Foods to Avoid for Gallstones

One look at the foods to avoid for gallstones, and you may think your days of enjoyable eating are over. Nothing could be further from the truth. While keeping corn or red meat out of your diet can be a challenge, you'll find plenty of new foods to enjoy and get the benefit of knowing that you're doing everything you can to protect your health.

Controlling Gallstones
Gallstones are tiny particles formed by a mix of salt crystals and cholesterol in the gallbladder. They prevent the gallbladder from functioning properly by blocking the bile duct, causing severe pain when bile backs up. 

This accumulating bile can cause abdominal swelling and severe pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Once gallstones have formed, only a doctor can remove them.

Foods to Avoid
Diet can be used to prevent the formation of gallstones. Watching what you eat can also prevent painful gallbladder attacks. The first thing to do is switch to a diet low in fat and cholesterol.

There are 17 main foods to avoid:

• Beef
• Butter
• Cheese
• Coconut oil
• Cream
• Eggs
• Palm oil
• Pork
• Processed foods
• Sugar
• Salad dressing
• Carbonated drinks
• Spicy foods
• Onions
• Corn
• Beans
• Nuts

In addition, any item that is deep-fried or overly fatty should be avoided.

Foods to Choose
While there are many things to avoid, don't forget the foods you should eat to help you prevent gallstones. A diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and contains things like fresh fruit, vegetables and plenty of water will help prevent gallstones.