Nutrition Tips For Patients With A Removed Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a hollow organ that is located just below the lower surface of the liver. The bile produced by the liver is stored in it. When food enters the duodenum (the initial part of the small intestine), signals are made, which provoke a contraction of the gallbladder and, accordingly, the release of the accumulated amounts of bile juice. The function of bile juice is to process the fats ingested with food , thus ensuring their further absorption.

The most common causes that require surgical removal of the gallbladder are  cholelithiasis (formation of "stones" in the gallbladder) and tumors.

After removal of the gallbladder, the amount of bile produced accumulates in the bile duct. Its prolonged stay in it leads to inflammation of the inner surface of the canal and is a predisposing factor for the formation of gallstones ("stones"). This requires several diets.

It is recommended that the diet include at least five separate meals. The daily quantitative intake of food should be in accordance with the number of meals and should not exceed the recommended energy intake.

When food from the stomach enters the duodenum, the contraction of the bile ducts and, accordingly, the release of the accumulated bile juice is stimulated. Fatter foods lead to more intense contraction of the walls of the bile duct and the corresponding secretion of more bile.

It is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods rich in fat. Reducing does not mean completely excluding fats from the menu, but limiting the intake of  mainly animal fats , at the expense of those of vegetable origin.

Experts recommend limiting foods that are rich in extracts, as they are a strong chemical stimulus for the digestive system. Such are meat broths, mushrooms, and the so-called. "Animal trifles" (kidneys, heart, liver). Otherwise, their increased consumption can provoke prolonged spasms of the bile duct. Such spasms can be provoked by very hot or very cold foods and drinks, so it is recommended to avoid them.

It is incorrect to exclude the consumption of meat, as it provides the body with valuable amino acids. But it is recommended to limit certain types - pork, sheep, goat, at the expense of lower-fat meats - chicken, turkey, fish and beef.

Dairy products should also not be excluded from the menu, but it is important to choose those with lower fat content. Eggs do not belong to the forbidden foods , as they contain in addition to cholesterol and certain amounts of lecithin (related to the metabolism of fats in the body).

The way the food is prepared, and in particular the heat treatment, is important. It is important to avoid frying and grilling, at the expense of cooking, stewing and steaming.

In the first days after the operation, difficult to digest foods are avoided - the emphasis is on foods in the form of porridge, puree or cream soups. Gradually begins to diversify the menu, and for each patient it is individual - according to which foods create discomfort when consuming, their temporary restriction is assessed.

In the first days after the operation, some patients complain of bloating, gas and diarrhea. It is recommended to temporarily limit the consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as well as to exclude carbonated beverages. 3530