Many people suffer from gall bladder disease as a consequence of inappropriate diet. The disease has a high incidence in people with overweight problems and the consumption of fat-rich foods is considered to be the main cause of gall bladder disorders. Women, people with ages over 50, people with gastro-intestinal disorders, people with diabetes and people with high blood cholesterol levels are very likely to develop gall bladder disease. A good gall bladder diet can ameliorate the symptoms of gall bladder disease and can also prevent the occurrence of complications.

Inappropriate diet leads to the formation of gallstones, which block the bile ducts and interfere in the normal activity of the gall bladder.

The gall bladder is an organ that assists the liver in the digestion of fat. The gall bladder stores the bile produced by the liver and releases it when it is needed in the process of digestion. Gallstones are formed when cholesterol, calcium and bile salts accumulate inside the gall bladder, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. In some cases, gall bladder disease can even involve bacterial infection. Gall bladder disease can lead to serious complications and sometimes requires surgical intervention.

Gallstones can cause cholecystitis (inflammation and swelling of the gall bladder), choledocholithiasis (occurs when gallstones accumulate inside the bile duct) cholangitis (infection of the gall bladder and bile duct) and pancreatitis.

An appropriate gall bladder diet can’t eliminate large gallstones, but it can facilitate the elimination of smaller gallstones. Also, a good gall bladder diet prevents the formation of new gallstones inside the gall bladder or bile ducts. By restricting fat intake, an appropriate gall bladder diet can ameliorate the symptoms of gall bladder disease (pain attacks, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating).

A healthy gall bladder diet should exclude foods that are rich in saturated fat: meats (pork, ribs, bacon, sausages, salami) and dairy products (cheese, milk). It is best to introduce soy replacements of these foods in your gall bladder diet: (tofu, soy milk). Replace fast food with home-cooked meals and stay away from processed and fried foods. Don’t eat large amounts of food at a single meal. It is best to eat 4-5 small meals a day and avoid late meals. Meals right before bed time can trigger serious pain attacks.

Some foods are considered to be allergenic to most people with gall bladder disease. Exclude from your gall bladder diet the following foods: eggs, cheese, high-fat milk, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate, carbonated soda.

A fiber-rich gall bladder diet can get rid of small gallstones and helps the process of digestion. Eat plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruits, as they are rich in natural fibers and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Also include foods that contain starch in your gall bladder diet, as they can also help in eliminating gallstones. Eat plenty of cereals, wheat products, rice and potatoes. Natural bile salts and omega 3 fish oil capsules can help the digestion and absorption of fat, also reducing blood cholesterol. An appropriate gall bladder diet should include plenty of fluids. By drinking at least 2 liters of pure water a day, you will help the body eliminate excess cholesterol and gallstones. An appropriate gall bladder diet can prevent the occurrence of complications and can ameliorate the symptoms of gall bladder disease in time.