What foods are not suitable for people with gallstones?

Patients with gallstones are not suitable for eating foods that are high in fat, cholesterol, spicy and irritating, and contain high oxalic acid, because these foods will stimulate the contraction of the gallbladder, increase bile secretion, may aggravate the symptoms of gallstones, and even cause pain and other complications.

The main components of gallstones are usually cholesterol or bile pigments. Excessive high-fat foods (such as fatty meat, cream, and fried foods) will increase the concentration of cholesterol in bile, causing the stones to grow larger or the symptoms to worsen. High-cholesterol foods such as animal offal, egg yolks, and large amounts of dairy products may also promote the formation of cholesterol crystals. Spicy foods such as peppers and garlic will stimulate the contraction of the gallbladder and may induce biliary colic. Foods with high oxalic acid content (such as spinach, chocolate, and tea) easily combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate stones, further aggravating the condition. Drinking alcohol also needs to be avoided because it interferes with liver and gallbladder function.

For patients with gallstones, it is recommended that the daily diet should be low in fat and cholesterol, and that more foods rich in dietary fiber (such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits) be consumed to promote bile excretion and reduce the risk of stone formation. For cooking methods, choose steaming, stewing, and other low-oil methods, and avoid deep-frying or pan-frying foods. Maintain a regular diet and avoid overeating, especially not fasting for too long, because bile is easy to accumulate when fasting, increasing the risk of gallstone formation. If symptoms recur or pain is severe, it is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner, and choose appropriate treatment methods according to the doctor's advice, such as drug lithotripsy or surgical treatment, to avoid delaying the condition.