Gallbladder pain from gallstones can be incredibly uncomfortable. There are a number of different things that contribute to gallbladder problems, but tweaking your diet can help you avoid gallbladder attacks, according to Cleveland Clinic. Here, we discuss which foods may be safer to eat when you have gallstones.
Try Plant-Based Proteins
Research suggests that a plant-based diet can help prevent gallstones from forming in the first place, but it may also be a good diet to focus on if you already have gallstones. That’s because these proteins are often high in fiber, which can help remove excess fat from your body and lower your risk of developing new or worsening gallstones. According to the American Heart Association, plant-based proteins may include:
- Beans
- Legumes
- Broccoli
- Chickpeas
- Edamame
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Oats
- Peas
- Quinoa
- Sorghum
- Soy milk
- Spinach
- Tempeh
- Tofu
Eat More Soluble Fiber
According to Mayo Clinic, eating 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily can reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad” cholesterol) in your bloodstream. A diet rich in soluble fiber may prevent gallstones from forming or growing. The University of Michigan recommends adding these foods that are high in soluble fiber to your diet:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avocadoes
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Mangoes
- Watermelon
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Potatoes
- Oats
- Nuts
Find Alternatives to Red Meat
Cleveland Clinic also adds that choosing the type of meat you consume can make a difference in your gallbladder health. Specifically, lean meats (like chicken or turkey) and fish have less saturated fat than red meat. Additionally, fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may also lower the risk of developing new or growing gallstones.
The American Heart Association recommends the following lean meat and fish options:
- Skinless or ground chicken
- Skinless or ground turkey
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Black cod
- Anchovies
- Sardines
Consider Low-Fat Dairy Options
According to Cleveland Clinic, you can still eat dairy if you’re experiencing gallstones or other gallbladder health concerns. However, it’s best to replace full-fat dairy options with low-fat dairy foods instead.
The American Cancer Society lists the following foods as good sources of low-fat dairy:
- Low-fat or fat-free milk
- Low-fat or fat-free cottage or cream cheese
- Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
While the list above offers several foods to consider if you have gallstones, if you’re looking for additional advice or suggestions, the best person to talk to is your healthcare provider. Everyone’s dietary needs are different, and your provider can help you figure out which foods are best for your gallstones and any other health conditions or food sensitivities you may have.
