What should you avoid eating if you have gallstones?

Patients with gallstones need to pay special attention to their diet and avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol and irritating foods to reduce the risk of symptom onset and worsening of the disease.

Gallstones are caused by the oversaturation of cholesterol or bile pigments in bile, which forms crystals and accumulates in the gallbladder. High-fat foods can stimulate gallbladder contraction, which can easily cause pain or digestive discomfort, while high-cholesterol foods may further increase the cholesterol content in bile and increase the risk of stone formation.

Patients should eat less high-fat, high-cholesterol foods such as fried foods, fatty meat, animal offal, and butter. Avoid spicy drinks, strong tea, coffee, and other stimulating drinks, as these foods may induce biliary colic. Try to reduce the intake of processed foods, such as pickled foods and instant noodles, as the additives contained in them may increase the burden on the gallbladder. In addition, fasting or overeating may also cause abnormal gallbladder contraction and trigger symptoms.

Patients with gallstones are advised to eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve bile metabolism. For diet, you can choose light and easily digestible methods, such as steaming, boiling or stewing dishes, and avoid greasy foods. At the same time, you should maintain a regular diet, eat small meals frequently, and reduce gallbladder pressure. For patients with severe symptoms or large stones, be sure to consult a doctor as soon as possible to assess whether further treatment is needed.