What Are the Dietary Restrictions for Those Who Have Had Gallstones?
After gallbladder stone surgery, the patient's physical condition is relatively poor, and they are also quite picky about their diet. At this time, it is first necessary to eat delicious foods, and also to understand some dietary taboos. There must be certain dietary restrictions to facilitate postoperative recovery. For example, foods with high cholesterol, high fat, and high calories are strictly forbidden after surgery. Let's take a brief look at some dietary taboos for patients who have undergone gallbladder stone surgery:
It is important to quit smoking and drinking to prevent bile stagnation and infection at the incision site, which can trigger recurrence of gallbladder disease.
Excessive sugar intake should be avoided as it can increase the concentration of calcium ions, oxalic acid, and acidity in the urine, leading to the precipitation of calcium urate and calcium oxalate, which can promote the formation of stones.
Drinking milk before bedtime should be avoided as milk contains a high amount of calcium, and most stones contain calcium salts. The most significant risk factor for stone formation is a sudden increase in calcium concentration in the urine for a short period of time. Two to three hours after drinking milk, calcium excretion through the kidneys peaks. If the person is asleep during this time, the urine becomes concentrated and more calcium is excreted through the kidneys, making it easier for stones to form.
It is important to limit the intake of fatty and spicy foods. High-fat diets can easily lead to elevated cholesterol levels and increase the risk of gallbladder stones. Foods rich in animal fats such as eggs, cream, butter, liver, and fish roe should be restricted. Additionally, spicy foods that stimulate gastric acid secretion should be avoided as they can stimulate gallbladder contraction and increase the risk of stone formation.
Reducing salt intake is important as a salty diet can increase the workload on the kidneys. Salt and calcium have a synergistic effect in the body and can interfere with the metabolism of drugs used to prevent and treat kidney stones. Daily salt intake should be less than 5 grams.
Foods that cause gas should be avoided, such as potatoes, celery, onions, radishes, leeks, soybeans, bamboo shoots, garlic, carbonated drinks, acidic juices, coffee, and cocoa. These foods can cause gas and discomfort.