Gallstones Diet

Updated: 14-04-2025

Did you know about the Gallstones Diet?

Gallstones are also known as cholelithiasis.

Gallstones are solid particles that are formed from the bile in the gallbladder.

80% of the stones formed are cholesterol stones.

They may also be pigment stones, which are formed when there is excess bilirubin in the bile.

Even mixed stones (cholesterol and bilirubin are in excess, forming stones) are seen in certain cases.

Gallstones Diet

Principle of Gallstones Diet

A low-calorie, normal-protein, complex carbohydrate, low-fat, high-fibre diet and supplements of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) should be provided.

• A healthy diet should be encouraged.
• As it is a low-fat diet, fat-soluble vitamins should be supplemented.
• High protein intake increases biliary cholesterol concentration. Hence, normal protein should be given. High biological value proteins should be provided.
• Increased intake of simple sugars in drinks and sweets is associated with gallstone formation
• Hence, complex carbohydrates should be provided.

Foods to be included in the gallstone diet

Cereals in soft form, cooked rice, chapathi, bread, idli, milk pudding, milkshakes, curds, cooked or pureed vegetables, kichidi, porridges, pulses, beans, lean meat, fruits, fruit juices, fish, chicken, and soft-cooked egg white can be given.

Foods to be avoided for the gallstone diet

Fried foods, butter, ghee, egg yolk, buffalo milk (as it contains more fat), baked foods, ice cream, fast foods, roots and tubers, and fruits like bananas and chiku (as they are rich sources of carbohydrates).

Sample diet for gallstones

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