GALLSTONES
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a fluid produced by the liver to digest fats in the small intestine
Bile fluid contains high levels of cholesterol and the pigment bilirubin, both of which can form stones
For many, gallstones are symptomless and do not require treatment
For others, however, the presence of gallstones can cause pain in the upper right abdomen when the gallbladder contracts to release bile after a meal, and can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) that brings on sudden, severe pain extending to the back and under the right shoulder blade, with fever, chills, and vomiting
If stones obstruct the flow of bile, the skin and the whites of the eyes become jaundiced
Left untreated, stones can lodge in the bile duct and cause inflammation of the liver or pancreas
Nutrition Connection
These guidelines and strategies can help: Eat rightMonitor foods to avoid any that cause discomfort
Diets should include plenty of whole grains with lots of fruits and vegetables, moderate servings of protein, and small amounts of fat
It is best to avoid alcohol
Also, eat more foods with vitamins C, E, and calcium
Such foods include tomatoes, salmon, and nuts
Always eat breakfast
A substantial breakfast causes the gallbladder to empty itself and flush out any small stones and stagnant bile
Consume small, frequent meals
Small meals can help spur the gallbladder to empty stones and bile, while eating 5 to 6 meals spaced throughout the day encourages routine gallbladder function
Avoid extreme dieting
Bile is likely to form stones after you fast
Seek a weight loss program that helps you lose weight without long restrictive periods
To prevent gallstones, eat a high-fiber diet
A variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains may help prevent gallstones from forming
Bump up unsaturated fats
Sources of polyunsaturated fat such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon, and foods rich in monounsaturated fat, such as olive oil and avocado, may also prevent gallstones
Limit fatty and sugary foods
Foods rich in saturated fat, and trans fat, such as red meat, chicken skin, butter, cheese, and processed foods, may increase the risk of gallstone formation
Sugar foods, such as cakes and cookies, can also be a problem
QUICK TIP:
Drop pounds slowlyShedding extra pounds is good for your health, but keep the weight loss at a slow, steady pace of about 1 to 2 pounds a week
Rapid weight loss increases your risk of getting gallstones
Beyond the Diet
Try these tips to help deal with existing gallstones or to prevent them from forming in the first place: Maintain a healthy weightA large clinical study showed that being even moderately overweight increases the risk of developing gallstones
Obesity is a major risk factor, especially for women
Consider supplements
Those who do not get enough vitamins C or E or calcium in their diet may have an increased risk
Speak to your doctor before taking any supplements; as in most cases, it’s best to get your vitamins and minerals from foods
Talk to your doctor about treatment
For frequent painful attacks, the usual treatment is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy
The procedure can be performed by conventional surgery or by laparoscopy, which involves a tiny incision and a brief hospital stay
Another option is a procedure called lithotripsy, which uses shock waves to break up the gallstones
Importance of well balance diet
