Diet for a Gallstones Patient
Two types of gallstones are possible: cholesterol stones, made of hardened cholesterol, and pigment stones, comprised of bilirubin. There also are two main views about diets for gallstone patients: the conventional Western medical view that gallstones cannot be treated or eliminated by diet, and the alternative medicine view which says they can.
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Western Medical Viewpoint
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Development of gallstones may be associated with a diet that is low in fiber, and high in fats and refined carbohydrates, according to the University of Pennsylvania Health System. However, medical doctors generally do not believe that eliminating these substances from a person's diet will eliminate gallstones that already exist.
Food Diary
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If the gallstone condition is not serious, a diet change is worth a try. The first step is keeping a food diary, because different foods cause problems for different people.
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Beverages
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Drinking enough water is very important, as recommended in a general healthy diet to be six to eight cups a day. Fresh organic vegetable juices, particularly beet and cucumber juice, are also part of a gallstones elimination diet.
Vegetables and Fruit
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Other recommended vegetables include green beans, okra, Swiss chard and other greens, celery, carrots and sweet potatoes. Recommended fruits include avocados, artichokes, grapes, apples, lemons, berries, papaya, pears and prunes.
Main Problem Foods
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The primary problem foods for gallstones patients are eggs, pork, onions, poultry, dairy products, coffee, oranges, grapefruit, corn, beans and nuts.
Other Considerations
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Other foods to avoid include hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, trans fats, saturated fats, red meat, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, white flour, cabbage, cauliflower, radishes and turnips.
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