Foods to Avoid With Gallbladder Attacks

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that stores bile for the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, a high-fat diet puts a person at risk for developing gallstones 1. Gallstones are deposits of hardened cholesterol in the gallbladder 1. Gallbladder attacks occur when these gallstones cause blockages 1. Fatty or spicy foods often trigger gallbladder attacks and should be avoided.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is made out of eggs, salt, fatty oils and other seasonings. This condiment is high in fat. Avoid mayonnaise altogether. Instead choose healthier alternatives such as plain mustard or organic ketchup. Avoid mustard that is made with spices and peppers.

Fatty Meats

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Fatty cuts of beef, pork and even chicken can bring on a gallbladder attack. If you like meat, choose lean cuts of chicken, turkey or fish. Pork is high in fat so this is the worst type of meat you can eat. Beef also has a high fat content, so avoid beef unless it is a very lean cut. Cut off excess fat and eat small portions at a time if you must eat meat. Avoid putting too many spices on your meat because spices such as cayenne pepper can trigger an attack.

High-fat Snack Foods

Snack foods such as potato chips, corn chips, cookies, cakes and peanut brittle are high in fat. Avoid all high-fat snack foods and fried foods. Healthy alternative snacks include apple chips, banana chips, dates and other dried fruits, and fresh fruit.

Ice Cream

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Ice cream is a high-fat dessert and should be avoided. Healthy alternatives to ice cream include low-fat frozen yogurt and low-fat frozen fruit bars.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red hot chili peppers are a spicy food that are often added to Mexican dishes. Avoid eating red hot chili peppers or foods that have these peppers added in. If you like peppers, choose bland peppers such as green or yellow bell peppers. Bell peppers are flavorful additions for salads and other dishes but they are not spicy.