Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınPROF. DR. SEZAI AYDINGeneral Surgery Turkey
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What Foods Should Those with Gallbladder Stones Avoid?

What Foods Should Those with Gallbladder Stones Avoid?

Gallbladder Stone

Gallbladder Stone, also known as gallstone, refers to the stones that form in the gallbladder due to the problem of emptying bile from the gallbladder. It starts with the precipitation of bile, leading to the formation of sludge, followed by the development of a stone nucleus, which can vary in size from millimeters to centimeters as the stones adhere to each other.

The most common symptoms in individuals with gallbladder stones include indigestion, gas, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, and complaints resembling stomach ache.

If gallbladder stones block the exit of the gallbladder duct, it can cause the gallbladder to swell and lead to an infection known as acute cholecystitis.

If the stones in the gallbladder, especially the smaller ones, fall from the gallbladder duct into the main bile duct, they can block the opening where bile enters the small intestine. This can result in symptoms such as fever, pain, and jaundice in the affected individual.

Where Does Gallbladder Stone Pain Radiate?

If gallbladder stones cause symptoms and manifest as pain, they often present with indications such as pain below the right ribcage, in the middle of both ribcages, right shoulder, back, right flank pain, and generalized abdominal pain.

What Should People with Gallbladder Stones Avoid Eating?

It is recommended that patients with gallbladder stones undergo surgery before the condition becomes symptomatic and without causing any complications. This is because the gallbladder becomes a diseased organ, producing stones. Until the time of surgery, patients should avoid consuming excessively fatty, chocolatey, and egg-containing foods, essentially foods high in fat content.

Individuals with gallbladder stones are advised not to consume the following foods and substances:

  • Strong tea and coffee
  • Packaged fruit juices
  • Cola and alcoholic beverages
  • Eggs and egg-based foods
  • Fatty nuts such as chocolate, hazelnuts, and peanuts
  • Fried heavy desserts and sauced foods
  • Pastries, cakes, cookies, and dough-based items
  • Avoid fried or roasted meats; chicken and fish skin; offal; and processed meats like sausages, salami, etc.

How Should Individuals with Gallbladder Stones Eat?

The dietary approach for individuals with gallbladder stones involves avoiding stimulating foods that trigger the functioning of the gallbladder, as it stores bile and aids in fat digestion. In general, they should steer clear of high-fat foods (such as fried foods),eggs, chocolate, and other items with high levels of fat and cholesterol.

What Should Individuals with Gallbladder Stones Eat for Breakfast?

Individuals with gallbladder stones can have a breakfast consisting of liquid foods such as plain tea or chamomile tea, low-fat white cheese, honey or jam, and bread.

Foods That Soothe the Gallbladder

Foods that may soothe the gallbladder include:

  • Linden tea, plain tea, and other fresh herbal teas
  • Boiled, grilled, or baked red meat, chicken, or fish
  • Low-fat white cheese
  • White bread, pasta
  • Rice, vermicelli, noodles, biscuits
  • Well-cooked vegetables, dairy desserts
  • Broths prepared without roasting or frying.

When consuming these foods, it is advisable to chew slowly and thoroughly, adopt a pattern of eating small, frequent meals, plan for 4-6 daily meals, and ensure a balanced intake from all food groups throughout the day.

Is Drinking Lemon Water Beneficial for Gallstones?

It is known that gallstones do not dissolve by drinking lemon water. Lemon juice is also not recommended for individuals with gallstones by dietitians.

Does Egg Damage the Gallbladder?

Eating eggs does not harm the gallbladder. However, it is recommended to avoid consuming eggs and egg-containing foods in individuals with gallstones.

What Should People with Gallstones Pay Attention To?

Surgery is recommended for those with gallstones. The only definitive treatment is the removal of the gallbladder. Patients are advised to avoid foods high in fat and egg content until the day of surgery. The surgery is planned as soon as possible.

Update Date: 30.04.2025
Assoc. Prof. Dr Sezai Aydın
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Prof. Dr. Sezai Aydın
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Assoc. Prof. Dr Sezai AydınProf. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
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