Gallstones Diet

Cholesterol is the primary ingredient in most gallstones. Some, but not all, research links dietary cholesterol to the risk of gallstones. Some doctors suggest avoiding eggs, either because of their high cholesterol content or because eggs may be allergenic. (See the discussion about gallstones and allergies below.) A recent study of residents of southern Italy found that a diet rich in sugars and animal fats and poor in vegetable fats and fibers was a significant risk factor for gallstone formation.

Most studies report that vegetarians are at low risk for gallstones. In some trials, vegetarians had only half the gallstone risk compared with meat eaters. Vegetarians often eat fewer calories and less cholesterol. They also tend to weigh less than meat eaters. All of these differences may reduce gallstone incidence. The specific factors in a vegetarian diet that account for a low risk of gallstone formation remain somewhat unclear and may only be present in certain vegetarian diets and not others. For example, some studies have found that vegetarians eating a high vegetable fat diet had elevated rather than reduced risks of gallstone formation. ...