Gallstones are a disease that, due to its symptoms, can take some time to detect. You may not even take into account that you can suffer from this alteration in the body, but from now on it is important that you learn what it is and how you can deal with it.
The gallbladder is an organ that is part of the digestive system. and is located on the right side of the body, very close to the abdominal cavity. It’s small, but its function has been essential ever since It is responsible for storing bile, a liquid that helps digestion take place properly.
In this article we will find out the reasons why gallstones appear and what kind of diet we should follow to prevent and eliminate them.
Gallstones
Regard crystals or deposits that form and settle in the gallbladder. This situation causes discomfort when the size of the pieces increases.
Their sizes vary in large proportions. The smallest reach the size of a grain of sand and the largest a golf ball.
Symptoms
The signs that this condition throws are so common that they can make it difficult to detect. Be careful, as it can be confused with indigestion. Symptoms, second study published in Nature reviewsI am:
- Pain on deep inhalation.
- Abdominal colic.
- Pain on the right side of the chest which can expand the right shoulder or in the back.
- Nausea and vomit.
- Fever: usually appears when there is already an infection.
- Flatulence.
- pale feces
- Jaundice. You will take on a yellow color due to the retention of bile, which is also of this color.
Causes
There are several reasons that can cause gallstones. We can mention the following:
- When substances such as cholesterol, calcium bilirubin or calcium carbonate crystallize or harden.
- Obesity, why with this condition, more cholesterol is secreted into the bile.
- A sedentary lifestyle, with a diet rich in calories and carbohydrates. They are also causes that develop obesity. Indeed I know they proved the relationship between poor body composition and a higher risk of developing this disorder.
- Miracle diets. The ones that help you lose 10 kilos a week. The sudden change favors the development of gallstones or causes those already formed to increase in size and become symptomatic.
Some data
According to the study Gallstones and their complications the prevalence of gallstones in Western countries is between 10 and 20% of the population.
Furthermore, it is specified that although in most cases there are no notable symptoms, in many others there are, and complications also occur. Out of curiosity, gallstones according to research older people and women are more affected.
Diet for patients with gallstones
Eating a balanced diet is essential for coping a gallbladder crisis. It’s convenient for mechange eating habits. During these days of suffering you must eat the following:
- All the vegetables you want. It is better if they are cooked: this way their digestion will be easier.
- Fruits, except coconut and avocado.
- All whole grains because they are rich in fiber. Consider pasta, rice or whole grain bread.
- Lean meats. Grill them. If it’s chicken, leave it skinless.
- Milk or its derivatives, but which are skimmed.
- Waterfall.
- Fruit juice.
Cooking methods
Each of these foods should be steamed or broiled, as the main objective is to eliminate fat. Precisely foods that provide a high fat content are the ones that should be excluded from the diet. This is demonstrated by a study published in Hospital nutrition. Watch out for the following foods:
- Fatty meats: sausages, ribs, goose or duck meat.
- Oily fish: sardines, salmon or tuna.
- Oilseeds: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, chestnuts.
- Whole milk and other derivatives such as yogurt or cottage cheese, fatty cheeses.
- Viscera: kidney, heart, liver, tripe.
- Animal fat.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sweets: biscuits, chocolates, puff pastries.
- Prepared sauces.
How to prevent gallstones with diet?
A balanced diet is the principle to prevent any disease. In this case, it’s no different. Here we give you some suggestions:
- Consume monounsaturated fats in moderate portions. For example, extra virgin olive oil.
- Eat lecithin, as it helps keep cholesterol levels low. It is found in 100% cocoa or black, egg, soy and milk chocolates.
- Accompany your afternoons with a turmeric herbal tea. Curcumin is an antioxidant that promotes digestion, liver metabolism, reduces inflammation and prevents the formation of gallstones.
- do exercise. This way you avoid a sedentary lifestyle and all the problems that this entails.
Improving your diet to avoid gallstones
Consult a specialist if you have any questions. Also, go to the consultation as soon as you feel any of the symptoms we have indicated before. It’s best to make sure everything is fine. Keep in mind that a good diet is the best prevention.
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