Special diets for gallbladder problems aren't something to hate or avoid. While you may need to say goodbye to a favorite food or two, you'll enjoy better health and you may be able to avoid the excruciating pain that gallstones can cause.
What the Gallbladder Does
This little organ located under the liver has one primary function: to store bile that the liver produces. When we eat, the gallbladder releases the stored bile through a duct that takes the bile from the gallbladder to the intestines, where it helps digest food.
Generally, the gallbladder functions smoothly and you hardly know its there, but sometimes problems arise. One main problem that affects the gallbladder is gallstones.
Gallstones form when bile salt and cholesterol crystallize. The stones move around in the gallbladder and sometimesblock the entrance to the bile duct. Bile backs up in the gallbladder and causes intense discomfort. Once gallstones form, the only way to remove them is through surgery.
Eating to Avoid Gallbladder Attacks
Luckily, a few changes to your existing diet can help prevent gallstones. While diet alone cannot eliminate existing gallstones, the proper diet can help prevent them from forming and ease discomfort when they are present.
One commom reason for gallbladder problems is a diet high in carbohydrates and saturated fats. If gallstones are already present, eating fatty foods will bring on a gallbladder attack. This is an episode of intense pain that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
To prevent gallbladder attacks, eat a diet rich in starchy foods like rice and cereal. Make sure to include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Avoid refined, fatty and fried foods, or any foods containing saturated fats, trans-fats and hydrogenated fats.
It may be necessary to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the amount of red meat you consumed. Meats such as pork or chicken can generally be consumed in moderation.
Many people find eating several smaller meals throughout the day, instead one or two large meals, helps prevent gallbladder problems. Staying away from carbonated drinks and eating well before you go to bed may also prevent gallbladder attacks.
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