A Better Diet Can Help to Manage Gallbladder Disease
The term “gallbladder disease” refers to several conditions that affect the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that is located under the liver. The gallbladder may just be a small organ, but it plays an important function in the digestive system. It stores the bile produced by the liver and passes it along the small intestine where it is used for digesting fats.
Symptoms of a gallbladder disease vary and depend largely on the type of gallbladder disease a person has. Those with gallstones may be asymptomatic or may complain of sudden pain on the upper right quadrant or at the center of the abdomen, back pain between the shoulder blades, pain on the right shoulder, nausea, and vomiting. Cholecystitis, the most common type of gallbladder disease, may manifest through fever, nausea, vomiting, different-colored stool, and jaundice. In some gallbladder diseases, like gallbladder gangrene, a person may complain of fever, low blood pressure, and disorientation.
Lifestyle and Gallbladder Disease
There are a number of factors that can increase one’s risk of developing gallbladder disease. These include a family history and gender. Gallbladder disease is more common in women than in men. While these factors are things that you can’t control, there are other areas in your life that you can modify.
Being overweight is another risk factor for developing gallbladder disease. Both diet and physical activity can contribute to the development of gallbladder disease. A diet high in fat and cholesterol, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, can increase one’s risk of developing gallbladder disease.
Better Diet to Manage Gallbladder Disease
A low-fat diet is shown to provide relief for the symptoms of gallbladder disease. With this type of diet, the gallbladder is not triggered to release bile into the small intestine. Small portions of healthy food can help reduce the occurrence of the symptoms of a gallbladder disease. At the start, keeping a food journal may help to find out which food can trigger certain symptoms.
An ideal diet for someone with gallbladder disease is one that consists of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, low-fat dairy products, food high in fiber – such as wholegrain products, meat or protein alternatives, and plenty of fluids.
If you are experiencing common symptoms or think you may have a gallbladder disease, it may be time to seek medical advice. Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville specializes in treating diseases that affect different areas of the body, including the digestive tract.
Learn more about a Cholecystectomy on our website, or schedule your consultation here.