Diet tips for a healthy gallbladder

Foods to eat

A 2021 study found that certain foods can help protect against gallstone disease, including:

• foods high in monounsaturated fats
• foods high in fiber
• fish
• vegetables high in protein
• foods rich in vitamin C

Monounsaturated fats

Monounsaturated fats help reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup in the gallbladder can cause gallstones.

Examples of foods high in monounsaturated fats includeTrusted Source:

• avocados
• peanut butter
• almonds
• pecans
• pumpkin seeds
• sesame seeds
• hazelnuts
• some oils, including:
  • olive oil
  • canola oil
  • sesame oil
  • peanut oil
  • safflower oil

Learn about types of fat.

Fiber

Fiber supports digestive health, and it may help reduce the risk of gallstones.

A person should aim for at least 28 grams (g)Trusted Source of fiber per day. The following table shows examples of fiber content per standard portionTrusted Source of different foods.

Learn more about foods high in fiber.

Fish and fish oil

A 2019 studyTrusted Source suggests that people with a diet rich in fish oil are less likely to develop gallstones than those who do not consume a lot of fish oil. This may be because omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may help protect against the development of gallstones.

While oily fish generally contains more omega-3s than white fish, white fish may be better for protecting the gallbladder as it is lower in fat.

Examples of white fish that can provide a good source of omega-3 include:

• halibut
• sea bass
• sea bream
• turbot

Learn more about omega-3 and fish oil.

Vegetables high in protein

Protein is essential for the repair and growth of body tissues. Red meat and dairy products are good sources of protein, but they can also be high in fat. A high fat intake can have an adverse effect on the gallbladder.

Vegetables high in protein may be a better option when focusing on gallbladder health. These can include:

• beans, such as kidney, black, and fava beans
• peas, such as chickpeas, split peas, and black-eyed peas
• lentils

Foods rich in vitamin C

Foods that contain high levels of vitamin C may help protect the gallbladder. There may be some connection between low levels of vitamin C and the amount of cholesterol in the gallbladder, though more research is necessary.

Examples of foods rich in vitamin C include:

• oranges
• grapefruit
• strawberries
• cantaloupe
• kiwifruit
• red pepper
• green pepper
• broccoli
• tomatoes

Learn more about foods high in vitamin C.

Foods to avoid

Some foods may increase the risk of developing gallbladder disorders such as gallstones. These include:

• foods with highly refined sugars
• foods high in fructose
• foods high in saturated fat
• fast food

Consuming low amounts of fiber and vitamin C may also increase the risk of gallbladder disease or gallstones.

Examples of foods a person may wish to limit include:

• fried meat
• fried eggs
• oily fish
• fatty processed meats, such as:
  • sausages
  • burgers
  • bacon
  • lamb
• full fat dairy products, such as:
  • milk
  • yogurt
  • ice cream
  • butter
  • cream
  • hard cheese
• pizza
• pastries
• cakes
• cookies

Where possible, a person should try to choose low fat options of the foods they consume.

Diet after gallbladder removal

Following gallbladder removal, a doctor may advise a person to consume foods high in fiber to help manage temporary side effects, such as gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Foods that may be beneficial include:

• fruits and vegetables
• brown rice
• wholemeal bread

A person’s doctor will provide them with more information about any dietary changes they may need to make following gallbladder removal.

Learn more about diets after gallbladder removal.

Gallstone flush

A gallbladder cleanse, flush, or detox is a dietary trend that scientistsTrusted Source have described as “misleading.”

Supporters say it can reset the gallbladder, flush out gallstones, improve digestive health, and enhance its function. Anecdotal accounts suggest it involves consuming a restricted diet and then taking Epsom salts, olive oil, and lemon juice.

There is little evidence to support this trend, and experts say such recommendations may be dangerous.

Some people have reported seeing “stones” leave the body in stools, but analysis has shown these to be clumps of oil and lemon juice.

Summary

A high fiber diet may be beneficial for gallbladder health and reducing the risk of gallstones. A person may also choose to consume a diet rich in white fish, vegetables high in protein, and sources of vitamin C.

It is best to eat monounsaturated fats and avoid saturated fats. A person should also avoid fried foods and foods high in fructose or refined sugars.

A person can contact their doctor or a registered dietitian for more advice on foods to eat and avoid.