What is good to eat for gallstones?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Patients with gallbladder stones should primarily observe the following dietary guidelines:

First, it is particularly important for patients with gallbladder stones to avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, barbecues, and garlic. A diet primarily composed of mild foods, supplemented by fresh vegetables and fruits, can better control the onset of the condition.

Second, patients with gallbladder stones can also appropriately include protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, and fish in their diet to enhance their immunity.

Third, patients with gallbladder stones should avoid foods high in cholesterol and fats, such as animal offal and fatty meats. These foods might cause the stones to increase in size and lead to recurrent right upper abdominal pain and discomfort, thus requiring attention.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Causes of gallstones

The main cause of gallstones is attributed to diet, with cholesterol stones being the most common type among patients. Therefore, individuals who consume foods high in fats and cholesterol, such as offal and fatty meats, are more prone to developing gallstones. Of course, the formation of gallstones is also closely related to genetic and environmental factors. Treatment of gallstones primarily depends on the presence or absence of symptoms. Patients with small gallstones usually do not exhibit noticeable symptoms and do not require special treatment, but should regularly undergo follow-up ultrasound examinations to monitor any changes. However, patients with symptomatic gallstones need to have their gallbladder surgically removed to achieve a cure.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can gallstones turn into cancer?

If gallstones are not treated promptly, the probability of developing gallbladder cancer is higher than in healthy individuals. Long-term untreated gallstones can irritate the gallbladder, leading to decreased gallbladder function and causing cancerous changes. Chronic thickening of the gallbladder wall can occur from prolonged episodes of gallstones, worsening inflammation, which can lead to more severe inflammation of the gallbladder mucosa and result in cancerous changes. In fact, gallstones are an important factor in the development of gallbladder cancer. However, not all patients with gallbladder cancer have gallstones, but clinically, about 70% of patients with gallbladder cancer have concurrent gallstones. Therefore, even if patients with gallstones do not exhibit symptoms, they should be particularly cautious and undergo regular physical examinations annually to detect problems early and treat them promptly.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What will happen if gallstones worsen?

For patients with gallstones, if exacerbation occurs, they will exhibit significant pain in the upper right abdomen, and may even experience radiating pain in the right shoulder, scapular area, and back, severely affecting the quality of life. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension among other gastrointestinal symptoms. Thus, patients with these symptoms should undergo surgery as soon as possible. The primary treatment for gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it has the advantages of a small incision, minimal injury, and faster recovery, making it often the first choice in clinical settings. Additionally, it is still necessary for postoperative patients to avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery from the condition.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is it normal to feel nauseous with gallstones?

Patients with gallstones experiencing nausea and vomiting is normal, as gallstones often cause acute cholecystitis, leading to pain and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. At this time, it may also affect the stomach causing nausea and vomiting, so it is advisable to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible. Once the inflammation is controlled, the condition can be alleviated. When nausea and vomiting occur, it is also advisable to fast for gastrointestinal decompression, which can better alleviate the condition. Additionally, after returning to a normal diet, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and aid in the relief of the condition. If symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery should be considered as soon as possible.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What should I do if gallstones cause my complexion to turn yellow?

If a patient with gallstones presents with yellowing of the skin, jaundice has occurred. When jaundice appears, it is often a secondary obstructive jaundice. In such cases, the patient will display symptoms such as lighter stool color, darker urine color, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes due to jaundice. Therefore, at this point, the only treatment for the patient is surgery, which typically involves laparoscopic cholecystectomy. By removing the gallbladder, a definitive cure can often be achieved. In severe cases, some cholesterol-lowering medications may be used for symptomatic treatment, but generally, symptoms can be alleviated after surgical removal.