What should patients with gallstones eat?

The diet of patients with gallstones should be low in fat, cholesterol and high in fiber, which can reduce the cholesterol saturation in bile and help prevent the formation and enlargement of gallstones. Gallstones are a common digestive system disease, usually caused by excessive cholesterol or bile pigment concentrations, which leads to the precipitation of solid particles in bile and the formation of stones. Many patients may not have symptoms, but when stones shift or cause bile duct obstruction, they may experience symptoms such as pain and nausea.

To effectively manage gallstones, dietary changes are a vital part of your plan of action. Controlling fat intake is key, as too much fat can stimulate the gallbladder to contract, accelerating the formation of gallstones or triggering their symptoms. Choose low-fat protein foods such as lean meats, skinless chicken, and fish, and avoid fried foods and high-fat dairy products. Eating more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help the digestive system function more smoothly and aid in the normal secretion of bile. A moderate intake of healthy vegetable oils, such as olive oil and flaxseed oil, is also beneficial to gallbladder health.

In order to avoid inducing gallstone symptoms or worsening the condition, patients should pay attention to some eating habits, such as not eating too much at each meal, because overeating may lead to increased bile secretion and increase the burden on the gallbladder. Eating small meals frequently can stabilize the rhythm of bile secretion and avoid excessive gallbladder pressure that can induce biliary colic. When cooking, steaming, boiling, and stewing can be preferred, and frying or pan-frying can be avoided. The diet should be light and drink plenty of water to aid digestion. At the same time, strictly limit the intake of foods containing high cholesterol, such as animal offal, shrimps and crabs, egg yolks, etc., and you can also ensure balanced nutrition through a diverse diet.

If gallstone symptoms are frequent or painful, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In general, maintaining a healthy diet and moderate exercise can greatly prevent and manage the symptoms of gallstones. In addition to following necessary dietary recommendations, it is also very important to have regular medical examinations to monitor the health of the gallbladder so that effective measures can be taken before the problem becomes serious. A healthy lifestyle is the basis for self-management of gallstones, improving overall physical health and reducing the risk of complications.