Diet tips for a healthy gallbladder

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The gallbladder diet aims to help reduce the stress that diet can impose on the gallbladder, either by easing digestion or by supporting the gallbladder.

A 2015 study looked at the dietary habits and risk of gallstones in 114 females.

For this study, the researchers broadly described two types of diet:

Healthful diet: A high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, nuts, spices, and legumes.

Unhealthful diet: A high intake of processed meat, soft drinks, refined grains, red meat, high-fat dairy products, sugar, tea, solid fat, baked potato, snacks, egg, salt, pickled food, and sauerkraut.

People who followed a healthful diet pattern overall were less likely to develop gallbladder disease.

Here are some tips on foods that can help keep the gallbladder healthy.

Plant-based foods

A healthful diet will provide a variety of nutrients. A diet that includes a range of plant foods can provide the nutrients the body 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.

Which other foods provide antioxidants? Find out here.

Lean protein

Protein is essential for the repair and growth of body tissues. Red meat and dairy products are good sources of protein, but they can also be high in fat, and a high fat intake can put stress on the gallbladder.

Low-fat protein foods are a suitable option. They include:

• poultry
• fish
• zero fat dairy products
• nuts and seeds
• soy and soy products
• legumes, such as beans and lentils
• dairy alternatives, such as soy milk

Processed meats and dairy products are often high in added salt. Fresh foods without added sugar are a more healthful option.

A 2016 study found a link between a high intake vegetable protein and a lower risk of gallbladder disease.

Why do people need protein? Find out here.

Fiber

Fiber supports digestive health, and it may offer protection from gallbladder disease by enhancing the movement of food through the gut and lowering the production of secondary bile acids, experts say.

In 2014, researchers looked at how a high-fiber diet affected the production of biliary sludge during a rapid weight-loss diet for people with obesity. 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.

Those who followed the high fiber diet accumulated less gallbladder sludge, which reduced their risk of developing gallbladder disease.

This suggests that fiber can help prevent gallbladder disease in people who need to lose weight quickly, and perhaps overall.

Sources of fiber include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• legumes
• nuts and seeds
• whole grains

Learn more here about dietary fiber and its benefits.

Healthful fats

Unsaturated fats, such as omega-3, may help protect the gallbladder.

Sources include:

• cold-water fish
• nuts, such as walnuts
• seeds, such as flaxseed
• oils from fish or flaxseed

People can also take supplements, but they should check first with a doctor, as some supplements are not suitable for everyone.

Learn more here about how healthful and unhealthful fats.

Coffee

Moderate coffee consumption may help protect gallbladder function.

Research suggests that substances in coffee may have various benefits for gallbladder function, including balancing certain chemicals and stimulating the action of the gallbladder, and possibly intestinal activity, too.

Click here to learn more about the health benefits of coffee.

Calcium

An adequate intake of calcium in the diet can support gallbladder health.

Calcium is present in:

• dark, leafy greens, such as kale and broccoli
• dairy foods, such as yogurt, cheese, and milk
• fortified dairy alternatives, such as almond or flax milk
• sardines
• orange juice

People with a risk of gallbladder disease should choose zero fat dairy products.

What are the best plant-based sources of calcium?

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

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that cooking in water may remove some of it from the food. 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.

Some foods may increase the chances of developing gallbladder disorders such as gallstones.

People who have concerns about the health of their gallbladder should consider avoiding or limiting the following food types.

Refined carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a key part of most people’s diet, and unrefined carbohydrates, such as whole grains and oats, can provide essential 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.

Unhealthful fats

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

People who have surgery to remove their gallbladder will still be able to digest food, but they may need to make some dietary changes, at least for the first 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.

Gallstone flush

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, improve digestive health, and enhance the function of the gallbladder.

One example is to:

• eat a strict diet, including apple juice, for 2 weeks
• follow up by drinking Epsom salts and a mixture of olive oil and citrus juice

There is little evidence to support the use of this diet, and experts say such recommendations may be dangerous.

Some people have reported seeing “stones” leave the body in stool, but analysis has shown these to be clumps of oil and citrus juice.

Anyone who has concerns about gallbladder disease should see a doctor.

Is detox a good idea? Find out more here.

When to see a doctor

Not everyone with gallstones will notice symptoms, but if symptoms do occur, they may include:

• nausea
• pain
• yellowing skin
• a fever

Anyone who notices these symptoms should see a doctor.

People can take several steps to improve gallbladder health.

These include:

Weight management: Keeping body mass index (BMI) within a healthy range can help prevent gallbladder problems, as obesity is a risk factor.

Avoiding rapid weight loss: When a person loses weight rapidly, this can put a strain on the liver and gallbladder and may increase the risk of gallstones. It is best to lose weight steadily. Fasting or receiving nutrition intravenously can also contribute to gallbladder disease.

Avoiding allergens: In some people, an allergic reaction can trigger gallbladder symptoms. Taking an allergy test, following an elimination diet, and avoiding specific allergens may be helpful for some people.

Quitting smoking: Smoking tobacco can contribute to gallbladder dysfunction, including gallbladder cancer.

A high-fiber diet that favors plant-based foods may boost gallbladder health. Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants and are low in fat and calories.

Many of the foods to avoid, such as saturated fat, are present in animal products.

However, a plant-based diet is not automatically healthful. People should favor fresh foods over processed ones and check the labels on premade foods for added fats, salt, and sugar.