Subject: Dietary Modifications for Gallstones

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Dietary Modifications for Gallstones

 

Some dietary modifications can make a big difference in managing

gallstones.

Dietary fats have been linked with gallstone formation,although

evidence is somewhat conflicting.

 

Most studies cite saturated fats (i.e., butter and margarine) as a

contributing factor vs.

monounsaturated fats (i.e., olive oil), which appears to play a

protective role.

safflower oil seems neither to cause nor prevent gallstones,

although some animal experiments indicate that the omega-3 class of

polyunsaturates (i.e., flaxseed oil) may prevent gallstones.

 

 

Paradoxically, some studies have shown certain fats actually protect

against stone formation

in humans. In one study, a majority of test subjects fed five to 10

organic eggs a day for six weeks experienced a decrease in their

cholesterol/bile acid ratio. This occurred despite a slight increase

in serum cholesterol levels.

 

 

Fiber may prevent gallstone formation-

 

Dietary fiber appears to deter the synthesis and absorption of

secondary bile acids (SBAs),

which are unhealthy bile metabolites that form in the intestinal

tract.

Certain SBAs have been linked with increased cholesterol saturation

of bile and thus gallstone formation.

 

Fiber not only allows less time for SBAs to form in the gut by

improving intestinal motility, it may also bind SBAs and escort them

out of the body.

Population research has confirmed that low-fiber diets predispose

toward gallstone formation.

 

Food allergies may have a connection to gallbladder symptoms.

In vitro and animal experiments from the 1920s showed pathological

changes in gallbladder tissue following exposure to certain food

antigens.

 

More recent research by J.C. Breneman, M.D., a pioneer in

food allergy research, found that allergy-elimination diets

dramatically improved gallbladder symptoms in 100 percent of his

test subjects.

The foods most likely to cause symptoms were pork, onions,

poultry, milk, coffee, oranges, and corn.

 

Breneman postulated that allergenic substances induce inflammation

of the biliary ducts, causing pain and possibly impairing bile flow.

 

Refined Sugar consumption may also pose a risk for gallstone

development.

Sugar promotes insulin secretion,which increases cholesterol

synthesis in the liver—a condition favoring stone formation.

 

Eating sugar is also related to elevated serum triglyceride

levels,which, in turn, is associated with

cholesterol saturation of bile.

 

Studies have consistently reported a higher prevalence

of gallstones in people with a sugary diet.

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