Silent gallstones often go unnoticed until complications arise. Learn how to spot early signs of gallstones and prevent serious gallbladder issues.
As more people turn to high-protein diets there is a question as to how this type of diet might affect health in terms of the gallbladder. We tend to hear more about the liver or kidneys, but the gallbladder is an important part of the digestive system and general health. Here’s what you should know about high-protein diets and gallbladder health for those who are thinking about it or already implementing it.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that is located beneath and to the right of the liver and stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid secreted by the liver. Bile is also important for the digestion of fats because it emulsifies fats, that is, it splits fats into smaller particles which can be easily absorbed in the body. Whenever you take a meal that contains fats, your gallbladder pumps bile into the small intestines to help in digestion. Despite this organ being small, any problem with it will cause major digestive problems in the body.
Protein diets generally tend to raise the intake of animal proteins that contain more fats. When the fats in your diet are high, your gallbladder needs to produce more bile for digestion to take place. Protein per se doesn’t stimulate the production of bile but if one takes a diet high in protein and also high in fat then the gallbladder is pushed into over work and over activity. In the long run, this may lead to the formation of gallstones that are hardened deposits that cause the obstruction of bile flow and lead to discomfort or complications.
This must be pointed out: while fat is the primary stimulus for the release of bile, diets that are high in protein such as the ketogenic and low carb diets are likely to have high fat content. This combination can put extra pressure on the gallbladder particularly in those with a predisposition to gallbladder problems.
Protein diets are popular today in the market for weight loss and muscle buildup but they come with some side effects especially to those with gallbladder issues. Here are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of gallbladder complications on a high-protein diet:
If you are planning to take up a high protein diet, then you should consider the above factors and ensure that you do not overwork your gallbladder.
If you are a high protein diet consumer and experience any form of digestive discomfort, you may want to take a look at your gallbladder. Some symptoms to be aware of include:
Although these symptoms can be indicative of a number of digestive disorders, they can also indicate gallbladder disease. Do not dismiss persistent symptoms especially when they get worse after taking foods rich in fats.
If you’re committed to a high-protein diet but want to protect your gallbladder, here are some tips to help keep things in balance:
If you continue to have digestive problems or any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical advice. Cholecystitis can be chronic, and its treatment in the initial stages will help avoid complications. If you have gallbladder problems or a family history of gallstones, consult your doctor before going on a high protein or low carbohydrate diet.
There are numerous benefits that are associated with high protein diets; however, one has to be careful while using them if you are worried about your gallbladder. Knowing how this kind of diet affects the gallbladder will help you to make the right decisions for your digestive system. If you want to know how you can modify your diet to reduce the chances of having gallbladder issues or if you are having some symptoms, then it is high time you consult a doctor.
To get professional consultation and effective treatment, please, go to the GEM Hospital official website and make an appointment now.
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