anon281155

I have had a severe gallbladder attack, and I am waiting to see a surgeon because they said the gallbladder needed to cool down before surgery. It has pushed sludge into my liver and pancreas causing pancreatitis. I need to know what to eat. Everything I eat or drink causes pain and severe bloating and gas.

yournamehere

A lot of times people forget to regulate their diet after gallbladder surgery.

This can lead to a lot of digestive problems, particularly if the person starts to add in all the fats they couldn't eat before on their gallbladder problems diet.

In some cases, people experience a ton of weight gain because of this.

However, others have a really hard time gaining weight after gallbladder surgery, because of the change in metabolism.

All in all, it's best to ask a nutritionist or doctor about the best tips for your daily diet after gallbladder removal.

CopperPipe

@galen84basc -- Your best bet is to keep it simple. Bland foods are good, as are green beans (but not other beans), cucumbers, aloe vera juice, and beets. Oh, and flax oil.

There are a lot of recipes out there for people with gallbladder attacks, but most of them feature the foods mentioned above.

Either way, if you do have a gallbladder attack, you probably shouldn't wait -- go to the hospital, just to be safe.

galen84basc

What is the best gallbladder attack diet? I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed, but want to know what to eat if I get a gallbladder attack in the meantime.

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    • High-fiber, low-fat meals are the cornerstone of a gallbladder diet.
      By: anjelagr
      High-fiber, low-fat meals are the cornerstone of a gallbladder diet.
    • A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
      By: Alila
      A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
    • Patients who have had a gallblader removed may experience bloating when eating certain foods.
      By: dreambigphotos
      Patients who have had a gallblader removed may experience bloating when eating certain foods.
    • Most people do not have to change their diet after getting gallbladder surgery.
      By: micromonkey
      Most people do not have to change their diet after getting gallbladder surgery.
    • The gallbladder diet stresses the consumption of fresh vegetables and lean proteins.
      By: Serghei Velusceac
      The gallbladder diet stresses the consumption of fresh vegetables and lean proteins.