The gallbladder stores and thickens the corrosive bile produced by the liver. This is crucial for normal fat digestion. Those who want to prevent gallstones or other gallbladder diseases should consume foods that are beneficial for gallbladder health.
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What is the function of the gallbladder?
The gallbladder serves primarily as a receptacle for bile produced in the liver. As we eat, the liver directs bile into the small intestine, where the bile acid is needed for healthy fat digestion. However, small amounts of bile are also produced when no freshly fed food needs to be digested. This bile is then temporarily stored in the gallbladder until needed. In addition to bile acid, the corrosive bile also contains salts, cholesterol and dye. Eating too many unhealthy foods increases the risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease. Gallstones consist mainly of cholesterol accumulations, bile pigments, salts and calcium.
Not only those who regularly suffer from gallbladder problems, but also those who want to support the health of the gallbladder should pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet. The following foods are particularly good for bile health.
These foods are especially good for the gallbladder
1. Whole grains and oat bran
Carbohydrates stimulate the formation of cholesterol in the body. Since cholesterol is also part of the bile, a high carbohydrate diet can lead to increased accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Gallstones form over time. Usually these are not a concern. However, particularly large or many smaller stones together sometimes cause blockages in the gallbladder. This becomes noticeable through colic, cramps in the abdomen and upper abdominal pain. So avoid carbohydrates from wheat. Much better are whole grain products and especially oat bran , which contains significantly more fiber than oatmeal .
2. Fish and Seafood
A low-fat diet is recommended for gall bladder problems. If little or no fat is digested with the bile, essential fatty acids cannot be absorbed by the intestines. Make sure you eat a diet rich in good fatty acids. Fish is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are also responsible for lowering cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of gallstone formation.
3. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins
The liver needs enough vitamin C to produce bile acid. If you suffer from gallbladder problems, you should consume enough fruit and vegetables with vitamin C. The richest are spinach, peppers, Brussels sprouts and citrus fruits. Some fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, K, D, and E cannot be adequately absorbed through the digestive system if you have bile problems. Here, a diet with carrots, sweet potatoes, flaxseed and broccoli is recommended. These foods provide many of the vitamins that sufferers of bile ailments lack.
4. Low-fat foods
If you suffer from bile problems, you should definitely pay attention to a low-fat diet. Low-fat foods not only relieve symptoms of gallbladder problems, they also reduce the risk of developing gallstones. So cut out greasy foods, fried foods or ingredients that have been fried in fat. Trans fats in particular should be avoided. In particular, focus on foods that are beneficial to the gallbladder, such as low-fat milk and healthy omega-3 fatty acids from nuts, flaxseed, and fish.
