Dietary taboos for gallstones and cholecystitis

Patients with gallstones and cholecystitis should pay close attention to their diet to avoid exacerbating their condition. Reasonable eating habits can help reduce the burden on the gallbladder and reduce the risk of symptom onset. The following are the taboos and suggestions that should be paid attention to in diet.

1. Avoid foods high in fat

People with gallstones and cholecystitis should avoid high-fat foods, such as fried foods, fatty meats, animal offal, cream, whole milk, butter, etc. These foods stimulate the gallbladder to contract and increase bile secretion, which may cause pain and discomfort. It is recommended to choose low-fat foods, such as lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, and low-fat or skim dairy products.

2. Eat less high-cholesterol foods

Gallstones are often associated with abnormal cholesterol metabolism, so you need to control your intake of high-cholesterol foods, such as duck egg yolks, pig brains, seafood (such as shrimp and crabs), and thick broth. These foods may cause cholesterol crystals to deposit and aggravate the condition. You can choose foods rich in plant protein, such as tofu, lentils, and red kidney beans, which can not only supplement protein but also reduce cholesterol intake.

3. Stay away from spicy food

Spicy foods such as chili pepper, pepper, ginger, garlic, and green onions can irritate the gallbladder, which may cause acute attacks and increase pain. Eat a light diet and choose cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stewing to avoid complicated seasonings.

4. Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks

Alcohol not only increases the metabolic burden on the liver and gallbladder, but repeated drinking may also induce acute cholecystitis. Similarly, high-sugar beverages can increase neutral fat and cholesterol in the body, increasing the metabolic burden on the gallbladder. In daily life, you can choose more boiled water and low-sugar tea as alternatives. Lemonade and chrysanthemum tea are common healthy drinks.

5. Pay attention to the intake of high-fiber foods

A high-fiber diet can promote gastrointestinal health and reduce cholesterol absorption. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, carrots, pumpkins, apples, and pears, can help improve cholesterol metabolism and protect the bile duct system. However, be careful to avoid excessive intake of raw, cold, and hard fiber, as it may cause digestive discomfort or aggravate symptoms related to gallstones.

6. Eat regularly and eat small, frequent meals

Patients with cholecystitis and gallstones should pay attention to eating regularly, avoid overeating and fasting for too long, and eat 3 to 5 small meals a day. A regular diet helps to secrete bile evenly and prevent the further development of gallstones.

Maintaining a healthy diet is particularly important for relieving the symptoms of gallstones and cholecystitis. Patients who have frequent severe pain or indigestion symptoms should seek medical attention in time to prevent the condition from worsening. Diet can only relieve the condition, but it cannot fundamentally cure the problem. Choosing drug treatment or surgical treatment according to the doctor's advice, such as oral litholytic drugs, laparoscopic cholecystectomy or traditional open surgery, are all effective solutions. Combine diet plans and healthy habits to protect gallbladder function and try to live a relaxed and healthy life.