Can people with gallstones eat pumpkin seeds?

Oct 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, patients with gallstones can consume pumpkin seeds in moderation, though intake should be controlled. Pumpkin seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and various minerals, which are beneficial to health when consumed appropriately. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps maintain gut health, while unsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on regulating blood lipid levels.

In general, patients with gallstones can consume pumpkin seeds in moderation, but the amount should be controlled. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Pumpkin seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and various minerals. Moderate consumption is beneficial to health. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility and helps maintain gut health; unsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on regulating blood lipid levels. Since abnormal lipid metabolism is one of the risk factors for gallstone formation, consuming small amounts of pumpkin seeds during stable phases of the condition typically does not significantly worsen gallstones.

However, pumpkin seeds are relatively high in fat. Excessive consumption may stimulate gallbladder contraction and cause excessive bile secretion, potentially triggering biliary colic or worsening gallbladder discomfort. Moreover, during acute episodes of gallstones, fat intake must be strictly limited, and pumpkin seeds should be avoided to prevent aggravating the condition. When consuming pumpkin seeds, it is advisable to choose plain, unsalted, and sugar-free varieties to avoid additional sodium and sugar that could burden the body.

If the condition is unstable or if there are any concerns, individuals should seek medical advice promptly to avoid worsening their condition due to inappropriate diet. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular health check-ups can help manage and prevent gallstones.

View All

What should I do if there are more gallbladder polyps?

In general, an increase in gallbladder polyps may be caused by improper dietary habits, prolonged熬夜 and irregular作息, chronic cholecystitis, coexisting gallstones with irritation, or progression of gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Patients can choose appropriate management strategies such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment based on their specific conditions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

View Full Answer

Which department should you visit in traditional Chinese medicine for gallstones?

For gallstones, one may visit Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) departments such as TCM internal medicine, TCM hepatobiliary medicine, TCM spleen and stomach medicine, TCM surgery, or integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The specific department should be chosen according to the hospital's TCM specialty setup. If severe right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever occurs, immediate emergency medical care is necessary. In most basic departments of TCM hospitals, abdominal pain caused by gallstones can be treated with herbal medicine based on syndrome differentiation and treatment principles.