What should patients with gallstones pay attention to in their diet and what should they not eat?

Patients with gallstones need to be extremely careful about their diet and avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol and irritating foods to reduce the burden on the gallbladder. Maintaining a light diet and consuming more high-fiber foods can help prevent the recurrence or worsening of gallstones.

1. High-fat and high-cholesterol foods: These foods can easily increase the burden on the gallbladder and promote the formation of cholesterol stones. For example, fatty meat, animal offal, cream, butter, and fried foods should be avoided as much as possible. Studies have shown that these foods can stimulate gallbladder contraction and may cause biliary colic. To reduce the risk, patients with gallstones are advised to choose foods with lower fat content such as lean meat, fish, and bean products.

2. Spicy and irritating foods: Foods with strong irritants such as peppers, curry, and spicy spices may cause excessive contraction of the gallbladder, exacerbating pain and discomfort. Patients with a history of gallstones usually need to avoid these condiments to avoid inducing symptoms. Substituting mild condiments such as ginger and garlic can increase appetite while avoiding excessive stimulation.

3. Excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates: Sugar and refined grains such as white rice and white bread will increase insulin levels, indirectly affecting cholesterol metabolism and not conducive to the stability of gallstones. Choosing whole grain foods such as oats, brown rice and whole wheat bread is more conducive to maintaining a stable cholesterol level.

4. Eat the right amount of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help improve digestive system function, promote the discharge of bile, and reduce the chance of gallstone formation. Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as apples, pears, and green leafy vegetables, are especially recommended. Avoid fruit juices with high fructose content, which may promote the formation of gallstones.

5. Sufficient water intake: Staying hydrated helps dilute bile and reduce the risk of stone formation. It is recommended to drink at least 1500 ml of water every day, especially when eating high-fiber foods, increasing water intake appropriately helps digestion.

Patients with gallstones need to adjust their diet to alleviate symptoms and promote health. While improving their lifestyle, patients should seek medical attention in a timely manner if they experience severe pain or other abnormal symptoms, and should be managed comprehensively. A suitable diet is not a single solution. Light exercise, such as walking, can help maintain a good digestive cycle. Comprehensive improvements in lifestyle can not only relieve symptoms, but also improve overall health. Taking care of your body starts with every choice. Healthy eating habits will add more color to your life.