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Cholecystitis Diet

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder that is associated with jaundice, gallstones or pancreatitis. The gallbladder releases bile into the gastrointestinal tract to aid in the digestion of fats. Cholecystitis can prevent the gallbladder from functioning properly. Ninety-percent of cholecystitis cases are associated with gallstones. This condition can cause nausea, vomiting, right upper abdominal pain and right upper back pain.

  1. High Fat

    • Avoiding fatty foods, such as fried foods and high-fat meats, may prevent the formation of gallstones, which might lead to cholecystitis. Eliminating fat can also reduce symptoms.

    Alcohol

    • Excessive alcohol intake can increase one's risk for gallstones and cholecystitis. Cholecystitis caused by alcohol consumption might also be associated with pancreatitis.

    Gastric Irritants

    • Certain foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and exacerbate symptoms of cholecystitis. These include spicy foods like hot peppers and wasabi, so Mexican and Japanese foods can be culprits. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda can also exacerbate symptoms.

    Weight Loss

    • Healthy weight maintenance is excellent prevention for the formation of cholecystitis. It is advised to not lose more than one to two pounds per week.

    Crash Diets

    • Crash diets--losing excessive weight over a short period of time--are attributed to the formation of gallstones and cholecystitis.

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