What foods should you avoid if you have gallbladder issues? Discover the essential dietary guidelines to manage gallbladder problems and alleviate symptoms.

Gallbladder Issues and Diet: An Overview

Gallbladder issues are a common health concern, affecting a significant portion of the population. The gallbladder is a small organ responsible for storing and concentrating bile, a crucial digestive fluid that helps break down fats. When the gallbladder malfunctions or becomes obstructed, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Understanding the Role of the Gallbladder

The gallbladder plays a vital role in the digestive process. It collects and stores bile, which is then released into the small intestine when food enters from the stomach. Bile helps with the breakdown and absorption of fats, making it an essential component of a healthy digestive system.

Gallstones, which are hardened deposits of bile and cholesterol, can block the bile duct and prevent the proper flow of bile. This can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed or even lead to a gallbladder attack, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms.

Dietary Recommendations for Gallbladder Health

While there is no specific diet for treating or preventing gallstones, certain dietary changes can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of developing gallbladder issues. Here are some key recommendations:

Reduce Fat Intake

A low-fat diet is often recommended for individuals with gallbladder problems. High-fat foods can stimulate the gallbladder to release bile, potentially triggering symptoms. Limit your intake of saturated fats found in animal products, such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats.

Increase Fiber Consumption

Dietary fiber can help promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of gallstone formation. Incorporate more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes, into your diet.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help dilute bile and prevent the formation of gallstones. Aim for at least 2 liters of water per day.

Manage Weight Gradually

Rapid weight loss has been associated with an increased risk of gallstone development. If you are overweight, aim for a safe and gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Foods to Avoid with Gallbladder Issues

In addition to the general dietary guidelines, there are specific foods that may exacerbate gallbladder symptoms or contribute to the formation of gallstones. It’s essential to identify and avoid these trigger foods:

High-Fat Foods

Limit your intake of high-fat foods, such as fried foods, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and creamy sauces or dressings.

Refined Carbohydrates

Processed and refined carbohydrates, like white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks, can potentially increase inflammation and contribute to gallbladder issues.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of gallstone formation and trigger gallbladder symptoms.

Caffeine

While moderate coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of gallstones, high intake of caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks may exacerbate gallbladder problems for some individuals.

Individualized Approach to Gallbladder-Friendly Eating

It’s important to note that everyone’s body and dietary needs are unique. While the general guidelines above can be helpful, it’s essential to pay attention to your individual triggers and make adjustments accordingly. Keep a food and symptom diary to identify any specific foods that may worsen your gallbladder symptoms, and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.

The Role of Nutrition in Gallbladder Health

Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can play a crucial role in supporting gallbladder health and preventing or managing gallbladder issues. By focusing on low-fat, high-fiber foods and staying hydrated, you can help reduce the strain on your gallbladder and alleviate symptoms. Remember, a personalized approach tailored to your individual needs is key to effectively managing gallbladder problems through diet.

Gallstones diet sheet | Patient

Sometimes bile pigments or calcium deposits form gallstones. Sometimes just a few small stones are formed; sometimes a great many. Occasionally, just one large stone is formed.

About one in three women and one in six men form gallstones at some stage in their lives. Gallstones become more common with increasing age. The risk of gallstones forming increases with:

• Pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Having a close relative with gallstones.
• Taking certain medicines such as the contraceptive pill.
• Eating a generally unhealthy diet, particularly a diet which is high in fat.

You can reduce your risk of developing gallstones by:

• Eating vegetable protein – for example, beans and pulses.
• Increasing fibre intake.
• Eating nuts.
• Increasing dietary calcium.
• Increasing vitamin C intake.
• Drinking coffee.
• Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol.

The role of the gallbladder in digestion

The gallbladder plays a part in the digestion of food. It collects and stores bile, then releases the bile into the small intestine when food enters the small intestine from the stomach. This helps with the digestion of food because the gallbladder contains bile salts (and other substances) which break down fat.

The bile duct which connects the gallbladder to the small intestine can become blocked by gallstones. This may cause symptoms such as pain, bloating, a feeling of sickness (nausea), and being sick (vomiting). The stone may cause a blockage and make it difficult for the bile to be released from the bile duct.

Dietary changes to help with symptoms of gallstones

There is no specific diet for treating symptoms of, or to prevent, gallstones. Most people with gallstones will have surgery to remove the gallbladder in an operation called a cholecystectomy. However, eating a low-fat diet is likely to reduce symptoms while you are waiting for the operation, as the gallbladder will not be stimulated to release bile into the small intestine. If you find that any particular foods trigger the onset of the pain then try to avoid eating those foods until you have had your gallbladder removed.

Once you have had the operation there is no need to follow any particular diet, although of course it is always a good idea to eat as healthily as possible.

If you are overweight, attaining a healthy weight will be beneficial. However, it is important to do this gradually, as rapid weight loss has been associated with the development of gallstones. A safe weight loss of 1-2 lbs (0.5 to 1 kg) per week is recommended.

Summer crunch salad

Crunchy summer salad of green beans, juicy tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, fresh herbs, and parmesan…

A healthy balanced diet consists of:

• Plenty of fruit and vegetables. Aim to have at least five portions each day.
• Plenty of starchy carbohydrates. Examples include bread, rice, cereals, pasta, potatoes, chapattis and plantain. Choose wholegrain varieties where possible.
• Some milk and dairy products (2-3 portions per day). Choose low-fat dairy products.
• Some meat, fish, eggs and alternatives such as beans and pulses.
• Limited amounts of foods high in fats and sugars. Limit saturated fat that is found in animal products, such as butter, ghee, cheese, meat, cakes, biscuits and pastries. Replace these with unsaturated fats found in non-animal products, such as sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. But remember that unsaturated fats can also trigger gallstone pain.
• Make sure your diet is high in fibre. This can be found in beans, pulses, fruit and vegetables, oats and wholegrain products, such as bread, pasta and rice.
• Drink plenty of fluid – at least two litres daily, such as water or herbal teas.

Try not to eat too much fat at one mealtime. It might be helpful to have smaller, more frequent meals. Some people find that specific foods are the triggers for symptoms. Keep a food and symptom diary to identify trigger foods. Avoid these foods for a two-week trial period and note any improvements in symptoms.

Editor’s note

Jul 2017 – Dr Hayley Willacy has read a study by researchers at Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford on vegetarianism and gallstone disease – see below. British vegetarians tend to consume more fibre, less fat and have a lower BMI – all factors which are associated with lower rates of gallstone disease. Therefore, it might be expected that vegetarian diets would have a protective effect for gallstone disease. However, this study has shown there is a small but statistically significant positive association between vegetarian diet and symptomatic gallstone disease.

Cutting down on fat

A high-fat diet and fatty foods can sometimes cause discomfort and painful symptoms. They may also cause fatty stools (steatorrhoea), which are oily, pale and smelly. Steatorrhoea is a sign that fat is not being digested properly.

Here are some ways to cut down on fat in the diet.

High-fat foods	Lower-fat alternatives
Butter, lard, ghee, oils, spreads.	Lower-fat/light spreads, oil sprays for cooking, jam, honey.
Whole milk, cream, full-fat yoghurts.	Skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, half-fat crème fraîche, low-fat evaporated milk, low-fat or fat-free yoghurt.
Full-fat cheese, such as Cheddar, Brie and Stilton.	Cottage cheese, light soft cheeses such as Philadelphia® or Dairylea Light®, quark, reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or naturally lower-fat cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta (matchbox-sized portion).
Snacks, such as cakes, biscuits, pastries, crisps and nuts.	Toasted teacakes, low-fat popcorn, fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, meringues, rice cakes, Rich Tea® biscuits, low-fat crisps such as Quavers® or Skips®.
Puddings, such as pies, ice cream and custards.	Jelly, sugar-free jelly, low-fat custard, rice pudding made with semi-skimmed milk, sorbet, tinned or stewed fruit, low-fat yoghurts.
Sauces and dressings, such as mayonnaise, creamy sauces.	Light mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, mustard, lemon juice, fat-free salad dressings, tomato-based sauces (some can contain oil), salsa, balsamic dressing.
Meats and processed meats, such as sausages, salami, corned beef, bacon, gammon, pork, lamb, beef mince, beefburgers, meat pies, fish tinned in oil.	Chicken, turkey, lean ham, lean or extra lean beef mince, turkey mince, red meat with visible fat cut off, and white fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, and fish tinned in brine or water.

Note: many processed foods that are low in fat can contain high amounts of sugar. Check the labels for high-sugar products and try to keep these to a minimum. A product that is high in sugar contains more than 10 g of sugar per 100 g.

Reduced-fat, light and low-fat are not the same thing. If a product is low-fat, this means that the product contains 3 g or fewer of fat per 100 g and is actually low in fat. A reduced-fat product does not mean that the product is necessarily low in fat. It means that the product contains 25% less fat than the original product, which is usually a very high-fat product, such as mayonnaise or Cheddar cheese. This is similar for ‘light’ products, which contain about a third fewer calories than the original product, or 50% less fat. Therefore, keep these to a minimum when choosing reduced-fat or lighter products.

Practical tips to cut down on fat

Adopting some healthy habits can really impact on the amount of fat you consume. Here are some tips you can use during cooking and food preparation.

• Try to avoid processed foods and cook from scratch when possible. This will help you to have control over how much fat goes into your food.
• Check labels for high-fat products. A product that is high in fat contains 17.5 g or more of fat per 100 g. Try to avoid foods with red colour coding on the label for fat. Look for foods that contain 3 g of fat or fewer.
• Bulk out meals with vegetables and pulses. For example, a Bolognese sauce could be made with half the amount of meat by adding kidney beans and mushrooms.
• Use oil spray when cooking, or wipe off extra oil using a paper towel.
• Measure your oil when cooking, rather than pouring it. A good measure is about one teaspoon per person.
• Try to use fat/oil in food only when it is absolutely necessary.
• If you are cooking meat that is sticking to the pan, a small drop of water may help rather than adding more oil.
• Make your own dressings using low-fat yoghurt, lemon/lime juice and herbs.
• Remove all visible fat and skin from meat and choose leaner cuts of meat.
• Skim fat off the top of casseroles and stews.
• Try not to fry food. Bake, steam, boil, grill or roast on a drip tray instead.

Gallstones – Prevention – NHS

From the limited evidence available, changes to your diet and losing weight (if you’re overweight) may help prevent gallstones.

Diet

Because cholesterol appears to play a role in the formation of gallstones, it’s advisable to avoid eating too many foods with a high saturated fat content.

Foods high in saturated fat include:

• meat pies
• sausages and fatty cuts of meat
• butter, ghee and lard
• cream
• hard cheeses 
• cakes and biscuits
• food containing coconut or palm oil

A healthy, balanced diet is recommended. This includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least 5 portions a day) and wholegrains.

There’s also evidence that regularly eating nuts, such as peanuts or cashews, can help reduce your risk of developing gallstones. 

Drinking small amounts of alcohol may also help reduce your risk of gallstones.

But you shouldn’t regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, as this can lead to liver problems and other health conditions.

Regularly drinking any amount of alcohol can increase the risk to your health.

Read more about: 

Losing weight

Being overweight, particularly being obese, increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile, which increases your risk of developing gallstones.

You should control your weight by eating a healthy diet and taking plenty of regular exercise.

But you should avoid low-calorie, rapid weight loss diets. There’s evidence they can disrupt your bile chemistry and increase your risk of developing gallstones.

A more gradual weight loss plan is recommended.

Read more about losing weight and getting started with exercise.

Page last reviewed: 10 October 2018
Next review due: 10 October 2021

5 Foods You Should Avoid if You Have Gallbladder Issues: David W.

Ranson, MD, FACS: General & Vascular Surgeon

Your gallbladder is an important part of your digestive system. Gallbladder disease can result in your suffering from chronic gallstones. These small, hardened deposits of digestive bile can vary in size, and can become painful or uncomfortable.

Vascular surgeon David W. Ranson, MD, FACS provides care for patients with gallbladder concerns from South Charleston, West Virginia offices. If you’re at risk of gallstones, take steps to protect your health and wellness.

What you eat can make a big difference in your likelihood of developing gallstones. Here are some of the helpful dietary tips and tricks that Dr. Ranson wants his patients with gallbladder issues to know about.

1. Watch out for fatty meats and fish

Fatty meats, in particular, can increase your risk of gallstones. Choose leaner cuts of meat, and remove skin and additional fat before eating. Opt for fresh fish over canned, and avoid fish products that are canned in oil. Fried meats are also a bad idea if you want to avoid stressing your gallbladder.

2. Steer away from processed meats

Processed meats, including hot dogs, sausages, canned meats, and cold cuts, can all become a problem for your gallbladder. Preservative agents and high fat content make these a good type of food to skip if you’re trying to support your gallbladder and prevent the formation of gallstones.

3. Keep an eye on dairy products

Low-fat dairy selections won’t put undue stress on your gallbladder, but rich cheeses and butter can increase your risk of developing gallstones. Look for cheeses that have less than 5 grams of fat per ounce when you’re picking food options. Other good dairy choices for people with gallbladder issues are low-fat milk and yoghurt and sour cream.

4. Avoid avocado

While the high levels of fat in avocados is often described as a healthy fat, it can still cause problems if you have gallbladder issues. Skip avocados and guacamole, and opt for snacking on fruits that are high in fiber instead.

5. Skip out on white flour

Foods made with refined white flour, like white bread and pasta, are lacking in fiber, and won’t do much to support your gallbladder. However, whole-grain breads and pastas are fine for patients with gallbladder issues. Rice, oats, and other whole grains can also help your gallbladder to keep functioning smoothly, so that you won’t be troubled by gallstones.

If you’re concerned about potential gallbladder issues, including your risk for developing gallstones this spring, get in touch with Dr. Ranson today. You can book your initial consultation appointment with Dr. Ranson by giving our office a call now, or use the online tool to schedule.

List of Foods That Aggravate the Gall Bladder | Healthy Eating

By Janet Renee Updated November 28, 2018

Under normal circumstances, food doesn’t aggravate your gallbladder. But when your gallbladder becomes inflamed, gallstones develop or it stops functioning properly high-fat foods can trigger pain. Limiting your intake of foods high in fat may prevent this aggravation and the pain associated with it.

General Guidelines

Limit your intake to 40 to 50 grams of fat per day and assess your tolerance. Pay special attention to the amount of fat per serving at each meal. Limit fats to three servings daily. The recommended serving of vegetable oil, butter, and mayonnaise is 1 teaspoon. Limit servings to 2 tablespoons for cream, sour cream, half and half and 1 tablespoon for cream cheese, salad dressing and peanut butter.

Meat and Fish

Limit your intake of meal and fish to 6 ounces per day. Choose cooking methods that do not require oil, such as baking, grilling or broiling. Trim extra fat away from the meat before cooking. Avoid high fat meats such as bacon, salt pork, beef short ribs, luncheon meat, sausages and chicken liver. Choose fresh fish or fish canned in water. Fish canned in oil can aggravate your symptoms.

Milk, Avocado and Fried Vegetables

Avocado is the only fruit you need to limit because it is high in fat. Stick to a serving of one-eighth of a regular-sized avocado and count it as part of your three servings of fat daily. Avoid milk products made with whole milk. Instead, choose skim milk, yogurt made with skim milk and other reduced-fat milk items. Avoid fried or creamed vegetables and any vegetable dish made with whole milk.

Baked Goods, Soups and Beverages

Avoid baked goods that contain whole milk, egg yolks, or more than 2 grams of fat per servings. Examples include pancakes, muffins, doughnuts, sweet rolls, waffles and fried bread. Stick to whole-grain bread. Avoid soups made with whole milk, or added fat also. In terms of beverages, stick to tea, regular coffee and fruit-based drinks. When choosing fruit-based drinks, look for low-calorie, low-sugar varieties. You still want to keep general nutrition in mind.

Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal?

I recently had my gallbladder out and I keep having diarrhea. Is there a gallbladder removal diet I should follow?

Answer From Elizabeth Rajan, M.D.

After having their gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy), some people develop frequent loose, watery stools. In most cases, the diarrhea lasts no more than a few weeks to a few months. There isn’t a specific gallbladder removal diet that you should follow if you have this problem, but there are a few things you might consider.

First, it helps to understand why you’re having diarrhea. Diarrhea after gallbladder removal seems to be related to the release of bile directly into the intestines. Normally, the gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, releasing it when you eat to aid the digestion of fat. When the gallbladder is removed, bile is less concentrated and drains more continuously into the intestines, where it can have a laxative effect.

The amount of fat you eat at one time also plays a role. Smaller amounts of fat are easier to digest, while larger amounts can remain undigested and cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Although there isn’t a set gallbladder removal diet, the following tips may help minimize problems with diarrhea after you’ve had your gallbladder out:

• Go easy on the fat. Avoid high-fat foods, fried and greasy foods, and fatty sauces and gravies for at least a week after surgery. Instead, choose fat-free or low-fat foods. Low-fat foods are those with no more than 3 grams of fat a serving. Check labels and follow the serving size listed.
• Increase the fiber in your diet. This can help normalize bowel movements. Add soluble fiber, such as oats and barley, to your diet. But be sure to increase the amount of fiber slowly, such as over several weeks, because too much fiber at first can make gas and cramping worse.
• Eat smaller, more-frequent meals. This may ensure a better mix with available bile. A healthy meal should include small amounts of lean protein, such as poultry, fish or fat-free dairy, along with vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

You may also try limiting foods that tend to worsen diarrhea, including:

• Caffeine
• Dairy products
• Very sweet foods

Talk with your doctor if your diarrhea doesn’t gradually go away or becomes more severe, or if you lose weight and become weak. Your doctor may recommend medicines, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), which slows down intestinal movement, or medications that decrease the laxative effect of bile, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite). Your doctor may also suggest that you take a multivitamin to compensate for malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

With

Elizabeth Rajan, M.D.

• Chronic diarrhea: A concern after gallbladder removal?

May 26, 2021

Show references

1. Blasco YR, et al. Low-fat diet after cholecystectomy: Should it be systematically recommended? Cirugia Espanola. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.cireng.2019.12.006.
2. Disease process. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed April 19, 2021.
3. Bonis PA, et al. Approach to the adult with chronic diarrhea in resource-rich settings. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 19, 2021.
4. Gallbladder nutrition therapy. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed April 19, 2021.
5. Diarrhea nutrition therapy. Nutrition Care Manual. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed April 19, 2021.
6. Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea. Accessed April 16, 2021.

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The Best Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet

Whether you’ve just had your gallbladder removed or if you’re scheduled to have it removed soon, it’s never too early to start thinking about life after surgery. While the human body can survive without a gallbladder, you’ll definitely need to make a few lifestyle adjustments, especially when it comes to diet.

To help you navigate this new chapter of your health journey, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to follow the best post-gallbladder surgery diet, including exactly what you should and shouldn’t eat after having your gallbladder removed.

Post-Gallbladder Surgery Diet Tips

These tips will help you recover comfortably after gallbladder surgery.

Plenty of Liquids 

Right after surgery, your number one priority will be to stay hydrated. Diarrhea is an unfortunate, but extremely common occurrence after gallbladder surgery, which can quickly drain your body of necessary fluids, vitamins, and minerals.  

Due to this fact, it’s crucial that you stick to a ‘’clear liquid diet’’ and drink plenty of water, broths, and vitamin- or mineral-enhanced beverages post-surgery. While sports drinks are a good option during this time, you’ll want to avoid all alcohol and any caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, tea, and soda. 

Over time, you should slowly begin introducing solid foods back into your diet. In the meantime, stick with liquids to give your body time to heal. 

Small Meal Portions

While many of us are used to eating three fairly large meals a day (i.e., breakfast, lunch and dinner), larger portion sizes will no longer be ideal for your body after having your gallbladder removed. 

Instead, you should be eating much smaller meals every 2 – 3 hours. This way, you’re getting the nutrients and calories you need without overworking your liver.

Low Fat

This can be the toughest dietary recommendation to follow, but it’s without a doubt the most important. Your body is going to have problems digesting fat after your surgery. 

While you’ll eventually want to reintroduce healthy fats back into your diet (see list below), a fairly bland, entirely no-fat diet is going to be easiest to digest for the first few weeks after surgery. Think foods such as unbuttered toast, rice, bananas, soup, and pasta. 

After a few weeks have gone past and your body – specifically your liver – has acclimatized to the removal of your gallbladder, you’ll want to start incorporating healthy fats as a regular part of your diet. 

Since fat content can be difficult to determine in pre-packaged foods, you’ll need to get used to reading food labels and inquiring at restaurants before eating any food you didn’t prepare yourself. This is crucial because your daily fat intake must be less than 30% of your consumed calories. Ideally, you’ll want to aim for 40-50g of fat per day.

While this can often feel like the most restrictive aspect of your post-gallbladder diet, sticking to low-fat foods will really help you feel your best.

Lean Protein

Because a low-fat diet is critical to maintaining your health after gallbladder surgery, you should focus on only consuming lean meats. This means cutting out red meats and any cuts that tend to be on the fatty side. 

Increase Fiber Slowly

While adding fiber to your diet can help ease diarrhea after surgery, introducing it too quickly can cause uncomfortable abdominal cramping and gas. To avoid this issue, introduce more soluble fibers into your diet. 

Once your body has adapted, you can then include more high-fiber items. You’ll want to introduce these products slowly, typically over the course of several weeks. 

Although you’re going to need to regulate the introduction of fiber into your diet quite carefully, it is a crucial component of your post-surgery diet that should not be overlooked. Fibrous foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are all instrumental in reaching and maintaining your optimal health.  

Avoid Most Dairy Products

Milk and other dairy products can lead to a number of digestive issues after gallbladder surgery. While it’s best to simply avoid dairy products altogether, it’s best to stick to low-fat or fat-free dairy options. 

Whole-milk and other high-fat dairy products can cause diarrhea and painful gas or cramping, so these should not be consumed after undergoing gallbladder surgery. 

Foods to Avoid at ALL Costs

There are a number of foods you should avoid at all costs due to the havoc they’ll wreak on your digestive tract once your gallbladder has been removed. 

Take Care of Your Body With the Right Diet 

Put simply, foods low in fat and high in fiber are the ideal post-gallbladder surgery diet to keep your body running smoothly. Not only will these food choices reduce your risk of experiencing liver problems such as fatty liver disease, it can also help with any post-surgery digestive issues, such as diarrhea, cramping, and gas.
 

If you require gallbladder surgery or have had your gallbladder removed and are experiencing painful digestion problems, reach out to Olde Del Mar Surgical. Our friendly staff will be on standby to help you schedule a consultation today.

Approved Foods for the Gallbladder | Woman

i Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Although you can live without a gallbladder, living with gallbladder problems can be painful. Your gallbladder is a small organ near your liver. It stores bile, which your body needs to digest fat. The most common problem of the gallbladder is gallstones, which block the bile duct and prevent the release of bile. Certain foods can aggravate gallbladder problems more than other types of food. Consult your physician for specific food recommendations.

Fiber

If you have gallbladder disease, you may want to increase your fiber intake. Foods high in fiber, such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, oats and bran can help your gallbladder function more effectively. Fiber helps to prevent cholesterol absorption, which leads to thick bile. Your body has a more difficult time passing the thick sludge-type bile and it could block your bile ducts. Consider adding fiber supplements, such as flax meal, to your diet to ensure that you are consuming enough fiber.

Lean Meats and Low-Fat Dairy

Because your gallbladder stores bile to digest fat, opt for proteins that are low in fat. Choose lean meats, such as chicken and cold-water fish. Other good protein options include soy, tofu and legumes, which are high in protein and do not contain cholesterol. When choosing dairy products, make sure that the dairy is low in fat and made with skim milk. Dairy such as yogurt, milk and cheese often have low-fat or no-fat alternatives that will be better for your gallbladder.

Foods to Avoid

Most gallbladder diets concentrate on what types of food to avoid rather than what you should eat. People with gallbladder problems should avoid foods that are high in sugar or trans-fats, such as baked goods, cookies, cakes and other processed foods. Foods high in carbohydrates, made with white flour, such as white bread or pasta, can cause flare-ups of gallbladder issues. Other foods to avoid include fried foods or foods high in saturated fat.

90,000 Which 3 foods should you avoid for gallbladder cancer?

Highlights

No two cancers are the same, and your diet shouldn’t be the same either. All over the world, nutritionists and oncologists are most often asked the question: “What do I eat?” Answer: “It depends on the circumstances.” It depends on the type of cancer, current treatment and supplements being taken, age, gender, BMI, lifestyle, and any available genetic information. In short, the answer to the question “What should I eat” in gallbladder cancer needs to be personalized to minimize adverse interactions between nutrition (food / diet) and treatment and improve symptoms.

Foods such as beets and bell peppers should be consumed during treatment with gemcitabine for gallbladder cancer. Likewise, avoid foods such as beans and coriander when treating gemcitabine for gallbladder cancer.

You got the point – your nutrition should be individual, and it needs to be revised as soon as any of the conditions change. Create and follow a personalized meal plan to minimize the adverse effects of nutrition on cancers such as gallbladder cancer.

What is the cause of the gallbladder?

Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ on the right side of the stomach under the liver that stores bile. The gallbladder stores bile. The incidence of this cancer is only 1.1 per 1 million people per year. This cancer is usually diagnosed in people around the age of 72, but it can occur in people of any age. More common in American Indians and Alaska Natives compared to other populations.

Gallbladder cancer occurs due to the predominance of certain genetic changes. Several of the genes, such as TP53, SMAD4, ARID1A, and ATM, are known to have genetic abnormalities in this cancer, leading to altered function.

The genetic abnormalities found in this cancer can interfere with certain biochemical pathways to force these cancer cells to grow aggressively and survive with ongoing treatment. In addition, lifestyle conditions or habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI (body mass index) can have a big impact on your doctor’s prescribed gallbladder cancer treatment response.Numerous studies consistently show that your diet / diet – both food and nutritional supplements – can negatively affect treatment, be supportive, or play no role. (Magdalena Stepien et al., Salud Publica Mex., 2016 Therefore, the triangulation of gallbladder cancer genomics, planned or current treatments and lifestyle choices must be carefully considered in order to decide which foods and supplements should be considered and avoided when developing a diet / meal plan.In addition, it is important to note that changing any of these conditions, such as treatment, lifestyle, or cancer diagnosis, can affect nutrition and may need to rethink the meal / diet plan for this cancer.

Why does good nutrition matter in gallbladder cancer?

In gallbladder cancer, activation or inhibition of several biochemical pathways including Notch signaling, oxidative stress, P53 signaling, NFKB signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, DNA repair, adhesion bonding, MYC signaling, MAPK signaling, beta signaling -catenin Wnt and PI3K.-AKT-MTOR Signal transmission plays an important role in the development of disease. (Geraldo Ishak et al., Clin Exp Med., 2015; Andrea Lunardi et al., Oncotarget., 2014; Yu. Kimura et al., J Exp Clin Cancer Res., 2003; Luyao Liu et al. , Pathol Oncol Res., 2016; Xiaojie Jiang et al., Cancer Sci. 2017; Sunwang Xu et al., Cell Death Discov., 2017) All food and nutritional supplements contain active ingredients that have a specific molecular effect on various biochemical pathways. Consequently, while consuming certain foods and supplements as part of the diet may support a specific treatment for gallbladder cancer, consuming small amounts of other foods and supplements may lead to adverse interactions with treatment or may accelerate the progression of cancer.

Examples of foods that should not be eaten and eaten with gemcitabine treatment for gallbladder cancer

Nutrition for cancer always depends on the type of cancer, the treatments and supplements taken (if any), age, sex, BMI, lifestyle, and any genetic information available. Here we show an example of nutrition / diet for gallbladder cancer with only one specific treatment in mind.

Foods to avoid

Common beans: Common beans contain active ingredients such as apigenin, esculin, Vitamin C and others.Apigenin interferes with the action of gemcitabine in gallbladder cancer by activating a biological process called DNA repair. Hence, avoid foods such as gemcitabine beans for the treatment of gallbladder cancer.

Coriander: Coriander contains active ingredients such as Angelicin, Quercetin, Ramnetin and others. Angelicin interferes with the action of gemcitabine in gallbladder cancer by blocking a biological process called fusion.Therefore, do not eat coriander with gemcitabine to treat this cancer.

Food products

Beetroot: Beetroot contains active ingredients such as vitamin E, linolenic acid and folic acid. Taking Vitamin E Along with gemcitabine, treatment of gallbladder cancer causes a decrease in a specific biochemical pathway called PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling, and this is a very positive effect. Therefore, beets should be consumed along with gemcitabine to treat this cancer.

Bell pepper: Bell pepper contains active ingredients such as vitamin E, linolenic acid and folic acid. Taking vitamin E along with gemcitabine treatment for gallbladder cancer causes a decrease in a specific biochemical pathway called PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling, and this is a very positive effect. Therefore, bell peppers should be consumed along with gemcitabine to treat this cancer.

Should I take this dietary supplement for gallbladder cancer?

Black Seed: Black Seed has not been reported to interact with CYP (a drug metabolizing enzyme) with gemcitabine treatment.Black Seed supports gemcitabine treatment for gallbladder cancer by decreasing biochemical pathways / processes such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition, MAPK signaling, NFKB signaling, Notch signaling, PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling, DNA repair, and beta signaling catenin WNT.

What foods should you avoid for gallbladder cancer?

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Foods to Eat After Cancer Diagnosis!

No two cancers are the same.Go beyond general dietary guidelines for everyone and make individual decisions about food and supplements with confidence.

What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer?

In the early stages, most cancers, including gallbladder cancer, may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, gallbladder cancer may develop symptoms.

Below are some of the signs and symptoms that can be caused by this cancer.

• Jaundice
• Lack of appetite
• Fever
• Abdominal lump
• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Although many of these symptoms can also be caused by various other health conditions, consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms to rule out the possible chances of gallbladder cancer.

What are the treatment options for gallbladder cancer?

The decision to treat gallbladder cancer can be made based on various factors, including the stage and extent of the cancer, characteristics of the cancer, symptoms, the patient’s general health and medical history, whether the cancer can be completely removed by surgery, and whether the cancer has just occurred.diagnosed or returned. Treatment options for this cancer include:

Surgery or surgery followed by radiation is the most common treatment for gallbladder cancer. Radiation therapy helps shrink the swelling. The main role of chemotherapy is in the treatment of metastatic disease. Don’t include foods or supplements in your diet that may interfere with your gallbladder cancer treatment.

In conclusion

The two most important things to remember is that cancer treatment and nutrition are never the same for everyone.A diet / diet that includes food and nutritional supplements is an effective tool to manage when you are faced with cancers such as gallbladder cancer.

“What do I eat?” is the most frequently asked question among nutritionists and cancer therapists. The correct answer depends on the type of cancer, underlying genomics, current treatment, any allergies, lifestyle information, and factors such as BMI.

Customized meal plan with additional features protects you from adverse food interactions.

Get started NOW by answering questions about cancer type, current treatments, dietary supplements, allergies, age group, gender, and lifestyle information.

Foods to Eat After Cancer Diagnosis!

No two cancers are the same. Go beyond general dietary guidelines for everyone and make individual decisions about food and supplements with confidence.

Cancer patients often have to deal with various side effects of chemotherapy that affect their quality of life and are looking for alternative cancer treatments.Taking the right diet and science-based supplements (avoiding guesswork and random selection) is the best natural remedy for cancer and treatment-related side effects.

90,000 10 rules of nutrition in old age from the Senior Group

Optimal calorie content and diet for the elderly

With the right diet, you can correct many health problems such as gastritis, constipation, obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension.First of all, nutrition in old age should take into account the daily calorie requirement. In settlements with developed and underdeveloped infrastructure, these indicators will differ.

Experts have determined that in the first case, the calorie requirement for men aged 60 to 70 years will be about 2,350 kcal per day. Women are advised not to exceed the 2,100 kcal mark. As for cities with underdeveloped infrastructure, which requires more physical activity, then the calorie content can be increased.Allowed 2,500 kcal for men and 2,200 kcal for women. Elderly people over 70 are advised to reduce the calorie content of their meals. The daily calorie intake for men should be 2,200 kcal, for women – 2,000.

As for the regimen, it is advisable for older people over the age of 60 to distribute meals by 4-5 times, taking into account the daily calorie content. This allows for a faster metabolism and promotes gentle weight loss. Other benefits include improved digestion, no heaviness in the stomach, and maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.

How does it look in practice? If we are talking about 5 meals a day, then it is allowed to eat about 20% of the daily norm for breakfast, 15% for lunch, 40% for lunch, 5% for an afternoon snack, and 20% for dinner. Variations are possible between afternoon tea and dinner. In general, the correct, rational nutrition of the elderly should be based on a sense of comfort by meeting the body’s energy needs. In other words, food should be easily digestible and rich in micro- and macroelements, the feeling of hunger is excluded.When these conditions are met, nutrition becomes an important condition for maintaining health.

Basic principles of nutrition for the elderly

1. Energy balance. Elderly people are advised not to overeat and to avoid consuming large amounts of fats and carbohydrates. Fatty fish and meat, sugar, baked goods, baked goods and even cereals can imbalance metabolism and negatively affect health. Any food should be in moderation.

2.Prevention of atherosclerosis. Vascular disease is considered one of the main causes of reduced life expectancy, and the risk of their occurrence can be controlled through nutrition. So, if you have a choice between meat and fish, you should choose the latter. In addition, it is useful to consume fermented milk products, fruits and vegetables, which help lower cholesterol levels.

3. Reasonable variety. Food for the elderly should not only be healthy, but also varied. The weekly menu should include cereals, pasta, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and fruits.Moreover, the diversity is determined by the individual characteristics of health.

4. Vitamin and mineral supplements. Nutrition for the elderly should be balanced, rich in vital micro and macro elements. The body cannot always get the necessary nutrients from thermally processed food, so it is worth paying attention to dietary supplements. In addition, seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs should be present in the diet.

5. Preference for light products.Food for people over the age of 60 should be easily digestible. What is the best way to feed an elderly person? The menu should be dominated by fish and dairy products, and it is better to refuse from smoked meat, lard, mushrooms and legumes, since they take a long time to digest and can negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Food must induce appetite. Many older people dull the feeling of hunger, they begin to eat less often and without pleasure. In order to compensate for this, you can add some spices to improve your appetite, as well as onions, garlic and herbs.Sour fruits (apples, oranges) also have the ability to induce appetite, so they can be given in small amounts shortly before the main meal.

Memo: 10 rules of nutrition in old age

Reducing salt intake. As mentioned above, many older people experience deterioration in the sensitivity of their taste buds, which makes food seem bland. This must be monitored, as an increase in the amount of salt can lead to an increase in blood pressure and the appearance of puffiness due to the increased load on the kidneys.Spices and aromatic oils can be used instead of salt.

Correct breakfasts. The gastrointestinal tract in older people works more slowly, salivation and gastric juice decreases, therefore, there is a deterioration in the absorption of certain substances (for example, B vitamins, folic acid). Vegetables and cereals (cereals and muesli with the addition of bran) will help to compensate for the lack of essential nutrients.

Correction of medication intake. Weakened taste buds can also be the result of the constant use of certain medications, this is another reason to monitor the diet of the elderly.If loss or increase in taste or appetite is associated with the use of medications, then this issue should be discussed with your doctor.

Selection of the type of food. Seniors aged 80 and over can experience a variety of chewing problems. This is not only the absence of teeth, but also breathing problems, coughing, difficulty in swallowing due to a small amount of saliva. All this must be taken into account when preparing food, which must have a suitable consistency (mashed potatoes, fine cuts, smoothies, etc.)).

Water balance. Many older people not only dull appetite, but also thirst. There are no compulsory norms for the use of liquid during the day, everything is individual, but at the same time, the usual volume of drinking water (juices, tea) should not be allowed to decrease. Elderly people should definitely be offered drinks between meals.

The presence of protein in food. Despite the popularization of the opinion that centenarians practically do not eat meat, this product should not be abandoned.It is animal protein that supports the normal functioning of muscles and bones. It is better to give preference to lean meats: veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit. The minimum protein intake per day is 60 grams. for men and 45 gr. for women.

Calcium intake. This substance plays a critical role in the prevention of osteoporosis. You can partially compensate for the calcium deficiency with the help of dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, etc.), however, some older people may have lactose intolerance.For this reason, it is worth consulting your doctor who will prescribe calcium supplements.

Fatty acids (omega-3). This essential substance is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol in the human body and helps to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Fatty acids are found in sea and river fish, which should be present on the menu at least 2 times a week.

Calorie accounting.As they grow older, the body’s need for calories decreases, and if this is not taken into account and the usual menu is not adjusted, then the elderly person will begin to rapidly gain excess weight. This, in turn, is fraught with disorders of the joints, an increase in the load on the cardiovascular system. Elderly people are advised to adhere to fractional meals, which exclude overeating.

Correct atmosphere at the table. An elderly person should not be allowed to be nervous or worried while eating, as this will directly affect the quality of assimilation of food.In order to relieve tension, you can start a leisurely conversation, discuss the menu, suggest to change seats, move food intake to fresh air, etc.

Properly organized nutrition in old age is the key to prolonging physical and mental activity, preventing many age-related diseases, and improving overall well-being. The norms and rules listed in the article are an axiom for specialists working in the Senior Group resorts network. We know how to help your loved ones stay active and cheerful for a long time and share our knowledge and experience with you.

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90,000 Fresh fruits can be harmful for certain types of diseases – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

There is a rush in the markets – everyone wants to “get nourished” on the eve of the coming winter.

And few people think that in some diseases even the freshest fruits and vegetables can be harmful: sea buckthorn, for example, negatively affects the gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and chokeberry berries, although they lower blood pressure, but due to the high content of vitamin K, they increase blood clotting, which is undesirable for elderly people suffering from hypertension.

Use with caution!

Plums. They should be abandoned for obesity, diabetes mellitus and increased acidity of gastric juice.

Chokeberry and black currant. Contraindicated in case of increased blood clotting (viscosity).

Grapes. Not recommended for diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcers and colitis.

Apricots. Not recommended for people with liver problems and decreased thyroid function.

Gooseberry. Not recommended for diabetes, stomach ulcers, enteritis.

Tomatoes. It is better not to include in the diet for cholelithiasis, intestinal problems.

Eggplant. Overripe fruits contain a lot of solanine, which causes nausea, diarrhea, intestinal colic, cramps and shortness of breath. Therefore, only young fruits should be eaten.

Bulb onions. Fresh can provoke exacerbation of kidney and liver diseases.It is safer to eat boiled onions.

Who hurts what

We tried to compile a small reminder for patients: for what diseases certain fruits and vegetables are undesirable.

For diseases of the liver and gallbladder, exclude from the diet vegetables rich in oxalic acid and essential oils: spinach, sorrel, rhubarb, radish, radish, garlic, onion, horseradish, onions, as they irritate liver cells and can lead to the formation of stones in gallbladder and biliary tract.Those who suffer from these diseases are not recommended to consume sour varieties of berries and fruits, which increase the spasms of the muscles of the gallbladder and cause pain.

Increased blood clotting and a tendency to thrombus formation. With such characteristics of the body, people should exclude corn, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, green peas, apples, grapes and strawberries from the diet.

In case of pancreatitis, it is better not to eat raw vegetables and fruits, as well as salted and pickled ones.Radish, radish, turnip, rutabaga, onion, garlic, horseradish, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb, lettuce, cabbage, legumes are contraindicated for people suffering from this disease. All of them increase the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach, which stimulates pancreatic secretion.

In case of gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis with increased secretion, it is better to use vegetables and fruits only in mashed and boiled form. Carrots, horseradish, cabbage, onions, garlic, melons, apricots, plums, grapes (especially with skin) should be removed from the diet.

For diseases of the duodenum, include oranges, watermelons, grapes, pomegranates, grapefruits, viburnum, cabbage juice, dogwood, lemons, garlic, radish, raw turnips, plums, horseradish, sorrel in the prohibited list.

Onions, pickles, sorrel are not recommended for cardiovascular diseases. If there is a tendency for fluid retention – watermelons, grapes.

With hypertension, you should not get carried away with garlic (as with epilepsy), sauerkraut.

Five healthy fruits and vegetables

1 Broccoli. It contains many antioxidants that fight free radicals. In addition, it is one of the best sources of chromium, which prolongs life and prevents insulin and blood sugar from getting out of control. Scientists have found that people who regularly consume broccoli are less likely to suffer from cancer of the rectum, lungs, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

2 Cabbage. Also has a powerful antioxidant effect, is able to prevent the development of stomach and breast cancer.An effective dose is up to a third of a head of cabbage. Savoy cabbage is the most effective. Cabbage is best eaten raw or lightly cooked.

3 Carrots. Fights diseases that cause aging. Recent studies have shown that women who ate carrots five times a week reduced their risk of stroke by 68%. A few carrots a day lowers blood cholesterol levels in men by 10%. Beta-carotene, found in one carrot per day, cuts the risk of lung cancer in half, even if a person has smoked a lot.And the orange pigment improves the efficiency of the immune system.

4 Oranges and grapefruits. Oranges are rich in antioxidants, contain almost the entire complement of all natural cancer inhibitors, including carotenoids, terpenes, flavonoids and vitamin C. Grapefruit contains a special fiber, especially in films, that dramatically lowers cholesterol and helps treat atherosclerosis. In addition, grapefruit is rich in glutathione, the so-called first antioxidant “that fights all the damage that free radicals cause cells, that is, aging.