Gallstone problems happen a lot and can be expensive, but we haven’t looked much into ways to prevent them. Factors like not being active enough, being overweight, and what we eat can make us more likely to get gallstones. Eating more magnesium might lower the chances of getting painful gallbladder stones, especially in men, but we’re not sure exactly how it works. Learning more about how eating healthy, including foods with lots of magnesium, can help prevent gallstone issues might give us new ways to stop them from happening.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Many people with gallstones don’t even know they have them because the body can handle them without causing any symptoms. But if a gallstone gets really big and blocks the tube draining the gallbladder, you’ll feel pain in your upper belly.
This pain usually stops when the gallstone moves into the small intestine, but it can last from a half-hour to a few hours and can range from mild to severe, feeling like a cramp or sharp pain. You might also get a fever and your skin and eyes might turn yellow. Sometimes, your poop might become light-colored like clay, and you might feel sick and vomit.
What causes gallstones?
Gallstones form when there’s too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, which is a liquid made by your liver to help with digestion. Sometimes, if your gallbladder doesn’t work properly or if your bile becomes too thick, it can make gallstones more likely to happen.
Certain things can increase your chances of getting gallstones, like being a woman, being older than 40 years old, or having family members who’ve had them before. So, if you’re worried about gallstones, it’s good to know about these factors and talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy.
How does magnesium help with gallstones?
Not having enough magnesium in your body can make it more likely for you to get gallstones, which are hard lumps that can form in your gallbladder. But if you take magnesium, it can help lower the chances of getting gallstones. Magnesium does this by helping to control how much insulin your body makes.
When your body makes too much insulin, it can make gallstones more likely to form. Also, magnesium gives your body the time it needs to break down gallstones and stops new ones from forming. So, taking magnesium can be helpful, as it can dissolve gallstones and stop them from causing problems.
How should magnesium be taken?
To stop gallstones from forming, you can make a special drink with Epsom salt. Just mix a small amount of magnesium powder, about a quarter of a teaspoon, with some water. Then, drink this mixture once every day. Another thing that can help with gallstones is Epsom salt, which is a type of magnesium.
It works because it makes you go to the bathroom more, which can help prevent gallstones. But remember, the Epsom salt we have at home is not safe to drink. It’s only for taking baths. So, stick to the magnesium powder for your drink, and leave the Epsom salt for your bath time.
How long does it take for magnesium to work?
In a study that lasted four years, researchers found that about 40% of the people who used magnesium regularly didn’t get gallstones. This means that magnesium for gallbladder for a long time and sticking with it can help stop gallstones from forming. Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy.
It can be found in some foods, but sometimes you might need to take it as a supplement, like in a pill or a powder mixed with water. So, if you’re worried about getting gallstones, talk to your doctor about whether magnesium could help you stay healthy.
Learn More About Magnesium and How it Can Help with Gallstones
Worried about gallstones? Learn how magnesium can prevent them and understand their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Take charge of your health now by exploring preventive measures and discussing them with your doctor.