Gallbladder Diet

People that suffer from gallbladder disease, complications or symptoms of a problem with the organ are often recommended a special diet. For some the gallbladder diet has the main purpose of easing the severity of the symptoms or preventing them from happening altogether. For others a special diet has to be followed in order to prepare to have the gallbladder removed completely. Regardless of what the reason behind the special diet is, it is in your best interest to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly.  

If the gallbladder is to be removed, then a clear liquid diet has to be followed for up to a week before the surgery. This includes food like water, apple juice, chicken broth and tea. Other foods are not allowed and although this may not be the ideal diet, it will still reduce complications and risks following the surgery. 

If the gallbladder does not need to be surgically removed because there are not many gallstones, the symptoms are mild or happen only every now and then, it is best to just adjust your diet. A gallbladder diet does not mean you will have to avoid all kinds of foods that contain fat or that you will have always eat a certain way. The diet only takes into consideration that the gallbladder problems are often triggered by certain foods, but do not forget that there can be other causes. 

The gallbladder diet requires that you leave greasy foods out of your lifestyle. This does not mean, however, that you can never eat a greasy meal. If you are feeling fine and have no symptoms then there is no problem with fast food or some other greasy meal. On the other hand, if you are noticing pain, nausea or just have the feeling that the gallstones will act up again soon, then you need to avoid greasy foods as well as oily and fatty foods. Not all fats are bad for you though and will trigger an episode. Foods with Omega 3 oils, such as fish or flax, are always recommended. The diet can also include olive oil, which will not cause any problems.