Cholecystitis
Decrease pain and prevent gallstones with low saturated fats; healthy fats help empty gallbladder
Recommended For
Cholecystitis, Cholecystitis, chronic, Gallbladder infection, Gallstones, Inflamed gallbladder.
Diet Goals
Ease symptoms, promote healthy gallbladder
- High fiber intake prevents stone formation
- Limited olive oil daily helps gallbladder empty
- Avoid unhealthy fats; fried foods, desserts
Every time you eat, the gallbladder ejects bile to help digest fat. If your gallbladder is inflamed & painful, a lower fat diet can calm it down.
Food Recommendations
Foods to Eat
Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil contains more antioxidants, vitamins
High fiber foods: Lentils, chia seeds, whole grains, popcorn
Foods to Avoid
Fatty meats: Beef, pork ribs, steaks, pulled pork, lamb chops
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
Gallbladder triggers: Fried, fast foods; dairy, eggs, sugar, acidic foods; carbonated soda
Full fat dairy: Whole milk, yogurt, butter, cheese
Processed meats: Sausage, hot dogs, jerky, deli meat, bacon
Baked goods: Cakes, cookies, muffins, pizza, pastries
Diet Rules
Additional Information
Research
Studies show very low fat diet (1-2 g/d) resulted in increased cholesterol gallstones. 10 g fat/meal needed for the gallbladder to fully empty.
Studies suggest that risk of gallstones lower in individuals following high fiber diets rich in fruits, veggies like vegetarian and vegan diets.
Studies show high fat from meat & fried foods increased risk of cholesterol gallstones; stones also linked to rapid weight loss, fasting.
Caveats
Calcium supplements increase gallstones; get calcium from food.
Diabetics and people with high triglycerides have increased risk of gallstones; reduce intake of sugar and carbs to decrease triglyceride levels.
Plant sources of protein and fat linked to reduced risk of gallstones.
High BMI, saturated fat or trans fat biggest contributor to cholesterol level.
References
Fialkowski, E., Halpin, Dr. V., & Whinney, Dr. R. (2008). Acute cholecystitis. NIH, National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907986/
Low-Fat Diet for Gallbladder Disease: Care Instructions. (n.d.). Healthwise. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.low-fat-diet-for-gallbladder-disease-care-instructions.uh4542
Healthwise. (2022). Low-Fat Diet for Gallbladder Disease: Care Instructions. Kaiser Permanente. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.low-fat-diet-for-gallbladder-disease-care-instructions.uh4542
Gallstones. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallstones
Marks, H. (2018). 4 Ways to Prevent Gallstones. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/4-ways-to-prevent-gallstones.aspx
McCoy, K. (2022). Your Diet After Gallbladder Surgery. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/guide/diet/
Cholelithiasis. (2022). PCRM’s Nutrition Guide for Clinicians. https://nutritionguide.pcrm.org/nutritionguide/view/Nutrition_Guide_for_Clinicians/1342013/all/Cholelithiasis?refer=true
Stinton, L., & Shaffer, E. (2012). Epidemiology of Gallbladder Disease: Cholelithiasis and Cancer. NIH, Library of Medicine, Gut. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3343155/
Stresing, D. (2018). The Link Between Gallbladder Problems and Diabetes. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/gallbladder/gallbladder-problems-and-diabetes.aspx