fatty food intolerance

Gall bladder

Foods to avoid

• fatty, greasy, or fried foods
• spicy food
• sweet, sugary foods
• caffeine, which is often in tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks
• alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits
• carbonated beverages

Fat is present in a variety of foods, including those below:

Processed foods

Processed foods can contain high amounts of fat or oil, making them more difficult for people without a gallbladder to digest. Examples of high fat processed foods include:

• desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries
• fast food, such as pizza or fries
• processed meats, such as sausages

Fatty meats

Some types of nonprocessed meat can also contain a significant amount of fat. Examples include:

• lamb and mutton
• pork, including bacon and ribs
• fatty cuts of beef, such as T-bone and rib-eye steaks

Dairy products

Whole dairy products also contain fat. Following gallbladder removal, a person may need to avoid:

• whole milk
• full-fat yogurt
• full-fat cheese
• butter
• cream
• ice cream
• creamy sauces and dressings

Foods to eat

Including more of certain foods in the diet can be helpful following gallbladder removal. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 set out the types of foods people can focus on eating.

Lean protein

People who eat meat can choose low fat cuts to avoid eating too much fat. Some examples of low fat protein sources include:

• chicken or turkey breast
• fish and seafood
• legumes
• nuts and seeds, but only in small amounts, as they are high in fat

High fiber foods

High fiber foods can help prevent constipation. However, people who no longer have a gallbladder should reintroduce high fiber foods to their diet slowly after surgery. High fiber foods to try include:

• whole grains
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• legumes and beans
• nuts and seeds
• bran cereals and oatmeal

Find 38 examples of high fiber foods.

Low-fat dairy

Dairy products are a good source of calcium. If someone has to avoid full-fat dairy after gallbladder removal, they can substitute low fat dairy products, such as skimmed milk or low fat yogurt. People can also get calcium from other foods, such as:

• leafy green vegetables
• tofu
• calcium-fortified milk alternatives
• canned sardines and salmon

According to a study in Nutrition & Diabetes, low fat products often contain more added sugar than full fat versions. A person can read the nutritional data on food packaging to check they are not eating too much fat or added sugar.