So now that you've had your gallbladder removed lets give you some general advice on things you can do that may help. Remember, this is only general advice and may not be suitable or practical for you, so please speak with your health professional for more personalised support. Lets help you understand what to eat after you've had your gallbladder removed.

Dietary Modifications

Adjust Fat Intake:

• This isn't about a low fat- or fat-free diet way of eating - it is about minimising the load in each meal - without a gallbladder, you'll have some difficulty digesting fat
• Consume small amounts of healthy fats throughout the day rather than large amounts at once
• Include extra virgin olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties and it's just pretty excellent as an all-round oil for cooking

Increase Fibre:

• Aim for 30-40 grams of fibre per day to reduce the risk of digestive issues - fibre helps your poop in so many ways
• Incorporate high-fibre foods like soaked or sprouted beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits

Focus on Plant-Based Foods:

• Consume a diet high in raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds - plants are good for you! They taste great and are so important for all-round health and wellbeing.
• Include beets, artichokes, and dandelion greens to support liver health and improve bile flow

Pick a protein that's easier to digest:

• Opt for lean protein sources - these are animal proteins without so much saturated fats. The reason for this is that anything with high doses of fat are difficult to digest without a gallbladder
• Focus on as chicken, turkey, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish or plant-based one

Add some lecithin:

• Adding lecithin to your meals can help with fat digestion, it can also support Metabolic Liver Disease and reduce cholesterol in some.

Consider Supplements and Herbs

Digestive Enzymes:  Consider lipase enzymes to improve fat digestion. You'll need to take these with most meals, speak to a naturopath to ensure you are getting the right one for you.

Liver Support Herbs: We love herbal medicine for digestive support, but you should always consult with a qualified herbalist or naturopath to ensure there are no contraindications with your conditions or medications. Focus on great organic herbal teas like milk thistle, dandelion root, and globe artichoke to support liver health and bile production.

Probiotics: Picking the right probiotic is tricky, at New Leaf we follow your symptoms to find the evidence-based probiotic for your symptoms. It's not always one size fits all for probiotic use. However, starting with high-quality probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG would be a good start to support digestive health.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Meal Timing: Eat regular, smaller meals throughout the day to avoid overwhelming the digestive system

Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating to support the cephalic phase of digestion, which is the stage in which the stomach responds to the mere sight, smell, taste, or thought of food. About 20% of total acid secretion occurs before food enters the stomach - which is so important for healthy digestion. Stop, smell, savour and eat slowly.

Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily

By following these naturopathic nutritional guidelines, individuals without a gallbladder can support their digestive health, manage symptoms, and maintain overall well-being. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised plan that addresses individual needs and health conditions. At New Leaf, we personalise your treatment, making it fit right for you - let us help you find the balance with your digestion.