Conditions like gallstones and cancer can affect the gallbladder. However, eating a plant-based diet and getting plenty of fiber may help keep the gallbladder healthy.
Research suggests that people who follow a healthful diet have a lower risk of gallbladder disease.
The gallbladder may stay healthy if you know what foods to eat and which ones to avoid. This is especially true for people who have had gallstones or other gallbladder problems in the past.
While there isn’t a set diet for a healthy gallbladder, there are some things you can do to keep it healthy and working well.
The gallbladder diet tries to help the gallbladder handle the stress that food can cause by either making digestion easier or giving the gallbladder extra support.
Fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, nuts, spices, and legumes should make up a big part of a healthy diet.
A diet heavy in processed meat, sugar, tea, solid fats, red meat, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, snacks, eggs, pickled foods, and sauerkraut is not good for you.
A healthful diet will provide a variety of nutrients. A variety of plant-based foods can give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Plant-based foods are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These may help prevent gallbladder disease.
Antioxidants are nutrients that help rid the body of toxic molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals develop in the body as a result of natural processes and environmental stresses, including processed foods. As free radicals build up, oxidative stress can result. This can cause cell damage, which can lead to various diseases, including cancer.
Protein is essential for the repair and growth of body tissues. Dairy and red meat are both good sources of protein, but they can also be high in fat. Eating a lot of fat can put stress on the gallbladder.
Processed meats and dairy products are often high in added salt. Fresh foods without added sugar are a more healthful option.
Gallbladder disease is less likely to happen if you eat a lot of vegetable protein, according to a study from 2016.
Experts say that fiber is good for your digestive health and may help protect against gallbladder disease by making it easier for food to move through your gut and reducing the production of secondary bile acids.
A study was done in 2014 to see how a high-fiber diet affected the production of biliary sludge in obese people who were on a fast weight-loss diet. Biliary or gallbladder sludge is a substance that increases the risk of developing gallbladder disease. It can build up in people who fast or lose weight quickly.
People who ate a lot of fiber built up less gallbladder sludge, which made them less likely to get gallbladder disease.
Fiber may help people who need to lose weight quickly avoid gallbladder disease, and maybe it can help everyone.
People can also take supplements, but they should talk to a doctor first because not everyone can handle all supplements.
According to research, some chemicals in coffee may help the gallbladder work better by balancing others and speeding up the gallbladder’s action. These chemicals may also help the activity in the intestines.
Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder. They affect around 10-15% of adults in the US While some gallstones don’t cause any symptoms, others can trigger sudden and severe pain known as a gallbladder attack. This is often triggered when you eat high-fat foods, as your gallbladder contracts to release bile needed to digest the fats. This makes many wonder – can you eat pork with gallstones? Let’s take a closer look
What are Gallstones?
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits below your liver. Its main job is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver.
Bile contains bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and other substances. It helps your body digest and absorb fats from the food you eat. When you consume a meal containing fat, your gallbladder contracts and releases bile into your small intestine through a duct called the common bile duct.
Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin The excess substance hardens into crystal-like deposits There are two main types of gallstones
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Cholesterol gallstones – Composed mainly of hardened cholesterol These account for 80% of gallstones
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Pigment gallstones – Composed mainly of bilirubin. These make up the other 20% of gallstones.
Gallstones range in size – some are tiny, like a grain of sand. Others can be as large as a golf ball. Some reasons you may be at higher risk of developing gallstones include:
- Obesity
- Rapid weight loss
- Family history
- High-fat, low-fiber diets
- Certain medical conditions like cirrhosis
Signs and Symptoms
Many people with gallstones don’t experience any symptoms. These are known as silent gallstones. But when symptoms do occur, the most common is biliary colic – sudden pain in the upper right or middle abdomen:
- Starts quickly and lasts 1 to 5 hours
- Can range from mild discomfort to severe pain
- May spread to your back and right shoulder blade
- Typically occurs after eating a high-fat meal
Other possible symptoms of gallstones include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever, chills, and shivering
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
Severe complications can happen if gallstones block the bile ducts. This can lead to infections, inflammation in the pancreas, and liver damage.
Can You Eat Pork if You Have Gallstones?
A high-fat diet is a major risk factor for developing gallstones. It also commonly triggers painful gallbladder attacks in those who already have stones. Because of its high saturated fat content, pork is one meat that is often avoided on a gallbladder diet.
A 3-ounce serving of pork chop contains around 4.5 grams of saturated fat. Processed pork like bacon, sausage, and ham are even higher in saturated fat – a 3-ounce portion of bacon packs around 9 grams.
Saturated fats are particularly problematic because they signal your gallbladder to contract and release large amounts of bile. This sudden, forceful contraction against an obstruction like a gallstone causes pain and discomfort.
To reduce this risk, experts recommend limiting saturated fats to under 7% of your total daily calories if you have a history of gallstones. For most people, that’s around 16 grams of saturated fat per day.
Since pork is relatively high in saturated fat compared to leaner protein choices, it is usually recommended to avoid or limit it in a gallbladder-friendly diet.
Healthier Meat Choices
Eating a diet lower in fat may help reduce your chances of developing gallstones. It can also decrease the frequency of painful gallbladder attacks if you already have stones present.
Rather than pork, choose leaner and lower fat options when selecting protein foods:
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Skinless poultry – Chicken and turkey, especially white meat, are low in saturated fat. Remove skin and visible fat before cooking.
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Fish and seafood – Fish like cod, tilapia, tuna, salmon, and shellfish are naturally low in saturated fat.
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Lean cuts of beef – Round cuts and loins like sirloin are lower in saturated fat than prime rib or ribs. Trim visible fat before cooking.
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Plant-based proteins – Beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh contain no cholesterol and little saturated fat.
When preparing meat, opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, broiling, grilling, or roasting. Avoid frying which adds extra saturated fat. Portion out smaller servings of 3-4 ounces.
Other Dietary Changes
Along with limiting high-fat meats like pork, making other dietary tweaks can promote gallbladder health:
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Increase fiber – Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels.
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Limit fried and processed foods – These are high in unhealthy trans and saturated fats.
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Cut back on sugar – Excess sugar promotes higher triglyceride levels, a risk factor for gallstones.
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Watch portion sizes – Obesity is linked to an increased risk of gallstones. Maintain a healthy weight.
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Stay hydrated – Drink water instead of sugary beverages like juice and soda. Some research suggests dehydration may contribute to gallstone formation.
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Avoid crash diets – Losing weight very quickly increases cholesterol concentration in bile, raising your risk of stones. Aim for 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week.
Lifestyle Changes
Along with a gallbladder-friendly diet, other lifestyle measures can help prevent symptomatic gallstones:
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Exercise regularly – Aerobic activity and strength training helps with weight management. Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones.
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Limit medications that affect gallbladder function – Some drugs like birth control pills that contain estrogen can increase cholesterol levels in bile. Talk to your doctor.
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Maintain a healthy weight – Carrying excess pounds increases your risk of developing stones. Loss weight gradually if needed.
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Avoid tobacco – Smoking makes gallstones more likely to form and can aggravate symptoms.
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Control other medical conditions – Diabetes, high triglycerides, and other disorders can increase gallstone risk. Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor promptly if you experience any symptoms of gallstones like sudden pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of skin. They can run tests to check for gallstones and help create an appropriate treatment plan which may include:
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Weight loss if overweight
- Medications to dissolve gallstones
- Surgery to remove gallstones or the gallbladder
Prompt evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications like gallstone pancreatitis and cholangitis. With an appropriate treatment plan, most people with gallstones can manage their condition well and prevent attacks.
The Bottom Line
Vitamin C, magnesium, and folate
Vitamin C, magnesium, and folate may help prevent gallbladder disease. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of these nutrients.
Vitamin C is available in:
- red and green peppers
- oranges and other citrus foods
- kiwifruit
- broccoli
- strawberries
- tomatoes
Because vitamin C dissolves in water, cooking food in water may take away some of it. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are the best sources.
Magnesium is present in:
- almonds and cashews
- peanuts and peanut butter
- spinach
- beans, including black beans and edamame
- soy milk
- potato
- avocado
- rice
- yogurt
- banana
Good source of folate include:
- beef liver
- spinach
- black-eyed peas
- fortified cereals
- asparagus
Supplements are also available, but it is best to get nutrients from dietary sources. People should ask their doctor before taking supplements.
Which foods are good sources of vitamin C? Find out here.
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
Some foods may increase the chances of developing gallbladder disorders such as gallstones.
If someone is worried about their gallbladder’s health, they might want to avoid or limit the following types of food:
Many people eat a lot of carbohydrates, and unrefined carbohydrates like whole grains and oats can give you important nutrients.
However, refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of gallbladder disorders. In one study, researchers found that eating 40 grams (g) or more of sugar a day doubled the risk of gallstones with symptoms.
Carbs to limit or avoid include:
- added sugars and sweeteners
- white flour
- other refined grains
- premade baked goods, including cookies and cakes
- candy and chocolate
Find out more here about carbohydrates.
The gallbladder produces bile that helps the body digest fats. A high intake of fats, and especially saturated and trans fats, may put extra strain on this process.
Researchers have found that people who consume red, processed meats, and egg as part of an overall unhealthful diet have a higher risk of gallstones.
Unhealthful fats are present in:
- red, fatty meats
- processed meats
- other processed foods
- full-fat dairy products
- fried foods
- many fast foods
- premade salad dressings and sauces
- premade baked goods and desserts
- chocolate and other candies
- ice cream
After surgery to remove their gallbladder, people will still be able to digest food, but they may need to change what they eat for a few days or weeks.
A doctor may advise a person to:
- eat small meals on the days after surgery
- follow a low-fat diet for several weeks
If the individual experiences bloating, diarrhea, or other digestive symptoms, it may help to:
- avoid caffeine
- avoid spicy or fatty foods
- avoid anything that makes symptoms worse
- gradually introduce more fiber into the diet
Anyone who notices greasy, frothy, or foamy stools should contact their doctor.
A gallbladder cleanse, flush, or detox is a dietary trend that scientists have described as “misleading.”
Supporters say it can reset the gallbladder, flush out gallstones, make digestion better, and make the gallbladder work better.
One example is to:
- eat a strict diet, including apple juice, for 2 weeks
- After that, drink Epsom salts and a mix of olive oil and citrus juice.
We don’t have a lot of proof that this diet works, and experts say that suggesting it may be harmful.
Some people have said they saw “stones” in their stools, but tests have shown that these are actually clumps of oil and pineapple juice.
Anyone who has concerns about gallbladder disease should see a doctor.
Is detox a good idea? Find out more here.
Food and drinks to eat and avoid if you have Gallstones – Dr. Nanda Rajaneesh | Doctors’ Circle
FAQ
What meats can I eat with gallstones?
Is pork sausage bad for gallbladder?
Can I eat eggs with gallstones?
What is not allowed for gallstones?
What foods can prevent gallstones?
A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and fruit may help prevent gallstones. Other foods, including those high in refined sugar and saturated fat, may increase your risk. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to help digest food.
Is it possible to live with gallstones?
Yes, it is possible to live with gallstones. In fact, many people do not experience any symptoms from their gallstones and may never know they have them. However, if gallstones do cause symptoms, they can be quite uncomfortable and even painful.
Is there a diet for gallstones?
Following a healthy diet is necessary to prevent gallbladder problems, such as gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and gallstones (cholestasis). Although there is not necessarily a diet specifically for gallstones, you may wish to: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Can a vegetarian diet prevent gallstones?
Vegetarian diet for gallstones One study in the UK found that vegetarians tend to consume more fibre and 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.