Superfoods For Gallbladder Symptom Relief
You may have heard of a “gallbladder diet” which can be recommended or even prescribed to help people relieve gallbladder symptoms. There’s actually not one, agreed upon gallbladder diet but many ways that doctors and nutritionists know we can alter our diets to help relieve symptoms.
Certain irritants like alcohol, tobacco products and coffee are often advised against for people who are already dealing with gallbladder disease. High fat meals, fried food and sugary snacks or processed foods are also on the do-not-eat list because they aggravate an already malfunctioning gallbladder.
Aside from elimination of problem foods, if you want t get your liver and gallbladder in top shape, there are some very special foods and supplements that will not only ease discomfort from biliary sludge but may also help to dissolve gallstones and offer gallbladder treatment.
Fiber
The first superfood on our list is simple fiber, which keeps the digestive system moving. Fiber helps to move toxins out of the body but many of us do not consume enough dietary fiber so our digestive systems, designed to remove waste, are backed up. It is said that women should consume 25 grams of fiber per day and men, 38 grams.
Flax Seed
Flax seed makes an excellent fiber supplement, which is easily purchased and added to smoothies or cereal to consume daily. Flax seed also contains healthy fats which your body needs, and your gallbladder loves.
Avocados
The second superfood is avocados. They are not only high in healthy fats but high in potassium which is essential for adequate fluid balance and helps reduce the risk for thickened, sluggish bile.
Beans
The third superfood is beans and pulses. Natural foods that are high in protein and low in fat can replace much of the meat in our diet to help eliminate saturated fat. Lean meats in moderation along with the addition of beans can reduce gallbladder symptoms and ensure you consume enough protein, fiber and nutrients.
Oranges
The next gallbladder superfood is oranges. Vitamin C and other elements contained in citrus fruits may have a preventative effect on the gallbladder and prevent gallstone formation.
Bitter Greens
Bitter greens are the next superfood for gallbladder health. Many plants fall into this powerhouse category, including Okra, endives, artichoke, arugula, dandelion greens and more. These bitter green vegetables stimulate bile production and are excellent to consume before eating a high-fat meal. When bile production increases, the gallbladder is flushed out and sludge and stones less likely to remain inside.
Water
OK, this isn’t a food per se, but water is a key factor in healthy digestion and healthy body balance overall. Our bile production increases and is less likely to thicken when we’re consuming adequate water. Try lemon or apple cider vinegar to perk up your water and sip on lemon or apple cider vinegar mixed in water to get immediate relief of gallbladder symptoms.
Beets
Beets are an important gallbladder superfood. They contain betaine which helps protect the liver and increase bile flow. Beets can be juiced, added to smoothies, baked or shredded on salads; these red veggies offer strong gallbladder support.
Sauerkraut
Last but not least, sauerkraut is a gut and gallbladder-friendly superfood. Probiotics in other fermented foods like miso, kombucha and kimchi can help balance gut flora which helps keep digestion moving effectively.
