From lowering the risk of heart attacks to improving weight loss, the cure-all, according to conventional medicine, has been a low fat diet.
But it turns out there’s more to the picture. Our bodies actually need fat and without good sources we risk having low levels of hormones and higher inflammation.
Be aware though that it’s the TYPE of fat in your diet that makes a big difference and can help you stay healthy and avoid gallbladder symptoms.
Avoid trans fats which can interfere with normal cell function…
Every cell in your body – from your eyes to your skin to your pancreas, has an outer membrane that is made up primarily of fat.
These membranes help regulate the function of the cell by determining what gets in and what goes out. When you eat trans fats they replace healthy fatty acids in the cell membrane, altering the normal permeability.
To eliminate trans-fats from your diet avoid all processed food – anything that comes in a box, bag or can. At a minimum it is a good idea to check labels for the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated”. “Frankenfats”, as Dr. Leo Galland calls them, threaten the integrity of every cell’s outer membrane, interfering with normal cell function.
The Good Fats promote cellular well being.
You’ve probably heard that the oils in fish are good for you. And that’s true, but I find that not everyone enjoys eating seafood. So what are the other sources of good fats?
Monounsaturated fats.
In their whole-food form such as almonds, olives and avocado, these fats promote cell membrane fluidity and healthy function. A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in 1999 found monounsaturated fat intake to be associated with lower risk for gallbladder issues.
The oils that are marketed at the grocery store as “heart healthy” – such as safflower, canola and sunflower oil are NOT ideal choices as they are heavily processed and have no nutritional benefit.
Rancid fats are oxidized and full of free radicals.
Free radical damage is implicated in many health conditions from heart disease to allergies. A tell-tale sign of a rancid fat is that it imparts a bitter taste. Many packaged foods use ingredients that cover up this unpleasant taste.
Dr. Marina Rose uses Chiropractic and Functional Nutrition to help people with gallbladder symptoms and other digestive complaints in and around the city of Los Altos, CA.
Choosing healthy fats to prevent gallbladder symptoms is a smart choice.
When you are ready to find out what nutritional imbalances could be leading to your symptoms, click below to take our Nutritional Profile Quiz, you’ll get your results immediately.