Food For People With Gall Bladder Stones

What are Gall Bladder Stones?

The gall bladder is an organ on the right side of the abdomen and is located below the liver. It stores the digestive juice (bile) secreted by your liver, which is then released into the small intestine to help break down fats. Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones, which are solid deposits formed in the gall bladder. These occur in a range of sizes and can be single or multiple in number.  

The symptoms of gall bladder stones may include abdominal pain, indigestion, back pain, fever, and vomiting¹. In case you experience any of these symptoms for over a few hours or repeatedly, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.  

Remember, diet can play an important role in managing the symptoms of many conditions, including gall bladder stones. So, what should you eat and what foods should you avoid when you have gall bladder stones? 

As a doctor, I advise individuals with gallstones to incorporate foods rich in vitamin B and iron into their diet. Some examples may include whole grains, dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, and sea vegetables. These nutrient-rich foods may provide essential vitamin B and iron, which are important for maintaining overall health. 

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Foods that You Should Eat

A healthy diet may not help to fight all the symptoms of gall bladder stones or save you from surgery; however, it may help avoid worsening of the symptoms. This article aims to provide a guideline on what foods you should include in your diet to help reduce the stress on your gall bladder. We recommend consulting a doctor and a nutritionist for an appropriate meal plan. 

1. Plant-based Foods

It is common knowledge that plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, which are essential for the body to stay healthy and functional. They also provide an ample amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These antioxidants help remove toxins and free radicals produced by natural processes and processed food. A build-up of toxins can break down the body’s natural balance and cause cell damage. Plant-based foods offer the nutrition needed to get better and help reduce the stress on the digestive system². Another advantage is that plant-based foods decrease the risk of cholesterol, which may help manage gallbladder stones associated with cholesterol. 

As a piece of advice that I consistently offer to patients with gallstones, I recommend basing their meals on starchy carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes. By focusing on these wholesome carbohydrates, individuals with gallstones may create a nourishing and gallstone-friendly diet that promotes good health that contributes to a better you⁹!

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

2. Lean Protein

Including a source of protein that is low in saturated fat might help lower the levels of bad cholesterol in our bodies. Red meat, a good source of protein, is high in fat, which can put stress on the gall bladder. Thus, choosing lean protein sources might help you manage the symptoms of gall bladder stones. Some common options are: 

• Low-fat milk and dairy products. 
• Nuts and seeds like almonds. 
• Dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk and soy milk. 

You should avoid dairy products and also processed meats as they generally have higher salt content. According to a study published in the database of the National Institutes of Health, a higher intake of vegetable protein might help lower the risk of gall bladder conditions³. 

Based on my personal experience, I have found a great way to add more fruits to a gallstone-friendly diet. I recommend including fruits like bananas, berries, or a handful of dried fruit in your breakfast cereal. By doing so, you may enjoy a delicious and nutritious start to your day while ensuring you incorporate the benefits of fruits into your diet.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

3. Fibre-rich Foods

Fibre is essential for good digestive health and enhances the movement of food through our gut. Thus, fibre-rich foods help lower the production of secondary bile acids, which can help decrease the stress on the gall bladder. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, a high-fibre diet helped decrease the production of biliary sludge (thick bile that can form gallstones)⁴. An increase in the amount of this sludge means an increase in the risk of gall bladder diseases. Thus, people who follow a fibre-rich diet might be at a reduced risk of gallbladder stones. It also suggests that a fibre-rich diet might offer relief to people affected with gall bladder stones. Some sources of fibre are:- 

• Whole fruits and vegetables 
• Legumes like lentils and chickpea 
• Nuts, seeds and whole grains 

4. Vitamin C

According to a hospital case study published by the National Library of Medicine, vitamin C, magnesium, and folate can help reduce the risk of gall bladder diseases and improve your gall bladder health⁵. Some sources high in vitamin C are:- 

• Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits 
• Vegetables like broccoli and red and green peppers 
• Other fruits like kiwis and strawberries 

As part of a gallstone-friendly diet, I may suggest incorporating healthy fats such as fish oil. It may help support the regular contraction and emptying of the gallbladder⁸. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Foods You Should Avoid

Now that we know about what foods we should include in our diet for a healthy gall bladder, let us look at foods we should avoid. 

1. Refined Bread and Carbohydrates

Unrefined carbohydrates are considered to be healthy and some sources, like whole grains and cereals, can provide essential nutrients. However, refined carbohydrates are more difficult to digest and may increase the risk of gall bladder diseases⁶. Some carbohydrates that you need to steer clear of are:- 

• Processed baked items 
• Added sugars, sweeteners, and chocolates 
• White flour and refined grains 

2. Saturated and Trans Fats

The bile produced in the gall bladder helps dissolve fats. However, it is difficult to break down saturated and trans fats, which may add to the stress on the gall bladder². Some major sources of unhealthy fats are:- 

• Processed meats and red meat 
• Dairy products (excluding low-fat dairy products) 
• Processed and fried foods 
• Candies, chocolates, and ice cream 

Some Tips for Fast Recovery After Gall Bladder Removal

Despite taking precautions, in some cases, the gallbladder may still need to be removed. Removal of the gall bladder does not have any serious adverse effects on the body’s digestive system. However, other body systems will take time to adjust, during which the individual must make certain dietary changes to accommodate the body’s condition. Some common tips include:- 

• Eat smaller but frequent meals. 
• Reduce fat intake and consume low-fat alternatives. 
• Avoid caffeine, spicy food and anything that might upset your digestive system. 
• Consume easy-to-digest light meals. 

Always be sure to consult your doctor if you have nausea and pain. 

Also Read: Top Non Dairy Calcium Rich Foods to Add to Your Daily Diet

Conclusion

The management of gall bladder stones primarily depends on adopting a balanced, plant-based diet with lean proteins, fibre-rich foods, and adequate vitamin C. Removing refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats from your diet may help you avoid further stone formation. After gall bladder removal, eating smaller, lighter meals and allowing your digestive system time to adjust may help support faster recovery and long-term digestive health. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Jones MW, Weir CB, Marietta M. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; [cited 2025 Sep 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459370/ 
2. Naseri K, Saadati S, Asadzadeh-Aghdaei H, Hekmatdoost A, Sadeghi A, Sobhani SR, Abhari K, Bahrami A, Rahimi Sakak F, Jamshidfar N, Zali M. Healthy Dietary Pattern Reduces Risk of Gallstones: Results of a Case-Control Study in Iran. Int J Prev Med. 2022 Apr 8;13:66. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35706852/
3. Lander EM, Wertheim BC, Koch SM, Chen Z, Hsu CH, Thomson CA. Vegetable protein intake is associated with lower gallbladder disease risk: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative prospective cohort. Prev Med. 2016 Jul;88:20-6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27009631/ 
4. Tehrani AN, Saadati S, Yari Z, Salehpour A, Sadeghi A, Daftari G, Ghorbani M, Hekmatdoost A. Dietary fiber intake and risk of gallstone: a case-control study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2023 Apr 11;23(1):119. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10091554/ 
5. Walcher T, Haenle MM, Kron M, Hay B, Mason RA, Walcher D, Steinbach G, Kern P, Piechotowski I, Adler G, Boehm BO, Koenig W, Kratzer W; EMIL study group. Vitamin C supplement use may protect against gallstones: an observational study on a randomly selected population. BMC Gastroenterol. 2009 Oct 8;9:74. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2763865/ 
6. Thornton JR, Emmett PM, Heaton KW. Diet and gall stones: effects of refined and unrefined carbohydrate diets on bile cholesterol saturation and bile acid metabolism. Gut. 1983 Jan;24(1):2-6. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1419917/ 
7. Wu W, Pei Y, Wang J, et al. Association of dietary quality indicators with gallstones in the US: NHANES 2017–2020. BMC Public Health. 2025;25:976. Available from: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-21783-8 
8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Gallstones [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): NIDDK; [cited 2025 Nov 06]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/eating-diet-nutrition
9. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Dietary advice for patients with gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder [Internet]. Cambridge: CUH NHS FT; [cited 2025 Nov 06]. Available from: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/dietary-advice-for-patients-with-gallstones/

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