Alice,
I have had terrible stomach problems for a few years now. My doctor says it's due to my love of greasy and oily foods, and that I should concentrate on eating healthier, broiled foods. Do you think if I continue on this unhealthy eating cycle, that I could develop gallbladder problems? Also, do you think my diet contributes to my acne-prone skin? Thanks for your help.
-- Grease lover
Dear Grease lover,
Starting with your last question first... Research has shown that
acne is related to hormones, not diet. A dermatologist is the
right person to address, and there is one on staff at Health
Services. Call 4-2284 for an appointment.
As for grease and gallbladder problems, the gallbladder is the
storage depot for bile, which is an aid in digesting fat (i.e.
grease and oil). Although a low fat diet is recommended for those
with gallbladder disease, a high fat diet isn't usually indicated
as a cause of the disease.
Without knowing what your stomach problems are, it is hard to know
if the grease and oil are the cause. Do you notice a difference if
you DO cut down on greasy foods? If oily foods are the culprit,
there are a lot of simple dietary changes you can integrate into
your eating patterns. Here's some suggestions if you eat out alot:
- Appetizers:
- Best bets: Vegetable juice, clear soups, fresh fruit, fresh
veggies
- Moderate: Deep fried vegetables and cream soups
- Meat/Poultry/Fish
- Best bets: Roasted, baked, broiled-- trim off excess fat
- Moderate: Fried, sauteed, breaded, gravy, ribs, fatty luncheon
meats
- Eggs
- Best bets: Poached, boiled
- Moderate: Fried, scrambled
- Potatoes
- Best bets: Mashed, baked, boiled, steamed
- Moderate: Home fried, French fried, creamed, escalloped
- Vegetables
- Best bets: Steamed, stewed, boiled
- Moderate: Creamed, fried, sauteed
- Breads
- Best bets: Plain bread, toast, dinner rolls or muffins
- Moderate: Sweet rolls, coffee cake, croissants, biscuits
- Desserts
- Best Bets: Fresh fruits, lowfat frozen yogurt, sorbet, angel food
cake, split a dessert with a friend
- Moderate: Pastries, custard, ice cream
- Beverages
- Best bets: Water, coffee, tea, lowfat or skim milk, juice
- Moderate: Chocolate milk, milk shakes, whole milk
As a bonus for reducing your fat intake, you will also decrease
your risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Nutritionists
are available at Health Services to design a dietary plan that
will work for you. Call 4-2284 to make an appointment.
- Alice
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Greasy foods and acne? Gall bladder?
