8 superfoods for a healthy gallbladder

When eating healthy, balance is key!

Eat healthy to live healthy. A good and balanced diet is necessary to burn excess fat and keep you in shape. However, what's not right is to abstain yourself from eating; it's okay to give in to those craving sometimes. And, the easiest way to stay in shape is maintaining a healthy gallbladder. The pear shaped organ is responsible for burning fat and while there isn't a particular 'Gallbladder diet', there are certain superfoods which can make its work easier. Compiled from Reader's Digest, here is a list of eight superfoods for a healthy gallbladder.

1. Flax Seed

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

A nutritionist favourite, flax seed is one superfood that you need to add to your dietary plan to aid digestion. Fiber keeps the digestive system moving and helps to flush toxins out from your system. Flax seeds also provide your body with gallbladder friendly fats in plant-based omega 3s. Remember to add it to cereals, juices and smoothies to increase fiber intake.

2. Avocado

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Avocados aren't just there to make your Instagram feed look good. High in potassium and good fats, these foods are just as pleasing to the gallbladder as to the eyes. Dehydration leads to tremendous health issues including gallstones. Potassium high foods help us stay hydrated. Add avocados on your morning toast or slice them onto your salad for that extra kick in nutrition and taste.

Unhealthy diets, inactivity chief reasons for heart diseases

3. Beans

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Easily accessible and super healthy, beans are the real MVP of any diet plan. Fats are responsible for producing bile in your gallbladder and consuming too much of it can lead to bile crystallisation which can result in gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Every year, a large number of individuals go through gallbladder removal surgery. Prevention is key and the real culprit of an inflamed gallbladder is the red fatty meat. Beans and plant-based proteins prove to be an excellent alternative to red meat. You can use them in curries and salads or even shape them into burgers patties.

4. Orange

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Oranges are one of the healthiest fruits for your body. This vitamin C rich fruit along with berries is proven to be a great choice for a healthy gallbladder. Studies show that oranges help in prevention against gallstones and the risk is potentially reduced to half. Juice them, use them as salad dressing or better yet have them on their own.

5. Bitter greens

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Bitter greens are essential for a healthy digestion. Greens such as okra, kale, broccoli rabe and bitter artichoke help to get the juices flowing in your mouth which is the first step of digestion. Such greens help in bile production so its always a good idea to have them before consuming fatty foods. The bitter the green, the better the digestion process.

6. Dark, leafy greens

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps clear up calcium and since many gallstones contain calcium, it has a huge role to play in the smooth functioning of the gallbladder.

PGMI to hold series of workshops on diabetes

7. Beetroot

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Beetroot is a superfood you never knew you needed in your diet. It contains betaine which helps protect the liver and stimulate bile flow which aids the breakdown of fats. You can drink beetroot juice or make it into a soup as well.

8. Water

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

The key to a healthy diet is to stay hydrated at all times. Chronic dehydration causes gallstones. Water is essentially needed for all body secretions including bile. You can also drink fruit infused water - it can work wonders too!



Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.