Can patients with gallstones eat eggplant?

Oct 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, patients with gallstones can eat eggplant, as long as they do so in moderation. In daily life, it is important to avoid frying or cooking eggplant with excessive oil; instead, opt for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying with little oil to prevent consuming too much fat. Eggplant is relatively cooling in nature, so individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should limit their intake, with no more than one eggplant consumed at a time.

Generally, patients with gallstones can eat eggplant, as long as consumption is moderate. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Eggplant contains extremely low levels of fat, which does not increase the metabolic burden on the gallbladder or trigger abnormal contractions that may lead to abdominal pain and other discomforts. At the same time, eggplant is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin B complex, and various minerals. Dietary fiber promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps reduce fat absorption in the gut; vitamin B complex supports normal digestive system function; and the various minerals help supplement essential nutrients. It is suitable for regular consumption by patients during stable phases of their condition, providing basic nutritional support.

In daily life, it's important to avoid frying or preparing eggplant with excessive oil, such as deep-frying or oily braising. Instead, opt for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying with minimal oil to prevent excessive fat intake. Eggplant is considered slightly cooling in nature, so patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should limit their intake—no more than one eggplant per serving. If a patient is experiencing an acute episode accompanied by symptoms like abdominal pain or nausea, eggplant consumption should be paused. After symptoms have completely subsided, small amounts may be cautiously reintroduced. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs after eating eggplant, dietary adjustments should be made promptly.

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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:

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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.