In medical school we were taught that gallstones were strongly associated with the four “Fs” — fat, 40, flatulent, and fertile. That is, women over 40 who were obese, had a lot of gas, and had not reached menopause.

Despite this medical categorization, men are affected quite often as well. And like most medical conditions, inflammation plays a significant role.

Research has found that being deficient in magnesium significantly raises your risk of gallstones. In a study of some 42,000 men, researchers found that men with the highest magnesium blood levels had a reduction in gallstones anywhere from 28 percent to 32 percent and that the gallstone-lowering effect was directly related to the level of magnesium intake in the diet.

With more than 75 percent of the American public being magnesium deficient, it is no wonder that gallstone disease is so rampant.

Previous studies found that low magnesium levels were associated with high insulin levels (insulin resistance) and abnormal blood lipids, especially elevated triglycerides. Also, a deficiency in magnesium increases inflammation in all tissues and organs.

Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are high in magnesium.