Gallbladder diet: Foods to eat and avoid
Dietary choices, such as eating protein-rich vegetables and getting plenty of fiber, may help keep the gallbladder healthy. Some foods may help reduce the likelihood of gallstones and other gallbladder problems. There is no specific diet for a healthy gallblad
Dietary choices, such as eating protein-rich vegetables and getting plenty of fiber, may help keep the gallbladder healthy. Some foods may help reduce the likelihood of gallstones and other gallbladder problems.
There is no specific diet for a healthy gallbladder, but following some guidelines can help keep the gallbladder healthy and functioning as well as possible.
Read on to learn about foods to eat for a healthy gallbladder, foods to avoid, diet tips after gallbladder removal, and more.
A 2021 study found that certain foods can help protect against gallstone disease, including:
- foods high in monounsaturated fats
- foods high in fiber
- fish
- vegetables high in protein
- foods rich in vitamin C
Monounsaturated fats
Monounsaturated fats help reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup in the gallbladder can cause gallstones.
Examples of foods high in monounsaturated fats
Learn about types of fat.
Fiber
Fiber supports digestive health, and it may help reduce the risk of gallstones.
A person should aim for at least
Learn more about foods high in fiber.
Fish and fish oil
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While oily fish generally contains more omega-3s than white fish, white fish may be better for protecting the gallbladder as it is lower in fat.
Examples of white fish that can provide a good source of omega-3 include:
- halibut
- sea bass
- sea bream
- turbot
Learn more about omega-3 and fish oil.
Vegetables high in 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. A high fat intake can have an adverse effect on the gallbladder.
Vegetables high in protein may be a better option when focusing on gallbladder health. These can include:
- beans, such as kidney, black, and fava beans
- peas, such as chickpeas, split peas, and black-eyed peas
- lentils
Foods rich in vitamin C
Foods that contain high levels of vitamin C may help protect the gallbladder. There may be some connection between low levels of vitamin C and the amount of cholesterol in the gallbladder, though more research is necessary.
Examples of foods rich in vitamin C include:
- oranges
- grapefruit
- strawberries
- cantaloupe
- kiwifruit
- red pepper
- green pepper
- broccoli
- tomatoes
Learn more about foods high in vitamin C.
Some foods may increase the risk of developing gallbladder disorders such as gallstones. These include:
- foods with highly refined sugars
- foods high in fructose
- foods high in saturated fat
- fast food
Consuming low amounts of fiber and vitamin C may also increase the risk of gallbladder disease or gallstones.
- fried meat
- fried eggs
- oily fish
- fatty processed meats, such as: sausages burgers bacon lamb
- sausages
- burgers
- bacon
- lamb
- full fat dairy products, such as: milk yogurt ice cream butter cream hard cheese
- milk
- yogurt
- ice cream
- butter
- cream
- hard cheese
- pizza
- pastries
- cakes
- cookies
Where possible, a person should try to choose low fat options of the foods they consume.
Following gallbladder removal, a doctor may advise a person to consume foods high in fiber to help manage temporary side effects, such as gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Foods that may be beneficial include:
- fruits and vegetables
- brown rice
- wholemeal bread
A person’s doctor will provide them with more information about any dietary changes they may need to make following gallbladder removal.
Learn more about diets after gallbladder removal.
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 its function. Anecdotal accounts suggest it involves consuming a restricted diet and then taking Epsom salts, olive oil, and lemon juice.
There is little evidence to support this trend, and experts say such recommendations may be dangerous.
Some people have reported seeing “stones” leave the body in stools, but analysis has shown these to be clumps of oil and lemon juice.
A high fiber diet may be beneficial for gallbladder health and reducing the risk of gallstones. A person may also choose to consume a diet rich in white fish, vegetables high in protein, and sources of vitamin C.
It is best to eat monounsaturated fats and avoid saturated fats. A person should also avoid fried foods and foods high in fructose or refined sugars.
A person can contact their doctor or a registered dietitian for more advice on foods to eat and avoid.