What Should You Eat If You Suffer From Gallstones?

While you may not think you will ever have gallstones, it is important that you learn about this condition and how to deal with it so that you can recognize it. Because of the common symptoms, a diagnosis can take a long time.

The gallbladder is an organ in the digestive system. This organ is located close to the abdominal cavity, just below the liver, which is on the right side of the body.

The gallbladder is small, but it plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the body. Its main function is to store bile, a fluid necessary for digestion. This article looks at the causes of gallstones and which nutritional elements can help prevent and eliminate them.

Gallstone

The image above shows the crystals or deposits that settle in the gallbladder. This situation causes discomfort when they grow larger. The sizes of these crystals vary widely. The smallest can be as small as a grain of sand, while the larger ones can be as big as a golf ball.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Symptoms of gallstones can be difficult to detect because they are often confused with indigestion or other conditions. The most common symptoms include:

• pain when taking a deep breath
• abdominal cramps
• pain in the right side of the chest that may spread to the right shoulder or even the back
• nausea and vomiting
• fever that usually occurs when there is already an infection
• flatulence or gas
• pale stools
• jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin due to the retention of bile

The causes of gallstones

There are several causes of gallstones, for example:

• hardening or crystallization of cholesterol, calcium bilirubin, or calcium carbonate
• obesity, because cholesterol is secreted in the bile
• a sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet high in calories and carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity
• fasting diets or diets that help you lose a lot of weight in a short time

Some facts about gallstones

According to a study, 10% to 20% of the population in Western countries suffers from gallstones. In addition, some cases show no significant symptoms, while in others, complications may arise. Another interesting fact is that, according to research, older women are more prone to gallstones than any other population group.

Foods if you suffer from gallstone

A balanced diet is essential for overcoming any gallbladder problems. It may not be that difficult to adjust certain aspects of your diet to relieve gallstones and their symptoms. Some foods to include in your diet include:

• vegetables, any kind is good, and especially cooked
• fruits, except coconut and avocado
• whole grains, because of the many fibers
• lean meat, preferably grilled
• skim milk
• water
• freshly squeezed fruit juice

You should try to avoid as much fat as possible when it comes to adjusting your diet. So it is always a good idea to grill meat and fish instead of frying them in oil or butter, and to cook or grill vegetables as well. In addition, high-fat foods should be excluded from your diet. This concerns, among other things:

• fatty meats such as sausage and spare ribs
• fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
• oily nuts such as almonds and peanuts
• whole milk and whole dairy products

• organ meats
• animal fat
• alcoholic beverages
• desserts and pastries
• processed sauces and condiments such as ketchup

How can you prevent gallstones through your diet?

A balanced diet is the key to a healthy life and can help prevent any disease. Here are some additional diet and lifestyle tips to help prevent gallstones.

• Eat monounsaturated fats such as olive oil in moderate portions.
• Eat lecithin. It can help keep cholesterol levels low. It can be found in 100% cocoa or dark chocolate and dairy products, among other things.

• Drink turmeric tea. Curcumin is an antioxidant that can help promote digestion and metabolism in the liver. It can also help reduce inflammation.
• Get moving. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle helps to keep the body in general healthy and prevent obesity and the problems associated with being overweight.

Finally, it is important to see a doctor or specialist if you have any of the above symptoms or if you think you may have gallstones. Prevention is always better than cure.