The Gall Bladder is a small sac that acts as a reservoir to store the bile produced by the liver. The gall bladder also concentrates the bile and increases its efficacy. Bile is essential for the proper digestion of fats. In cases where the Gall Bladder is inflamed or if it has been surgically removed, the amount of bile is deficient and can cause indigestion, excess gas and bloating.
Gallbladder disease has become an increasingly common problem, with both biliary dyskinesia and gallstones becoming increasingly prevalent among the general population. Although the exact causes of gallbladder diseases may elude us, there is an undeniable connection between gallbladder disease and your diet. Gallbladder disease is degenerative disease, which means that if it is neglected the condition can deteriorate further, with an intensification of gallbladder symptoms. In some cases other complications or health conditions like cholangitis or pancreatitis may also develop. Gallbladder disease can however be treated effectively with adequate dietary modifications that are in most cases extremely effective. In severe circumstances however the condition may not respond well enough because of the extent of the condition, in which case gallbladder surgery or gallbladder removal may be necessary. A gallbladder diet after surgery may however prove to be just as problematic. You need to be particularly careful about your diet as your digestive system’s ability is severely compromised particularly for digestion of fats. A low fat diet is therefore essential for gallbladder disease.
People who suffer from gall bladder disease or those who have undergone a gall bladder removal surgery will require a long-term, low-fat diet. This diet is also recommended for people who have suffered from Gall Stones in the past or those with a risk of Gall stones to counter the formation of gallstones. It is also beneficial for those under medication to dissolve the stones. This Gall bladder Diet will aid digestion and allows the Gall Bladder to recuperate.
The problem with gallbladder disease and gallstones is that there is always a chance that the problem will recur. Treatments that simply address the symptoms can only bring short term relief. A gallbladder diet plan should therefore be one that is sustainable on a permanent basis. A gallstone diet does not need to be particularly restrictive or a bland diet. Moderation is the key as would be the case with any such conditions like a liver diet or ulcer diet. Your gallbladder diet menu should therefore include plenty of gallbladder diet recipes, so as to maintain some variety. As mentioned earlier in some cases that are severe a gallbladder diet before surgery may not help much, but it should be pointed out that the gallbladder plays an important role in the digestive process and a gallbladder diet after removal would be just as restrictive if not more. Post gallbladder surgery diet becomes a serious concern as in the absence of a storage unit for bile, digestion is severely restricted, particularly with fatty or protein rich foods.
If you suffer from gallbladder disease during pregnancy it would be advisable to consult a nutritionist for a specialized diet plan as a self imposed restrictive gallbladder diet during pregnancy could adversely affect the development of your baby.
Daily Diet
Make sure that your daily diet consists of plenty of fresh raw foods like raw vegetables and fruits. Have at least one serving of a green leafy salad with an olive oil or flax oil dressing. These are healthy oils that will actually aid in the prevention of Gall Stones. Include low-fat dairy products in your diet as either cottage cheese or low-fat milk. You could also use low fat milk and any fruit of your choice to make a refreshing milkshake. Use plenty of ginger and turmeric in your meals as they are strong natural antiseptics and they also aid digestion.
Although an increase in vegetables is advised, a few vegetables like Cauliflower, Cabbages and Onion should be avoided along with Legumes, Corn and Oranges. Avoid all meats and if you find it impossible to do so, make sure that you eat only lean meats in moderation. Avoid processed white flour bread and bakery products and opt for whole-grain products instead. Limit your intake of processed and preserved foodstuff as these invariably contain a variety of chemicals that can aggravate your condition. Avoid all refined fats and fried junk food as they are high in saturated fats or Trans fats. Do not use hydrogenated fats or partially-hydrogenated fats while cooking as they have high cholesterol levels.
In addition to your diet, you can also have a fish oil capsule daily. Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids that prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the bile. Do not attempt a severely fat-free diet as the bile produced by the liver will not be utilized and will remain in the Gall bladder for a longer period. The cholesterol that is naturally present in the bile can then crystallize to form Gall Stones.