5 Foods You Should Avoid if You Have Gallbladder Issues

Your gallbladder is an important part of your digestive system. Gallbladder disease can result in your suffering from chronic gallstones. These small, hardened deposits of digestive bile can vary in size, and can become painful or uncomfortable.

Vascular surgeon David W. Ranson, MD, FACS provides care for patients with gallbladder concerns from South Charleston, West Virginia offices. If you’re at risk of gallstones, take steps to protect your health and wellness.

What you eat can make a big difference in your likelihood of developing gallstones. Here are some of the helpful dietary tips and tricks that Dr. Ranson wants his patients with gallbladder issues to know about.

1. Watch out for fatty meats and fish

Fatty meats, in particular, can increase your risk of gallstones. Choose leaner cuts of meat, and remove skin and additional fat before eating. Opt for fresh fish over canned, and avoid fish products that are canned in oil. Fried meats are also a bad idea if you want to avoid stressing your gallbladder.

2. Steer away from processed meats

Processed meats, including hot dogs, sausages, canned meats, and cold cuts, can all become a problem for your gallbladder. Preservative agents and high fat content make these a good type of food to skip if you’re trying to support your gallbladder and prevent the formation of gallstones.

3. Keep an eye on dairy products

Low-fat dairy selections won’t put undue stress on your gallbladder, but rich cheeses and butter can increase your risk of developing gallstones. Look for cheeses that have less than 5 grams of fat per ounce when you’re picking food options. Other good dairy choices for people with gallbladder issues are low-fat milk and yoghurt and sour cream.

4. Avoid avocado

While the high levels of fat in avocados is often described as a healthy fat, it can still cause problems if you have gallbladder issues. Skip avocados and guacamole, and opt for snacking on fruits that are high in fiber instead.

5. Skip out on white flour

Foods made with refined white flour, like white bread and pasta, are lacking in fiber, and won’t do much to support your gallbladder. However, whole-grain breads and pastas are fine for patients with gallbladder issues. Rice, oats, and other whole grains can also help your gallbladder to keep functioning smoothly, so that you won’t be troubled by gallstones.

If you’re concerned about potential gallbladder issues, including your risk for developing gallstones this spring, get in touch with Dr. Ranson today. You can book your initial consultation appointment with Dr. Ranson by giving our office a call now, or use the online tool to schedule.