Gallbladder Removal and a Ketogenic Diet

Can you follow a ketogenic diet if you do not have a gallbladder?

Many people have successfully maintained a low carb, ketogenic diet after gallbladder removal surgery it just requires a little more attention to what and when you eat.

Those without gallbladders produce less bile, which is used to digest fat. The liver produces bile but may not be able produce enough to make up for the lack of gallbladder, which is the primary producer. Basically your body will no longer be able to regulate the bile that is released when anything in your stomach triggers that release.

There is often more fat excreted during bowel movements as well as possible build up of fat in the intestines as well as a chance for absorbing less nutrients. Many people who had their gallbladder removed report that they often have a quick bowel movement after a fatty meal.

Often Doctors recommend a low-fat diet for pain management. Fatty foods seem to be the main culprit for the issues those without a gallbladder experience which would make it seem a keto diet would not be the right type of diet to follow but that does not have to be the case. These type of people need to avoid most saturated fats and trans fat, choose foods high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats as well as fish, coconut, avocado and olive oil.

A keto diet is higher in fat than most diets but as long as those without a gallbladder eat regular small meals, so the amount of bile needed for each meal is not excessive, they should be okay. So you will still eat adequate fat for a ketogenic diet but spread out throughout the day.

Another issue seen with those who have had their gallbladder removed is they may not absorb electrolytes and other nutrients as well as they used too. This could be remedied by consuming foods rich in sodium, magnesium and potassium as well as supplement with an all-in-one electrolyte product like Keto-Lytes.

Because of possible loose bowels, increasing fiber intake is a good idea. Pysllium husk is an excellent option to help offset loose bowel movement but at the same time prevent constipation which can also been seen in those without a gallbladder.

Finally, the most popular supplements to take for those without a gallbladder are Ox bile salt and  digestive enzymes as well as a vitamin B complex and niacin. These can help the body produce enough acid to digest fats and proteins as well as encourage the body to produce enough bile to break down foods fatty foods.

As long as those without a gallbladder take these important but easy steps, a ketogenic diet can still be maintained.

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