Do You Experience Gallbladder Pain After Eating?
The gallbladder is one of the most underappreciated organs in the human body. In fact the average person does not even know it location, nor its function is and frankly don’t care to know, at least until there is a problem. As a result, it may be difficult to seek effective gallbladder pain relief when problems occur.
Gallbladder pain typically occurs when something is slowing down or blocking the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.
Gallstones are the most common type of issue to result in gallbladder pain.
Also known as cholelithiasis, small or large stones that develop inside the gallbladder can block or slow down the passage of bile through the bile ducts. When this happens, the high concentration of certain components in the bile cause the gallbladder to become inflamed, as well as create pressure and discomfort in the ducts.
When gallstones develop and lead to inflammation, this is usually characterized by a chronic ache or severe pain, particularly after eating a large fat-heavy meal.
You may need gallbladder pain relief after meals if you consume a lot of fried and high-fat foods. Deep-fried, high cholesterol and spicy food all challenge a sluggish gallbladder and shift the balance of cholesterol in the bile or irritate the gallbladder tissue.
Often the pain or nausea felt within an hour of eating is a clear indication that the gallbladder is struggling. This is because the gallbladder is forced to work overtime to process the foods that have been consumed, yet it may be too inflamed to contract efficiently or may be filled with hard stones made up of cholesterol deposits and debris.
If one of those small, hard stones shifts position and blocks a bile ducts, the resulting pain is typically extreme and can last between 15 minutes and several hours. When this occurs, people may also spike a fever and experience chills. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may also occur along with acid reflux and heartburn, especially after consuming a high fat meal.
Although making changes alone may not dissolve existing gallstones, eating a healthy, balanced diet with reduced fat intake can help provide gallbladder pain relief.
For those whose diet is comprised mainly of fatty foods high in cholesterol, it is likely that the pain that occurs after eating could be related to their gallbladder. Luckily, there are natural ways to prevent these issues from occurring and keeping gallbladder pain at bay.
It is highly recommended to avoid excess fat and cholesterol rich foods. Highly processed food, deep-fried and spicy food can exacerbate an existing issue.
You can replace those items with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean meats to boost digestive function and promote liver health.
Reducing risk factors such as excess alcohol or cigarette use, obesity, hormone medications and inactive lifestyles can all help to turn things around for gallbladder pain and dysfunction.
If you know that you experience digestive upset or pain after most meals, this may be a good time to try eliminating some of the common culprits and see if gallbladder pain relief can be taken into your own hands.
