What Foods Should Gallstone Sufferers Stay Away From?

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Individuals suffering from gallstones should avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol items such as fried foods; doughnuts, pies and other processed foods; cheese, ice cream, butter and other high-fat dairy products; and red meats, states WebMD. The diet should be well-balanced and low in saturated fats but moderate in calories.

The diet of a gallstone sufferer should contain a high amount of foods that are low in fats, low in cholesterol, moderate in calories and high in fiber, according to WebMD. Foods that meet these criteria include raw produce, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, lean meats such as poultry and fish, and low-fat dairy products. Because obesity contributes to an individual’s risk of developing gallstones, the sufferer is advised to lose weight in a healthy manner.

The gallbladder helps the body digest fats by storing bile, says WebMD. However, because it isn’t a vital organ, most individuals who experience issues, such as gallstones, opt to have it removed. This is because most people who develop gallstones do not experience any negative symptoms, and once the symptoms start, they’re difficult to manage. Individuals who have issues with gallstones may experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Controlling the diet only helps to prevent gallstones and ease the negative symptoms that occur, but its effectiveness is minor.