The gallbladder diet is aimed at reducing symptoms of gallbladder inflammation or gallbladder stones, like pain and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms tend to worsen after eating high-fat or fried foods, which is why these types of foods should be reduced or eliminated completely from the diet during flare-ups.

When maintaining a gallbladder diet, you should opt for foods that are low in fat and high in water content. You should prioritize fresh fruit, boiled vegetables, lean cuts of meat and whole grains.

Although a gallbladder diet is a fundamental part of treating flare-ups, maintaining this diet should not replace the medical treatment prescribed by a doctor. If you suspect you may have gallstones or gallbladder information, you should see a doctor for assessment.

What to eat during a gallbladder flare

During a gallbladder flare-up, you should eat food that is low in fat and high in water content, such as:

Fruit, like apples, pears, peaches, pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, oranges, kiwi, figs, cherries, blackberries, melon or raspberries
Vegetables, particularly boiled veggies
Oats and whole grains, like whole wheat pasta, rice and bread
Tubercles, like potatoes, yams, and sweet potato;
Skim milk and dairy products, depending on each person’s tolerance
Plant-based drinks, like rice milk, almond milk or oat milk
Lean meat, like skinless chicken, fish and turkey
Drinks, like water, natural juices and teas

While the type of food is important, the way they are prepared can also play a role in gallbladder treatment. You should try to eat cooked foods (as raw can be harder to digest), and opt for steaming vegetables or grilling proteins. These cooking methods usually do not require the addition of fat.

You can also check-out these natural remedies for gallstones to help with their elimination.

What to avoid eating during a gallbladder flare

Foods that are high in fat should be reduced or eliminated from the diet temporarily, as these can stimulate the release of bile from the gallbladder. Examples of food to avoid include:

Fatty fruits, like coconut and avocado
Whole milk and yogurt
Yellow cheese, like parmesan and cheddar
Butter or any animal fat
Fatty cuts of meat, like ribs, sausage or organ meat
Cold cuts, like prosciutto or mortadella
Nuts, like walnuts, chestnuts, almonds or peanuts
Fatty fishes, like tuna, salmon and sardines
Processed foods, like chocolate, cookies, puff pastry, meat-based broths and premade sauces

In addition, you should avoid eating frozen and pre-made meals, like pizza and lasagna, as well as fast food and alcohol. You should read nutritional labels and opt for choices that are lower in fat.

Some patients report that they may have specific foods that trigger gallbladder flare-ups, or foods that cause other symptoms like gas and bloating which can provoke flare-ups.

Sample 3-day meal plan

The following table outlines a meal plan for gallbladder flares that is aimed at relieving symptoms:

Meal	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Breakfast	2 slices of bread with scrambled eggs + 1 cup of orange juice	2 medium pancakes with fruit compote + ½ a banana	1 cup of coffee + oatmeal
Morning snack	1 cup of Jello	1 cup of watermelon juice	1 cup of Jello
Lunch or dinner	1 grilled chicken breast + 4 tablespoons of rice + 1 cup of cooked vegetables, like carrots and green beans + 1 apple	1 fillet of grilled fish with mashed potatoes + salad made with lettuce, tomato and onion with a scant amount of balsamic vinegar + 2 slices of pineapple	Zucchini noodles with minced turkey meat and homemade tomato sauce + 1 cup of strawberries
Afternoon snack	1 cup of sliced melon	1 cup of microwave popcorn with no fat	1 apple, baked in the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon

The quantities indicated in this meal plan will vary with age, sex, health history and activity level. Ideally, you should see a registered dietitian for a more thorough assessment so that a customized nutritional plan that meets your health needs can be developed.