Diet And Lifestyle Tips For A Healthy Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver. Its primary function is to collect and store bile from your liver, which it squeezes into your small intestine to help digest food, especially those with a high fat content. Unfortunately, if you don’t take care of your gallbladder properly, it can lead to severe issues, such as cancer and gallstones.

In this guide, you’ll find some diet and lifestyle tips that can help you keep your gallbladder healthy and functioning correctly.

Watch your diet

The foods you eat significantly impact how your gallbladder functions. That’s why it’s imperative to stick to a healthy and nutritious diet that doesn’t aggravate your gallbladder. Some of the foods you should eat include:

• Tomatoes

• Nuts

• Beans

• Lentils

• Citrus fruits

• Bell peppers

• Sardines

• Low-fat dairy

Experts recommend including a range of plant foods in your diet as they provide nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Additionally, plant-based foods are a good source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which may help prevent gallbladder diseases. Other foods to include in your diet are lean protein, fibre, and healthy fats, such as oils from fish.

It’s vital to avoid high-fat and high processed foods because they’re more difficult to break down, increasing your likelihood of developing gallbladder problems. Similarly, avoid or moderate refined white foods, such as bread and pasta and vegetable or peanut oil.

Live a healthy lifestyle

Your lifestyle significantly impacts your gallbladder health and overall health. For instance, if you smoke often, you increase your chances of developing various cancers, including gallbladder cancer.

Changing your lifestyle habits for the better goes a long way in maintaining your health and the proper function of your gallbladder. You can achieve this by staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. You don’t have to exercise every day of the week, but a simple walk, run or swim every other day is sufficient to keep your body active.

If you’re obese or overweight, avoid taking extreme measures to lose bodyweight rapidly. It can cause your gallbladder to work harder than usual, resulting in severe health conditions. Instead, work with a specialist who can help you lose weight correctly.

If you have any more questions regarding gallbladder health, contact our consultants here at Birmingham HPB Clinic today.