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Bland Diet for Biliary Colic

Biliary colic is pain from blockages in the bile ducts. You may be able to relieve biliary colic by following a bland diet, or you may be asked to follow a special diet preparing for or recovering from gall bladder surgery. If you suffer from biliary colic, talk with your doctor about the specific diet you should follow. Do not make dietary or medication changes without consulting with your doctor first.

  1. Low-Fat Foods

    • Your bland diet should not include rich, fatty foods, but it should include some healthy fats. Digesting a low-fat diet is easier than digesting a fat-free diet when you have gallbladder problems. You also need fats to metabolize certain vitamins. Your doctor will tell you the amount of fat your diet should contain; you may be instructed in terms of total grams per day or meal, or given a percentage of your total calories that may come from fat. Limit saturated fats and choose healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats instead. Avoid fried foods and fatty cuts of meat.

    Spicy and Acidic Foods

    • Avoid consuming very spicy food. Spices can be irritating to the digestive system, and yours is already taxed. Choose foods with more moderate savory flavors instead. You should also avoid acidic foods, including citrus fruits, alcohol, onions and carbonated beverages.

    Hydration

    • Hydration is an important part of a bland diet for biliary colic. Adequate fluid intake can help flush existing gall stones from your body and help prevent new ones from forming. Avoid caffeine, chocolate and soda. Drink water, juice except citrus juice and low-fat milk if permitted.

    Caloric Intake

    • If you are overweight, you may be asked to restrict your caloric intake gradually. Biliary colic sometimes results from very rapid weight loss. If you need to lose weight, your doctor may have you use a moderate approach to lose weight slowly and gradually. You may also be instructed to eat several smaller meals throughout the day; symptoms of biliary colic can be more pronounced when you are very hungry.

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