Magnesium and Gallstones

Gallstones are small, hard, stone-like substances that accumulate in the gallbladder. Some people suffer from symptoms such as pain between the shoulder blades, nausea, gas and chest discomfort with gallstones. As of 2011, no definitive gallstone cures existed for everyone other than surgery, although some magnesium-related research studies show promising evidence. Before trying any alternatives to surgery, talk it over with your doctor.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most readily available minerals, and offers crucial support to every organ in the body, including the heart and kidneys. Average intake of magnesium has decreased over the years because of high salt, coffee, alcohol and soda consumption, and some health issues such as heavy menstrual periods and vomiting also deplete the body's stores of magnesium. A diet low in magnesium can increase your chances of high cholesterol, one of the known risk factors for gallstones.

Gallstones

A group of researchers followed more than 42,000 men for 16 years, detailing their magnesium consumption to see if higher or lower amounts affected their risk of contracting gallstones. The resulting study, published in 2008 by the "American Journal of Gastroenterology," found that the men who ate the highest levels of magnesium, or on average 454 mg a day, reduced their risk of gallstones by 28 percent, compared with the men who ate the lowest levels, averaging around 262 mg a day.

Nut Consumption

Nuts, especially almonds and cashews, offer high levels of magnesium. A study undertaken in 2004 and published by the "American Journal of Epidemiology" found that men who ate more than 5 oz. of nuts a week had a 30 percent risk reduction for gallstone disease, compared with the men who ate less than 1 oz. a month. To achieve the 5 oz.-per-week target, eat a handful of nuts five days a week.

Magnesium Supplementation

Supplementing with magnesium requires your doctor's approval, as serious complications might arise. Instead, eat foods high in magnesium such as whole grains, wheat bran, soy products, nuts, molasses, seeds, leafy green vegetables, kelp, poppy seeds and bananas. Eating a bowl of shredded wheat with a banana for breakfast, one handful of nuts for a snack, a peanut butter sandwich and spinach salad for lunch, 3 oz. of halibut with a baked potato for dinner far exceeds the "American Journal of Gastroenterology's" study goal level of 454 mg of magnesium daily.