The gall bladder is a non-vital organ that assists the process of digestion. It is a small pear-shaped organ located near the liver and stores the bile produced by the liver. The gall bladder releases bile into the digestive system to break down fats in the food consumed. Often, the functioning of the gall bladder is affected and gall stones form in the organ, blocking the duct leading to the stomach. This is because the liquid stored in the gallbladder becomes hardened as small pieces of stone.
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Obesity hinders gall bladder functioning and therefore should be controlled. Fasting may hamper gallbladder movement, resulting in the bile becoming over-concentrated with cholesterol, causing the formation of gallstones. People above the age of 60 are more prone to become victims of gall stones.
Without the bile necessary to digest fats efficiently, the gastrointestinal system is adversely affected. The common symptoms of gall bladder affliction are pain, pressure in the abdomen, and abdominal bloating. Although surgery is an option, gall stones can be cured through medication and diet.
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Cooking Techniques for gall stone diet
Since gall stones mean that the body is unable to digest fats, the patient should completely avoid all foods containing fats like butter, mayonnaise, cream, and margarine. Simple cooking techniques like steaming, broiling, and sautéing should be used over deep frying techniques.
Foods to be avoided in Gall Stones
Once diagnosed with gall stones and also post-surgery, the following foods should be avoided:-Butter, margarine, cheese, vegetable oil, all types of cooking oils, lard, suet, grease and fat from meat and Fish Fatty Meat, oily fish, corned beef or tinned Milk and Dairy Products Full cream milk, fat-filled cheese, yogurt, and cheese.
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Foods to be included in Gall Stones diet
- Salads and steamed vegetables should be cooked using limited quantities of extra virgin olive, sesame, or pumpkin seed oils.
- Low-fat dairy items like yogurt, milk, and cheese. Soy substitutes for dairy products should be included wherever possible.
- Tuna, Salmon, and Mackerel are excellent sources of essential Omega 3 fats.
- Flaxseeds are good sources of omega-3 acids.
- Beetroot contains betaine and is excellent to detoxify the liver and improve its functioning.
- Cabbage, carrots, and sweet potatoes are excellent to detoxify the liver and thin bile.
- Berries can help digestive function and can be used as a dessert after every meal.
- Wholegrain like wheat, millets, oats, and brown rice are good sources of proteins and fiber. These grains are easy to digest and ease pressure on the liver.
- 8-10 glasses of water are absolutely essential to ensure hydration of the body. The health of the digestive system depends on the adequate consumption of water.
- Light exercise helps improve the function of all organs and glands.
- Herbs and spices like ginger carom and curry leave that aid digestion is good for gall stones.