Chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are common in the elderly, and often coexist. Dietary control is one of the treatment measures during acute attacks and an important means to maintain smooth bile excretion and reduce acute episodes in daily life.
(1) Eat less high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, such as egg yolks, roe, animal liver, brain, and intestines. An increase in cholesterol in bile can easily lead to the formation of cholesterol stones. Vegetable oil can not only lower cholesterol but also promote its conversion into bile acids, preventing gallstone formation, so it is advisable to use vegetable oil as the primary source. Fried and pan-fried foods should be avoided to prevent inducing biliary colic. Cooking methods should be as light and low-fat as possible, favoring steaming and boiling, and avoiding frying and pan-frying.
(2) Eat more foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, tomatoes, and other yellow and red fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of the epithelial lining of the gallbladder and can also reduce the formation of cholesterol stones. Radishes, fruit juices, shepherd's purse, and hawthorn have a choleretic and liver-soothing effect and can be consumed regularly.
(3) Increase the proportion of protein and carbohydrates in the diet to ensure caloric needs and facilitate the production of liver glycogen.
(4) Reduce the fiber content in food. A low-residue diet can also reduce irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
(5) Increase the frequency of meals to stimulate bile secretion and reduce the stagnation and concentration of bile in the gallbladder.