What can't you eat if you have gallstones?

Patients with gallstones should avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, such as lard, butter, and fatty meat, to reduce gallbladder pressure and the risk of gallstone attacks. Because gallstones are deposits of solid substances in bile, formed in the gallbladder or biliary system, when the balance of substances such as cholesterol and bile salts is broken, it is more likely to form stones. Usually, high-fat and high-cholesterol foods stimulate strong contractions of the gallbladder, causing discomfort or pain.

From the perspective of the formation principle of gallstones, improper diet is an important cause. Under normal circumstances, bile helps digest fat, but if the fat content in the diet is too high, it will lead to increased bile secretion, and cholesterol cannot be completely dissolved, thus forming stones. This is just like in supersaturated sugar water, sugar slowly forms crystals. Similarly, not eating for a long time or eating greasy meals may increase the burden on the gallbladder.

For patients with gallstones, adjusting the diet is an effective prevention and control measure. Foods rich in fiber, such as whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables, should be given priority to help promote digestion and lower cholesterol. Eat small meals frequently to maintain regular contraction of the gallbladder and prevent the increase of stones. Avoiding high-fat foods such as fried foods and cream cakes and controlling cholesterol intake can also help reduce the probability of gallstone attacks. Drinking water appropriately to keep the body hydrated and dilute the bile concentration is also an auxiliary means of prevention.

A healthy lifestyle combined with a reasonable diet can effectively alleviate the symptoms of gallstones. Eating meals at regular times and in regular amounts, balanced nutrition, and avoiding overeating are daily recommendations for patients with gallstones. If symptoms are severe or recurring frequently, you should seek advice and guidance from medical professionals in a timely manner. During the adjustment process, you should not only rely on changes in diet, but also pay attention to the improvement of overall lifestyle and habits in order to better maintain the health of the biliary system.