Healthy Gallbladder Diet Tips

Avoid Refined Carbohydrates

Patients are often advised to avoid refined carbohydrates to prevent gallstones and reduce the risk of complications from them. Refined carbohydrates include items such as white bread, white pasta, cakes, cookies, baked goods, candy, soda, and fruit juice. Consuming these types of carbohydrates can indirectly lead to gallbladder irritation and gallstones by raising levels of abdominal fat, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood glucose. Increased LDL cholesterol raises the concentration of cholesterol in a patient's bile, and this contributes directly to gallstones. Patients who eat diets high in refined carbohydrates may have an insufficient intake of dietary fiber. Unlike complex carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates lack fiber, and studies indicate having sufficient dietary fiber intake could reduce a patient's risk for gallstones. Instead of refined carbohydrates, doctors advise patients to consume whole fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. These foods can help patients reach the suggested twenty-eight to thirty-eight grams of daily dietary fiber intake for optimal gallbladder health.

Keep reading to learn more about keeping the gallbladder healthy through diet now.