Restricting the Diet will be found to be necessary for those individuals showing a tendency to cirrhosis, also for those in whose family diseases of the liver are of frequent occurrence. Such individuals should be warned of the dangers arising from overindulgence in food or alcoholic beverages.
Prohibited Foods are those which by reason of their astringent qualities favor the development of constipation, such as condiments and spices; those foods which exert a stimulating and irritating effect upon the liver and bile passages, such as alcohol, malt extractives, etc.; and fats and carbohydrates in excessive quantities, on account of the extra amount of work required of the liver in order to make them available in the body.
Gallstones develop as the result of inflammation or clogging of the bile passages.
Treatment is dietetic in character and is directed toward relieving or preventing inflammation in the bile passages, also in stimulating the flow of bile in order that it may not become sluggish and thus give rise to the development of the gallstones.
The Fats, therefore must be restricted in the diet, as they, more than any of the other food constituents, favor the above conditions.
Peristalsis in the intestinal tract must be stimulated to facilitate a free flow of bile, which will not occur where the movements are sluggish. Stasis of the bile must be prevented or stones will be apt to form.
Dietetic Treatment for gallstones is therefore directed to increase the flow of bile and to avoid the inflammation of the gall bladder and bile passages which may result from the product of intestinal putrefaction.
The Diet consists of foods simple in character, low in fats, but abundant in quantity, in order to prevent constipation. It must be selected carefully that digestional disturbances may not develop.
The Meals should be frequent, from four to six a day, in order to encourage a free flow of bile.
Breakfast should be ample in order that the bile secreted and accumulated during the night may be utilized as soon as possible.