Gallstone diet

can you give me a list of the foods i can not eat when i have gallstones, and what i can't eat when i have my gall bladder removed.
(October 18, 2010)

The gall bladder is a small organ situated on the right side of the abdomen. It produces bile, which helps to digest the fats. When the digestive fluid forms hard deposits in the gall bladder, they are termed gallstones. Individuals suffering from this digestive disorder may develop very small, crystal-like gallstones to large ball-sized gallstones.

Gallstone diet. Most gallstones occur due to undissolved cholesterol in the food and are called cholesterol gallstones.


Your doctor may recommend gall bladder diet restrictions if you suffer from cholesterol gall stones. These may be similar to diet restrictions for individuals suffering from high cholesterol. Gallstones may occur due to excess deposits of a chemical called bilirubin. In such cases, the gallstones are brown or black in color. Cholesterol gallstones are usually yellow in color.

Treatment for gallstones may not be necessary, unless the pain is severe. Severe symptoms of gallstones can include abdominal pain, fever, and chills. In such cases, surgical removal of the symptomatic gallstone may be necessary. If the individual does not show any signs or symptoms, your doctor may recommend a gallstone diet, which constitutes a low fat diet. A genral gallstone diet food may also help to stop recurring gallstone problems.
• Since one of the causes of gallstones is cholesterol, a gallstone diet is essentially a low fat diet. In fact, one of the causes of gallstones could be obesity. Try to avoid fatty food or processed food products that contain high amounts of sodium and cholesterol.
• Include a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of your diet. Raw vegetables in the form of salads are preferred over cooked vegetables. These will provide you with sufficient amount of carbohydrates and drastically cut down your need to consume fats.
• Fresh vegetables and fruits provide an ample supply of water-soluble fiber. This will help you flush out toxins from the body.
• If you doctor recommends a high fiber diet, you must substitute enriched flour products for whole grains, brown rice, natural wheat bread, oatmeal, barley, ancient grains like quinoa, and so on.
• While skimmed or low fat milk is healthy, limit the consumption of dairy products like butter, cheese, and sour cream.
• You can also treat your condition by including healthy seafood, nuts and seeds, cereals, and lean meat to your gallstone diet.
• Eating Mediterranean food is a healthy option due to their use of fish and unsaturated fats in the form of nuts and extra virgin olive oil. You can download and experiment with these healthy Mediterranean gall bladder diet recipes like grilled fish, grilled meat, and fresh salads with light olive oil based vinaigrettes.
• You do not need to give up desserts completely; however, choose healthier options such as low fat diary products, low calorie yogurts, and sorbets.
• Drink plenty of water as this will hydrate your body and naturally flush out toxins.

Food items you need to stay away from include fried, fatty, high cholesterol foods. Junk food or fast food is a main cause of obesity and may contribute to the occurrence of gallstones. Avoid excessive sugar based products like soda pops, baked goods, and rich desserts. While lean meats are easily digested, cured meats such as ham, salami, bologna, and bacon contain high levels of sodium and fat.

Following some of the above guidelines on healthy gall bladder diet may prevent gallstones and may even help pass some of the smaller gallstones.

Diet for Gallstone 

Gall stones are formed by the hardening of the bile in the gall bladder. The bile, synthesised by the liver is stored in the gall bladder. It is used, at times of need, such as fat digestion. Bile comprises of bile salts, bilirubin, fats, water and cholesterol. The gall stones are of two kinds, namely pigment stone and cholesterol stones. Pigment stones are made of bilirubin and are small and dark.

Cholesterol stones are made of hardened cholesterol. Fibre in the vegetables and fruits are helpful. Sweet potatoes, okra, beets, avocados, green beans and beets are recommended. Onion and garlic is used for cleansing of liver. Cold water fish, shallots and tomatoes are beneficial. Flax and hemp are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. They are used with vinegar and lime juice, as dressing for salads.

A glass of warm water with lime juice in it aids in liver cleansing. Dandelion greens, beet greens, carrots and celery are some more vegetables that are helpful. Caffeinated beverages, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, oats, wheat, rye and barley are better avoided. Fat restriction is not necessary after removal of gall bladder. Bulky stools are achieved by consumption of pasta, whole meal bread and brown rice.