Problems that can affect the gallbladder include gallstones and cancer, but dietary choices — such as eating a plant-based diet and getting plenty of fiber — may help keep the gallbladder healthy.
Knowing what foods to choose and which ones to avoid may help the gallbladder stay healthy, especially for people who have already experienced gallstones or other gallbladder problems.
There is no specific diet for a healthy gallbladder, but following some guidelines can help keep the gallbladder healthy and functioning well.
In this article, find some diet tips for keeping the gallbladder healthy.
![a person eating a plant based meal as part of their gallbladder diet](http://i0.wp.com/cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/317/317196/a-person-eating-a-plant-based-meal-as-part-of-their-gallbladder-diet.jpg?w=1155&h=1297)
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
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
Antioxidants are nutrients that
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
Why do people need protein? Find out here.
Fiber
Fiber supports digestive health, and it
In 2014,
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
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
Click here to learn more about the health benefits of coffee.
Calcium
An adequate intake of calcium in the diet
Calcium
- 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
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
- 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
- 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.
Nutrition resources
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
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
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.
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
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
Avoiding rapid weight loss: When a person loses weight rapidly, this can put a strain on the liver and gallbladder and may
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
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.
Q:
Are there foods that can get rid of gallstones?
A:
There is no one food or group of foods that will eradicate gallstones. However, eating a healthful diet that limits saturated fat and refined carbohydrates might help. A higher intake of fiber is associated with fewer gallstones.
According to an article in Alternative Medicine Review, 10-50 grams per day of wheat bran has been shown to decrease cholesterol saturation of bile in those with gallstones. Also, avoiding allergenic foods has been shown to eliminate gallbladder symptoms and consuming at least 5 ounces (oz) of nuts weekly showed a 25% lower risk of gallbladder removal.