Advice for diet against gallstones

Diet is a key factor in the treatment of patients with gallstones. This accelerates recovery and helps keep symptoms under control

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Patients with gallstones should change various aspects of the diet to stimulate the release and renewal of bile. The purpose is not only to facilitate the expulsion of existing crystals, but also to prevent other complications from occurring in the system.

The consumption of varied and low-fat foods is a determining factor in the recovery process; Although it is not convenient to adopt a strict regime, it is essential to avoid some foods that can make the situation worse.

The recommended menus to treat this disease can vary in each person, depending on the severity of the calculations, age and lifestyle; however, there are some generalities that everyone can put into practice to facilitate treatment .

Did they diagnose gallstones? We share in detail what you should know about the disease and some essential tips for the diet.

What are gallstones and what are their symptoms?

Gallstones, also called gallstones, are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder , whose size can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball.

Most of the time they are formed by the accumulation of cholesterol residues, but they can also be the product of excess bilirubin in the bile . Some people present a single calculation, while others develop many at the same time.

Symptoms of gallstones

Many cases of gallstones pass asymptomatically. If the calculation causes an obstruction in some way, patients may experience:

• A sudden pain that intensifies in the upper right part of the abdomen.
• A pain that feels just below the sternum.
• Back pain between the shoulder blades
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowish skin (jaundice)
• Fever and chills

Tips to treat gallstones with diet

The main objective of the diet against gallstones is to help expel hard deposits that can cause obstructions or difficulties in the system. It also aims to complement the treatment to mitigate symptoms and prevent complications .

If the symptoms are severe, or if medications are being taken, the eating plan should be supervised by a professional. Although there are some basic aspects that are maintained, there are cases in which special measures are taken .

Reduce the consumption of fat

Any diet plan against gallstones should restrict the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats. Eating low in fat prevents the formation of hardness inside the gallbladder and, therefore, facilitates the recovery process.

It is not convenient to eliminate all sources of fat, as some "healthy" fats improve the composition of bile and promote its release. Therefore, the ideal is to replace the harmful lipids with unsaturated fats such as those provided by avocado or olive oil .

Among the prohibited foods we find:

• Whole Dairy
• Yellow cheeses
• Fat meats
• Sausages and cured meats
• Guts such as liver, heart, kidney or intestines
• Sauces and dressings
• Bakery products
• Chocolate and derivatives
• Fried foods and fast food

Increase water consumption

Dehydration can cause serious complications in people with gallstones; for this reason, water consumption must be increased throughout the day. This liquid reduces the concentration of bile and promotes the decomposition of cholesterol crystals.

• The ideal is to eat between 8 and 10 glasses a day until you notice an improvement.

Consume more fruits and vegetables

The abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables provides the body with water, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that exert a protective role against gallstones.

These foods are satiating and should be included in any healthy eating plan. Its intake, among other things, decreases the concentration of cholesterol and harmful lipids .

Add more fiber in the diet

Foods high in dietary fiber are essential in the diet against gallstones. The assimilation of this nutrient helps to capture the bile juices to favor their excretion before they are reabsorbed and stored inside the vesicle.

Some foods with fiber are:

• Oats
• Integral rice
• Seeds, legumes and whole grains
• Green vegetables
• Papaya
• Figs

Take infusions of medicinal plants

The consumption of some infusions of plants is a great complement to calm the symptoms caused by gallstones. In fact, some contain components that help break down hardness more easily .

The recommended ones are:

• Horse tail
• Milk thistle
• Chamomile
• Turmeric
• Artichoke

If the symptoms get worse despite following these diet tips, consult your doctor immediately. Sometimes the stones are too large and can only be removed with surgery.