Healthy Gallbladder Diet Tips

Turn To Healthy Fats

Patients may want to turn to healthy fats to protect against gallstones and gallbladder irritation. Generally, healthy fats are unsaturated, and they can be found in foods such as olives, avocados, and nuts. To incorporate more healthy fats into their daily meals, patients may want to try using olive oil and balsamic vinegar in place of their usual salad dressing, and some individuals enjoy avocado slices on toast or a salad. Avocado oil is a safe cooking oil that can withstand high heat, making it perfect for vegetable stir-frys. While replacing unhealthy fats with healthy ones is beneficial, patients still need to monitor their overall fat intake. Consuming too much of any type of fat will irritate the gallbladder, and this might trigger new symptoms or exacerbate existing issues. Doctors advise patients with gallbladder concerns to consume no more than forty grams of total fat each day, and many patients will need to consume less than this. Individuals who have had gallbladder surgery are advised to limit butter, margarine, salad dressings, and other oils to no more than one tablespoon per meal and to choose foods with less than five grams of fat per ounce. To make it easier to digest healthy fats, doctors advise patients to have four to six small meals per day instead of eating large meals.

Don't Forget About Calcium

Patients with gallbladder issues are encouraged to monitor their calcium intake to ensure they get an adequate amount. Studies have shown calcium supplements can cause gallstones, and this occurs most often in children. To reduce this risk, patients of all ages should try to get calcium from food instead of supplements. Dairy products such as milk and cheese are good sources of calcium, but these often contain high levels of fat and could contribute to irritation. Ideally, patients may want to opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy products and incorporate other calcium-rich foods. For example, spinach, collards, lentils, figs, and almonds are good sources of calcium, and options such as tofu, breakfast cereals, and non-dairy milk are often fortified with calcium. Patients might want to ask their healthcare provider to check their calcium levels, and they should also ask for personalized advice about their daily calcium intake.