The gallbladder is one of the body’s many organs that tend to be neglected when it comes to health and disease prevention. This small pear-shaped organ that is responsible for the collection and storage of bile, just isn’t thought about.
This is, however, until something like gallstones occur- ouch! To avoid gallstones and other gallbladder related issues, certain foods are best avoided while others should be consumed regularly. Here are a few that fall into each category.
Foods To Avoid
Excess fat
Bile produced by the gallbladder is essential for breaking down fat. However, eating too much fat increases the risk of the gallbladder going into overdrive. Essentially, when this happens, it produces too much bile which can lead to the formation of painful gallstones.
Anything too spicy
You may have heard that spicy foods can increase the risk of a gallbladder attack. While this may be true, it doesn’t seem to be the case for everyone.
However, if you’re prone to gallbladder problems and/or already have gallstones, avoiding spicy foods that could cause irritation within the internal organs is recommended.
Dairy
Dairy, as most of us know, was not intended for human consumption. Due to this, many of us are already lactose intolerant or sensitive – with or without knowing it.
In addition, dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, cream, and milk are often high in fat, which should be avoided if you suffer from issues with your gallbladder.
Refined carbohydrates
Although the majority of human food is made with carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates are what tend to cause problems such as gallbladder disorders.
Refined carbohydrates include things like flour, sweeteners, sugar, starch, and grains. Too many refined carbohydrate rich foods can increase the chances of a gallbladder attack.
Foods To Eat
Oranges (vitamin C)
In various studies, it was found that people with higher levels of vitamin C in their systems were less likely to have gallbladder issues.
They were also less likely to develop gallstones. Vitamin C supplements can be found in supermarkets and drugstores, but in general, getting vitamin C from a natural source -oranges, for example- is better.
Kale (calcium)
High calcium levels in the body also seem to be linked to lowered risk of gallstones and gallbladder disorders. Calcium is found in all sorts of leafy greens such as kale and broccoli.
It’s also found in many dairy products, but as mentioned above, dairy should be avoided. Nut milks fortified with calcium might also be a good choice.
Chicken (lean protein)
Although chicken isn’t the only source of lean protein available, it is a great, highly versatile staple food that is easy to cook with. In addition to chicken and other white meat without fat, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts and seeds are fantastic sources.
Coffee
According to some studies, coffee can be beneficial in increasing gallbladder health. Coffee intake should be limited, though’ one or two cups a day is the ideal amount.
