Cholecystitis can be life-threatening and often involves removal of the gallbladder; however, treatment can also include adopting a cholecystitis diet.
Cholecystitis is essentially inflammation of the gallbladder. Gallstones that block the tube that leads out of the gallbladder cause cholecystitis. In the majority of cases, a blockage leads to a build-up of bile that triggers the inflammation. Bile duct problems, tumors, or certain infections can also cause cholecystitis.
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If left untreated, cholecystitis can cause serious complications, such as a ruptured gallbladder.
For those who may not know, the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ situated on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver.
Also read: What are the symptoms of acalculous cholecystitis? Types, prevalence, causes, and treatment
Foods to Eat for Cholecystitis
A cholecystitis diet is considered an important part of recovery for someone who has undergone surgery for the condition or for those who are experiencing symptoms of cholecystitis. Research suggests that a proper cholecystitis diet plan can help ease many symptoms.
Here are some of the best foods for cholecystitis:
Olive oil: Natural olive oil that is raw and unrefined is thought to be a good remedy for acute cholecystitis. About 30 ml of olive oil when you wake up in the morning is suggested. This can be followed by 100 ml of lemon juice or grapefruit juice to help eliminate waste and treat symptoms of cholecystitis.
Raw beetroot juice: This can cleanse your system. About 100 ml of beet juice each day is thought to be an effective dose for treating cholecystitis.
Black seed oil: This oil can lead to really loose stools, but when taken in moderation, it’s a good way to cleanse your system and treat cholecystitis.
Hemp: Adding just two teaspoons of hemp to your diet can be effective if you suffer from cholecystitis.
Lemon juice: This can be added to water or you can just squirt it on top of fish or chicken as part of a cholecystitis diet. The acid in lemon helps break down fatty acids in the bile that is digesting the food.
Vinegar: Like lemon juice, the acid in vinegar can break down fatty acids. Adding both lemon and vinegar to the diet can relieve symptoms of cholecystitis.
Avocados: The avocado fruit is among the foods to eat with cholecystitis because they contain essential oils that are both natural and rich in vitamins that the body needs.
Blackberries: Two servings of blackberries each day can provide nutrients to help the body function well. The berries are full of vitamins and fiber.
Lecithin Granules: This is a food additive that comes from various sources, including soy. It’s considered one of the cholecystitis foods to eat because it acts as an emulsifier or lubricant. It is also thought to have antioxidant power. Adding two teaspoons to your diet each day is suggested for cholecystitis treatment.
Dandelion: Drinking about 125 ml of dandelion juice each day is thought to help prevent acute cholecystitis symptoms.
Fiber: Foods that are high in fiber such as legumes, whole grains, beans, blackberries, lentils, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are part of the cholecystitis diet.
In addition to the above, several studies have suggested that a low-fat diet for cholecystitis is best. Those who maintain an ideal or normal weight and have a diet that is moderate in calories and low in fat seem to experience the best outcome in the long run.
Also read: Healthy gallbladder diet: Foods to eat and avoid for gallbladder problems
Foods to Avoid in a Cholecystitis Diet
Just as there are foods that can help you fight the symptoms of cholecystitis, there are foods to avoid. In the majority of situations, gallbladder inflammation occurs due to the formation of gallstones, so avoiding certain foods that can promote the forming of gallstones makes sense. If you have already been diagnosed with cholecystitis, the same foods that promote gallstones can aggravate or trigger symptoms of the condition.
Here are cholecystitis foods to avoid:
Alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to the formation of gallstones, and people who already suffer from an inflamed gallbladder need to avoid alcohol.
Fatty foods: Breaking down fats when you suffer from cholecystitis is hard for the digestive system. This is due to the fact that bile can’t travel to the stomach since the gallbladder is blocked from gallstone formation. Most people who are diagnosed with cholecystitis are told to follow a low-fat diet.
Red meat: This type of meat tends to have more fat content in it.
Eggs: Since eggs are high in cholesterol, they have the ability to aggravate the gallbladder.
Fried foods: These foods are high in saturated fat.
Dairy products: Dairy products such as ice cream can have high levels of animal fat. As we have suggested, this is linked to gallbladder complications.
Carbonated drinks and caffeine: Carbonated and caffeine-infused drinks can irritate the stomach.
Spicy foods: These foods tend to contain chili and black or red pepper, which can irritate an inflamed gallbladder.
Gassy foods: These foods, which include cabbage, peaches, cauliflower, and milk, can cause a lot of discomfort in people who have gallbladder problems.
Acidic foods: Tomato sauce and fruits such as oranges are highly acidic and can lead to abdominal discomfort if you have an inflamed gallbladder.
Crash diets: There is some evidence that suggests crash diets may cause cholecystitis.
High-fat processed foods: Donuts, cakes, and sweet rolls are examples of high-fat processed foods that should be avoided.
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It is important when you have cholecystitis to not overeat, as it can stress the bladder. It is also advisable to avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast since it can impact the bladder in a negative way. Eating a well-balanced diet as well as taking part in daily exercise is the best way to stay healthy.
If you experience severe pain in the upper right or center of your abdomen, pain that spreads to your right shoulder and back, tenderness in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever, it might be cholecystitis. It is interesting to note that a lot of people report signs of cholecystitis after a large meal that includes fatty foods.
Related:
- What causes a contracted gallbladder? Symptoms, treatment, home remedies
- Gallbladder pain: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
