A Healthy Diet for Gallstones
If your gallbladder becomes inflamed, causing upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever symptoms, then you may need to go on a gallstones diet.
While these episodes are usually brief, they typically follow a fatty meal, which causes the gall bladder to contract.
So, what are gallstones?
Gallstones are made from cholesterol, bile pigments, calcium, or a mixture of these.
They are normally caused when the chemical balance of your bile contains too much cholesterol. This causes bile to form into small particles which may grow into gallstones.
Causes of gallstones
While we’re not fully sure why some people get gallstones, they tend to be most common in:
- Older age
- Overweight people over 40 years of age
- Women in general, and women who have been pregnant
- Women taking oral contraceptives, or undergoing high-dose oestrogen therapy
- People of Asian, or European origin, and native Americans
- People who have recently lost weight – particularly if weight loss was very rapid
- Diet factors: high fat, high cholesterol diet, or high intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and cakes
Treatment for gallstones is required only if they cause inflammation of your gallbladder, block your bile ducts, or move from your bile ducts into your intestines.
3 tips for preventing gallstones
#1 Eat a well balanced diet
Research shows that eating regular meals, containing small amounts of fat can help prevent gallstones.
Choose a healthy, balanced diet:
- Low in saturated fat (a fat free diet is not necessary)
- Don’t eat foods high in cholesterol too frequently – these include liver, kidneys, eggs and prawns
- Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions per day)
- Have regular servings of calcium rich foods (green leafy veg, low fat milk and dairy products)
- Plenty of high fibre breads, cereals, pasta, rice etc, and moderate amounts of potatoes
- Consume fat sources high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, rather than saturated and trans fats
- Avoid eating too many cakes, biscuits and other sweet confectionery on a regular basis
- Use healthier cooking methods, such as grilling, boiling, baking, poaching or casseroling
- Remove visible fat from meats prior to cooking, and opt for leaner cuts of meat where possible
#2 Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight this also increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile, and your chances of developing gallstones. Therefore try to stay as close to a healthy weight as possible.
Control your weight by eating a healthy diet, and taking plenty of regular exercise.
If you need to lose weight, do so slowly by aiming for a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week. Rapid weight loss (greater than 2 pounds per week) may increase your chances of gallstone formation.
#3 Exercise regularly
Increased levels of physical exercise may also help to reduce your risk of forming gallstones.
You should aim for at least 2 to 3 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week.
Do you have any further questions about gallstones? Or, would you like to add something to the discussion? I’d love to hear from you!
11709
2065
849
31 Comments
Katly
04.24.2009
Hi there
I had my gallbladder removed. I have not been the same since. The worst thing that has ever happened to me.
Katly’s last blog post..It’s a BOY!
Melanie
04.24.2009
Hi Katly,
I’m really sorry to hear that. What kind of after-effects are you having?
lisa younger
05.04.2009
I am really struggling to find a diet that i can have as i have gaulstones I was wondering if you coould give me some tips as i am fed up with eating lettuce already
Melanie
05.05.2009
Hi Lisa,
I’ve detailed a basic outline for healthy eating with gallstones in this post.
What kind of extra help were you looking for?
becci
05.05.2009
hi im a mum of 2 beautiful boys but ive recently been diagnosed with gallstones and im struggling to find meals that suit the whole family and was wondering if you could help me. i would be very grateful of any tips u could give me that would benefit the whole family thanks.
Melanie
05.06.2009
Hi Becci,
What symptoms are you struggling with?
The diet for gallstones is really just a healthy eating message, which the whole family should be following anyway, except that your diet would perhaps need to be a little lower in fat than that of your childrens.
Katly
05.07.2009
Hi Mel
I get heart burn all the time, am constipated at times and generally feel that my right side hurts at times. Hard to sleep on my right. But I am back at the Gym again started this week and slowly slowly my health is improving, however besides the above I have had foot and leg problems from actually going to the gym. This is also on the mend and that is why I was able to start working out again.
Katly’s last blog post..It’s a BOY!
Melanie
05.07.2009
Hey Katly,
I’m so glad to hear that your health is starting to improve now. It must have been a difficult time.
I have written a post in the past about acid reflux, which you may find useful: http://www.dietriffic.com/2008/09/19/heartburn/
Also, in terms of constipation, do you drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fibre? Around 8-10 cups of fluid per day is recommended.
You could also experiment with the two different forms of fibre – soluble fibre found in oats, beans, peas, lentils, fruits and vegetables; and insoluble fibre found in wholemeal/wholegrain bread, breakfast cereals, crackers, pasta, and also brown rice, wheat and bran – these foods should help to ease constipation somewhat.
Probiotic yoghurts may also be beneficial in helping to cultivate healthy bacteria in your gut.
Anyway, keep up the good work, it’s great that you’ve starting working out again, and I hope you continue to feel better.
Holly
05.19.2009
I just wanted to thank you for posting this list. I have heard low and fat-free diets are the way to go, and I was having trouble finding things with no fat! Lol. I just found out that I am about 4 weeks pregnant, and am already having quite the adventure trying to satisfy my cravings while staying low in fat. I was wondering if you could tell me HOW MUCH saturated fat is too much? Or how much is pretty reasonable? I will avoid it all together if possible, but was just curious about this. Thank you again for posting this, it has been SOOOO helpful…
Melanie
05.19.2009
Hi Holly,
Thank you so much for your comment, nice to have you here on Dietriffic, and congrats on your pregnancy!
If you compare food labels per 100 grams, something that has 5g of saturated fat or more per 100g is considered a lot. While a product that has 1g of saturated fat or less per 100g is considered a little.
It’s not necessary to avoid fat completely, if fact some in the diet is healthy, but trying to choose healthier options where possible is a good idea.
As a general guideline, the average women should eat no more than 70g of fat per day, 20g or less of this should be coming from saturated fat.
For further tips, check out this article on reading food labels: http://www.dietriffic.com/2007/04/14/the-lowdown-on-food-labels/
I hope this was helpful!
catherine davis
09.03.2009
I have just found out I have gallstones. I have changed to a low fat diet a year ago and have lost 5 stone. Could this be why i have gallstones.
Melanie
09.04.2009
Hi Catherine,
It would be very difficult to say without talking to you directly.
Guidelines for weight-loss state 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week is a safe amount. So, if you followed that you could potentially lose 48 – 96 pounds in one year. (5 stone = 70 pounds)
How quickly did you lose the 5 stone? Has your doctor suggested any reasons you may have developed gallstones?
Melissa
09.09.2009
Hi, I just found you blog, I didn’t know that taking contraceptives could cause gallstones.
Also, this article (http://www.healthandage.com/gallstones-after-removal-of-your-gallbladder-pain-post-cholecystectomy) says that not all food are good for all people, how can I know which food I can tolerate ?
thank you
Melanie
09.10.2009
Hi Melissa,
Do you have gallstones? You don’t need to worry about a diet for gallstones if you don’t. Remember treatment for gallstones is required only if they cause inflammation of your gallbladder, block your bile ducts, or move from your bile ducts into your intestines.
Ryan
02.27.2010
Hi im rare lol.. im 22 and a male and i have been struggling with major pains for the last 5mnths n just found out today its caused from gallstones. (u would think they would have figured that out by now..). however i cant see myself eating only vegies and fruit, can i also eat chicken and other things (grilled or broiled), and finally i am worried cuz i am so young and love to eat im not obese but i like all kinds of foods n they tell me i may have to have gallbladder removed what can i expect afterward s???
tanya pegler
04.28.2010
Hi my name is tanya I was diagnosed about month ago with gallstones I am also 13 weeks pregnant I have found foods that I can eat but its main meals I am stuck wit I use to love chicken now I can’t stand it please can you help I’m stuck
Thanks x
Melanie
04.29.2010
Hi Tanya,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! That’s wonderful.
Are you having sickness due to your pregnancy? As long as you are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, high fibre grains, with a little protein each day you should be fine. It’s about getting the balance overall.
Do you like legumes? They are a great source of protein if you’re struggling with chicken, or other meats, right now. Check out this article, what are legumes. Let me know if there’s anything else you’re struggling with.
antonette
05.29.2011
i just found out 2 days ago that i have gallstone, i am now 6 months pregnant, i was wondering if you can give me some list of food that i can eat.Dieting while pregnant is not fun at all.. instead of looking at the labels on food for 0g of fat is there any other things i should look for thats healthy for me and baby.?
Melanie
06.04.2011
Hi Antonette,
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
As I said in my article, you do not need to follow a no fat diet, it just needs to be reduced in fat. Here are some of the main principles:
Research shows that eating regular meals, containing small amounts of fat can help prevent gallstones.
Choose a healthy, balanced diet:
Low in saturated fat (a fat free diet is not necessary)
Don’t eat foods high in cholesterol too frequently – these include liver, kidneys, eggs and prawns
Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions per day)
Have regular servings of calcium rich foods (green leafy veg, low fat milk and dairy products)
Plenty of high fibre breads, cereals, pasta, rice etc, and moderate amounts of potatoes
Consume fat sources high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, rather than saturated and trans fats
Avoid eating too many cakes, biscuits and other sweet confectionery on a regular basis
Use healthier cooking methods, such as grilling, boiling, baking, poaching or casseroling
Remove visible fat from meats prior to cooking, and opt for leaner cuts of meat where possible
Best wishes with the rest of your pregnancy.
No'Amie
08.10.2011
Hi, I’m No’Amie and I’m 15 years old. I have had Galstones for 2 years now..& We have gone to all kinds of Dr.’s and now we finally found out that I do have galstones. What is a good healthy diet I can eat so I won’t activate my stomach? My stomach hurts all the time.
Melanie
08.18.2011
Thanks for your comment. It’s basically the diet I’ve outlined above. That is the treatment. And, if you notice any specific foods are causing pain, you should cut them out for a while to see if that helps. Are you going to see a dietitian at your local hospital?
MaryelaIsSick
09.19.2011
Hi Melanie. I am a twenty four year old female. i was diagnosed with gallstones in june and have had regular attacks with vomiting. one doctor said i should quit taking my birthcontrol just in case it was harming my liver but another doctor said it would be ok to continue using them. I’ve changed the way i eat. I havn’t had red meat in months. With every attack i also belch a lot. recently my attacks are slightly more tolerable(stopped going to the e.r.) but i have been belching a lot more and my stomach always rumbles like when you’re starving. i dont have insurance and am waithing to see how soon i can have this surgery but i am also scared because i know several people that feel just as bad after surgery.
please help
Melanie
10.11.2011
Hi Mary, I’m sorry to hear about your recent health problems. It’s good that your recent attacks have been more tolerable, though. I don’t think you should be scared about the surgery, you will always hear more about the horror stories, than the great success stories on things like this. You just need to focus on taking the best care of yourself right now, and trying to eat the best diet you can under the circumstances, which doesn’t stimulate these attacks. Best wishes, and let me know how it goes.
ps if you have any specific queries, let me know.
mini
11.30.2011
hi melanie..my mom has got gallstones for last three years..n shez nt comfortable with the typical treatment(operation) of it as shez weak enuf..n sudden severe pain is really not tolerable by her..please do suggest some natural ways to dissolve gallstone n get it removed from the gall bladder..and one more imp thing..melanie, my mom feels infections or wounds out of gallstones..please suggest some eatables or beverages that would make her feel comfort..please help…thanx…
Melanie
12.02.2011
Hi Mini, Is your mum following a diet like I’ve suggested in this article?
mini
12.10.2011
yes Melanie..shez on lite diet only..shez taking apple juice, vegetables soup, dalia, and pulses in liquid form..not having milk or other fatty foods..shez week enuf to have an operation..dn’t understand how to get rid of this problem of gallstone..
Melanie
12.21.2011
Mini, Surely your doctor has recommended a plan of action for the coming days for your mum?
Haley
12.21.2011
Hey. My great aunt just found out that she has gallstones & she is 87 years old. The doctors said her heart was too weak to withstand surgery so instead they just want her to go on a gallstones diet. I was going to go grocery shopping today, and although I recognize your basic outlines of a diet, I was wondering if you have any specific foods that I can get for her that she could eat. She is living off of soup right now and I know she has to be tired of it.
Melanie
01.10.2012
Hi Haley,
The diet for gallstones is really just a healthy diet. The main foods your aunt needs to avoid are fried foods, highly processed foods (doughnuts, pie, cookies), and anything very fatty. Is there some reason why she is only eating soup?
Nick
01.23.2012
Hi Melanie,
I found this website searching for info on gallstones since I found out a few weeks ago I have them. It happened after eating a greasy burger one night. I had the pains on my right side but thought it was just gas. The next night I ate another burger and that was when the real pain started. I went to the emergency room and they ran tests. The pain lasted only about 45mins and then I felt fine but that could have been the morphine kicking in as well.
My official diagnosis is Gallstones with Biliary Colic.
Since then I have been eating steamed veggies or sauteed veggies using olive oil. I have also been eating lots of fruits and others stuff like brown rice with tumeric, yams, avocados and some leafy greens mainly fresh organic spinach. I have been able to eat boiled or baked lean chicken, sardines, and legumes. I have felt fine and actually lost about 13 pounds already and haven’t had any more attacks. The doctors want to cut my gall bladder out but I don’t have the cash for the operation. Do you think I could put it off for a month or two if I continue to eat healthy? I have seen conflicting info about tumeric. Some sights say don’t eat it if you have gallstones and others say it will actually help you get rid of them. Do you know anything about tumeric?
Melanie
01.31.2012
Hi Nick, I can’t offer you advice about whether to get the operation or not. But, surely if you’ve cleaned up your diet (and you done a great job, BTW), and you continue to have no symptoms, doesn’t that indicate the op is unnecessary? I’m not a fan of surgery “just because.” I suppose you will be having reviews with your doctor in the coming months? Perhaps see how things go.
As for turmeric, small amounts of it are absolutely fine. Again, if you eat something and it causes symptoms, then you should cut if for a while, to see if there is an improvement.
Exercise Guidelines For Losing Weight! | Amazing Weight Loss Program
04.25.2009
[...] A Healthy Diet for Gallstones (dietriffic.com) [...]
Short Term Diet Plan - Fast Weight Loss Diets | Amazing Weight Loss Program
05.14.2009
[...] A Healthy Diet for Gallstones (dietriffic.com) [...]
thunderchld » Blog Archive » Wednesday, the new Monday
05.30.2009
[...] A Healthy Diet for Gallstones (dietriffic.com) Share and Enjoy: [...]
Suggested Diet For Gallstones
10.12.2009
[...] Diet for Gallstones — Healthy Eating by Dietriffic [...]
There are no trackbacks to display at this time.