Gallbladder Inflammation and Gallstone Dietary Management

Managing gallbladder inflammation and gallstones often involves making strategic dietary choices. What you eat can significantly impact your symptoms and overall digestive health. Here are several key dietary recommendations to consider.

Limit high-fat foods that can trigger discomfort and pain. This includes avoiding fatty cuts of meat, poultry skin, and fried or greasy dishes. Animal fats such as lard or butter should also be avoided to prevent gallbladder attacks. Instead, opt for healthier fats like olive oil, canola oil, or soybean oil when cooking.

Reduce intake of high-cholesterol foods that may worsen gallstone formation. Organ meats such as liver, kidney, and brain, as well as shellfish and animal intestines, are particularly high in cholesterol and should be limited.

Including low-fat, easily digestible foods in your meals can support gallbladder health. Foods like legumes and soy products are rich in lecithin, which helps lower cholesterol levels and may benefit those with gallbladder issues.

Boost your fiber intake by incorporating more vegetables and root crops into your diet. Items such as potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and bamboo shoots are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and reduce the risk of gallstone complications.

Finally, practice portion control to avoid overeating, especially during evening meals. Eating until you're about 70–80% full can help prevent flare-ups. During festive occasions, it's especially important to be mindful of heavy, fatty meals, which can lead to gallbladder pain, nausea, and vomiting.