A gallbladder diet may be prescribed to help cope with these symptoms. It may also help support the digestive processes of those who have their gallbladders removed. Read the following section to learn more about a gallbladder diet and how it can be beneficial.
What Is A Gallbladder Diet?
A gallbladder diet is designed to give your gallbladder time to heal. It involves the consumption of food items that can be digested easily, which also helps reduce inflammation and discomfort of the gallbladder. This diet plan may differ from person to person based on the severity of the symptoms. Generally, it comprises eating healthy fats and fiber-rich foods (3). Gall stones are mainly formed due to deposition of either of these three (4):
Cholesterol Bilirubini A yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, which is then processed by the liver and excreted in bile. Excess bile (not properly released)
This diet is beneficial in reducing the risk of gallstones in healthy people by keeping cholesterol levels in check (5), (3). It may also help manage gallbladder disease and reduce its risk. However, more research is required in this area (6). Following a proper diet and learning how to get rid of gallstones may also help you maintain and improve your gallbladder function. To learn about the healthy foods to include and foods to avoid in a gallbladder diet, explore the next sections of this article.
Foods To Eat On A Gallbladder Diet
According to a study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, consuming a healthy, fiber-rich diet comprising fish, vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, etc. may reduce the risk of gallstones (5),(7), (8), (9). Moreover, consuming protein-rich foods helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve metabolic health, which is also important for preventing gallbladder issues. Therefore, you may include the following food groups into your diet:
Fibrous Fruits And Vegetables
Consume fruits such as apples, pears, guavas, bananas, citrus fruits and berries, melons, etc., and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, lettuce, spinach, green beans, sweet potatoes, celery, and broccoli (10).
Healthy Fats
Consume foods with healthy monounsaturated fatty acidsi Healthy fats found in foods like olive oil, nuts, and avocados; known for their heart-protective benefits (MUFAs) such as fish, dairy products, whole grains, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds, olive oil, peanuts or peanut butter, etc. (11), (12).
Plant-Based Proteins
Consume healthy plant proteins such as soy, peas, quinoa, chickpeas, lentils, barley, rice, oats, wheat, peanuts, and corn. They may reduce bad cholesterol levels and the risk of gallstones (13). Try to consume at least 200 grams of vegetables per day to reduce the risk of gallstones by 4% (9). Consuming 6-8 servings of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains may also help prevent gallbladder issues (14). Now take a look at the foods that need to be avoided for gallbladder health.
Foods To Avoid On A Gallbladder Diet
Since cholesterol plays a huge role in the development of gallstones, avoid consuming fatty and fried foods that are high in saturated fats (15). Also, limit the intake of hydrogenated fatsi Fats that have undergone a chemical process called hydrogenation, which solidifies liquid oils, resulting in trans fats. to minimize the risk of gallbladder stones (6). Here’s a list of foods you should stay away from when following the gallbladder diet (15), (16), (17), (18):
Processed meat Beef High-fat milk and cheese varieties Cheese Coconut oil Rice bran oil Pork Cakes Cookies, crackers Fried potatoes or potato chips Breakfast cereals Candies and chocolate
Eating these foods frequently may aggravate existing gallbladder problems and raise the risk of developing gallstones. Making permanent changes to your diet is important to maintain good gallbladder health in the long run. If you have undergone gallbladder removal surgery, that will affect the functions of your digestive system. While you may follow the food-related dos and don’ts of the gallbladder diet, it’s better to prioritize a few foods over others to ensure speedy recovery and minimize the risk of other side effects. Check out the next section.
What To Eat After Gallbladder Surgery
Follow a low-fat and fiber-rich diet after cholecystectomyi A minimally invasive procedure to remove the gallbladder through small incisions. to reduce diarrhea or bloating (20), (21). Here are a few low-fat foods you may consume (22):
Plain low-fat yogurt Fat-free cheese Milk with reduced-fat (2%) or low-fat (1%) Part-skim milk ricotta cheese Reduced fat granola Wholegrains Vegetables Fruits Unsaturated oils such as sunflower, soybean, olive, and flaxseed oil (23) Egg Whites Chicken and turkey breast without skin (24)
Apart from consuming these foods, ensure to stay hydrated and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to promote better gallbladder health. The next section contains a sample diet plan comprising foods that are easily available. Take a look to get an idea about the gallbladder diet meal plan.
7-Day Gallbladder Diet Meal Plan
This detailed plan will help you figure out your meals of the day while managing the painful symptoms. However, remember that it’s a sample diet plan. You must consult a doctor and a nutritionist to get a proper meal plan as per your nutritional requirements and preferences. Move on to the next section to check out lip-smacking recipes for a gallbladder diet.
Easy Gallbladder Diet Recipes
1. Chicken Stroganoff
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of olive oil 320 g of steamed green beans 150 g of natural yogurt 80 g of baby spinach 2 long shallots, thinly sliced 200 g of chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced A small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 450 g of skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced 1½ tablespoons of cornflour 150 mL of chicken stock 1½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard 600 g of cooked brown rice
How To Prepare
2. Sweet Potato And Lentil Curry
Ingredients
2 teaspoons of olive oil 400 mL of vegetable stock 4 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons of ground cumin 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely grated 75 g of dry red split lentils 6 fresh or dried curry leaves (optional) 2 teaspoons of dry and ground coriander 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric 400 mL of low-fat almond milk 1 lime, wedged 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500 g), cut into chunks with their skin on 1 large red onion, finely chopped A handful of coriander leaves
How To Prepare
3. Mushroom Risotto With Wild Rice And Roasted Garlic
Ingredients
1 full bulb of garlic 4 shallots (diced) 3 teaspoons of olive oil 100 g of dry arborio rice 300 g of red Camargue or wild rice mix 125 mL of white wine 200 g of mixed mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 2 sprigs of thyme 2 liters of vegetable stock 2 tablespoons of low-fat crème fraîché
How To Prepare Should I take dietary supplements on a gallbladder diet? Yes, you may take vitamin C, folate, and magnesium supplements on a gallbladder diet. Their consumption is linked to a lower risk of gallbladder disease or gallstone formation (25). However, do not take them without consulting a doctor. Is a gallbladder diet a long-term requirement? It depends. If you are at risk of developing gallbladder stones or have them it’s best to stick to a gallbladder diet to prevent any further risks. If you have undergone gallbladder surgery, you may follow it for a couple of weeks or months, as per the doctor’s advice. Is alcohol consumption allowed on a gallbladder diet? Yes. Multiple studies have found links between alcohol consumption and a lower risk of gallbladder stones (26). Moderate alcohol intake may decrease the risk of symptomatic gallstone disease as compared to irregular or excessive alcohol intake (27). However, avoid it if you are a teetotaller and immediately after you have undergone gallbladder removal surgery. Can I still enjoy flavorful meals on a gallbladder diet? Yes, you can still enjoy flavorful meals on a gallbladder diet by using herbs, spices, and creative cooking techniques that are easy on the digestive system and are as per the dietary restrictions. Is chapati good for gallbladder? Yes. It is even better for the gallbladder if the chapati is made of whole grains such as whole wheat or millet (28). Is paneer good for the gallbladder? Yes, low-fat paneer or lean cottage cheese is easy to digest and is considered good for the gallbladder (29). However, make sure to check the label before buying as most commercially available paneer is not low-fat. How important is hydration after gallbladder surgery? Hydration plays a key role in recovering after gallbladder surgery. Drinking plenty of water helps the gallbladder empty more effectively. A high daily water intake may also help prevent the formation of gallstones, making it an important part of your recovery process (30).
Illustration: Gallbladder Diet: Foods To Eat And Avoid & Recipes
Following a gallbladder diet may help prevent the risk of gallstones and may even speed up your recovery after gallbladder surgery. Check out the video to learn more about the dietary dos and don’ts for maintaining optimal gallbladder health.
