Minimizing Gallstone Risk with Diet
Gallbladder is a small muscular sac, featuring a pear-like shape that stores bile. Bile helps us to digest fats present in the food. Although not a vital organ of the body, like the heart, kidneys and livers, unhealthy gallbladder can sometime create complications.
Unhealthy gallbladder could develop gallstones. However, a large number of people with gallstones hardly experience any symptom of gallstones. In others gallstones create health problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gas and bloating.
Gallstone risk factors
Several factors might be responsible for formation of gallstones. People who are overweight or obese have a greater risk of developing gallstones. Genetics might play a role in development of gallstones. Compared with men, women have more risk of developing gallstones.
Preventing gallstones with diet
Although, your diet is not directly linked with problems associated with gallstones, but nonetheless, researchers believe that your diet might prevent gallstones, particularly if you have a risk of developing the gallbladder disorder.
Foods for healthy gallbladder
A high fiber diet is good for the gallbladder. Meals rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grain products can keep your gallbladder healthy. Cucumber and beet are particularly beneficial for the gallbladder. Green vegetables, okra, green beans, sweet potato, ripe tomatoes, shallots, onions and garlic are good for the health of the gallbladder.
However, if you are suffering from gallstones or any other gallbladder problem, it is advisable to avoid vegetables of the cabbage family and fruit juices other than apple and grape juices. Studies have shown that peanuts could lower the risk of gallstones and gallbladder problems.
Fats
A high fat diet is bad for the gallbladder. You could have lean meat and low fat dairy products in your meal. While saturated fats are indeed bad for your gallbladder health, essential fatty acids could help to improve the function of your gallbladder. Fish, flax seeds and walnuts are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the health of your gallbladder.
Olive oil, particularly the cold pressed extra virgin variety is good for the gallbladder. To prevent gallbladder problems, limit intake of red meat, eggs, margarine, saturated fats, caffeine, whole-milk dairy products, highly processed foods, sugar and artificial sweeteners.
