Gallbladder Diet for Men's Health

Gallbladder disease is far more common in women than in men, but the fact remains that men do suffer with it. The disease affects the gallbladder, an organ where bile produced by the liver is stored and concentrated to aid in digestion. When gallstones form, it can lead to gallbladder disease and sometimes the surgical removal of the organ. Designing a diet to cope with gallbladder disease or living without a gallbladder is important, because your body will no longer digest foods (especially fats) with the same efficiency.

Fat Guidelines

Restricting fat is the most important part of a gallbladder diet. While consuming some fat is okay, you must cut it down to a minimum because your body will simply not break it down properly anymore. The result will be diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting if you keep eating large amounts of fatty foods. Each person reacts to the condition in his own way, but these are common symptoms.

Wake Surgical Specialists recommends a diet of no more than 50 g of fat per day. The 50-g diet allows for 6 oz. of lean meat or meat substitute, plus three to five servings of fat per day.

Beverages

If you usually stay away from whole milk, chocolate milk, eggnog, milkshakes and alcohol, then your drinking habits won't have to change much. You can even go with skim milk to get your milk fix. Most beverages do not have much or any fat content and are okay. Coffee, tea and all other nondairy drinks are recommended.

Vegetables

Most guys like to eat meat and eat vegetables just because you're supposed to. Don't be that guy. Learn to love veggies and they will love you. The same Wake Surgical Specialists diet that tells us how much fat to eat every day tells us to load up on vegetables that are fresh, frozen or canned as long as they are prepared without oils or fats. Don't make sauces using oil, cream or cheese to smother the greens, and steer clear of deep-frying.

Fruits

As long as you do not overdo it with fatty fruits like avocado and coconut, fruits are generally good for you, and you should enjoy them every day. Their benefits should always outweigh the down side.

Meats

Yes, of course men with gallbladder problems can eat meat. Grilling and baking make eating meat better for you than frying in batter and oil, and choosing which kinds of meat to eat will help.

Shop for USDA choice cuts of beef such as sirloin, T-bone, porterhouse and ground beef labeled 95 percent lean. Avoid from chicken wings and thighs, duck and any other bird with the skin still on. To choose a piece of meat, just look at it. Is it marbled up with fat? Don't buy it. But all is not lost; you can even eat lean turkey meat on sandwiches and the hot dogs that say 96 percent lean. It could be worse.

Exercise

As in all recommended diet plans, your overall health will be even better if you combine healthy eating with a daily exercise regimen. Even if you just get out and walk for half an hour or lift some weights, you will improve your health, and it is likely you will experience fewer health problems in the future.