What meats can patients with gallstones eat?

In general, to reduce the burden on the gallbladder, patients with gallstones should consume low-fat, easily digestible meats such as skinless poultry, fish, lean pork, lean beef, and rabbit meat. Specific details are as follows:

1. Skinless Poultry: After removing the skin, chicken breast and duck breast have significantly reduced fat content. They are rich in high-quality protein, which is easy for the body to digest and absorb, helping to replenish nutrients while avoiding excessive fat that could stimulate gallbladder contraction. These are suitable for moderate consumption by patients with gallstones.

2. Fish: Most white-fleshed fish have low fat content and contain unsaturated fatty acids, which help regulate blood lipids and reduce metabolic strain. The tender texture of fish causes minimal stimulation to the gallbladder during digestion, making it an excellent choice for protein supplementation in patients with gallstones.

3. Lean Pork: Choosing lean cuts such as pork tenderloin and trimming off visible fat before consumption provides essential nutrients like protein and B vitamins. It is relatively easy to digest, meets nutritional needs, and helps prevent discomfort caused by excessive fat intake.

4. Lean Beef: Lean cuts such as beef shank and beef tenderloin are low in fat and rich in high-quality protein and iron, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy. Cooking methods such as stewing or boiling further reduce digestive difficulty, making these suitable options for patients.

5. Rabbit Meat: Rabbit meat has extremely low fat content and high protein levels, with an amino acid profile closely matching human requirements. It is highly digestible and less likely to trigger gallbladder contraction, while effectively providing nutrition. This makes it an ideal meat choice for patients with gallstones.

In daily life, in addition to choosing appropriate meats, patients with gallstones should avoid frying or braising with heavy oil and sugar. Instead, they should prioritize light cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stewing. They should also control portion sizes to prevent overeating, which may increase the burden on the gallbladder, thereby helping maintain stable condition.