Types Of Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium supplements are most effective when combined with organic compounds or amino acids. Magnesium on its own is difficult for the body to absorb, so combining it with something else makes for easier transportation through the relevant channels, and for effective absorption.
The bonding of magnesium to different compounds results in different effects on the body.
Dosages Of Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is an active ingredient in many branded over-the-counter laxatives. Liquid oral solutions without any other active ingredients may be best for treating constipation.
Dosages vary based on the brand or concentration of magnesium citrate in the bottle. Always follow the dosage and read the instructions on the label carefully.
It is essential to mix the solution with water and drink additional water when taking magnesium citrate. Mix the dose with at least 4 to 8 ounces of water, and drink a few extra glasses of water throughout the day. This may help replenish any fluids the body loses through the stool.
Very high dosages of magnesium can cause magnesium toxicity, so always use as directed.
Always consult a doctor before giving magnesium citrate or any other laxative to children. Pregnant or nursing mothers should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about the correct dosage. Doctors may recommend other medications or supplements to help with symptoms.
Apart from using magnesium citrate to relieve constipation, people can try:
Supplements That May Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation is a condition with symptoms that include infrequent bowel movements, hard feces, frequent straining to poop, and the sensation of incomplete emptying. It affects up to 20% of adults worldwide and can significantly affect quality of life .
Healthcare providers typically treat constipation with lifestyle modifications, laxatives, and medications.
They also use other treatments in certain cases, including biofeedback therapy, transanal irrigation with a water enema, and surgery (
In addition to these treatments, some evidence suggests that certain supplements may help reduce constipation symptoms.
This article reviews 10 supplements that may help relieve constipation.
Magnesium plays a number of essential roles in the body, and using certain forms of this mineral may help those with constipation.
For example, research has shown that magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium sulfate all improve constipation symptoms.
One high quality, 28-day study including 34 women with mild to moderate constipation found that taking 1.5 grams of magnesium oxide per day significantly improved stool consistency, quality of life, and colonic transit time, compared with a placebo treatment .
Colonic transit time refers to the time it takes digested food to travel through the colon. Scientists consider delayed CTT to be one of the main causes of constipation (
7 ).
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What Foods Contain Magnesium
Magnesium is so common that it may be found in a wide range of different foods. In reality, the levels can be quite low and so you may wish to instead consider the use of a supplement to ease symptoms of constipation. As an ongoing treatment for digestive health the following foods may come in handy
- Halibut
Alternatively, or additionally, ensure that you’re getting enough fibre in your diet.
Magnesium Improves Exercise Performance And Recovery
Magnesiumis an excellent supplement for enhancing exercise performance and this has beendemonstrated in many studies.
Take this one for example that looked at how Magnesium supplementation affected the physical performance of Volleyball players.
The results showed that those whosupplemented with Magnesium had a higher jump than those who took the placebo,and this was credited to improved anaerobic metabolism.
In other words, supplementing with Magnesium increased the availability of blood sugar, which provided the Volleyball players with more energy.
Anotherway it helps performance is by improving protein synthesis at theribosomal level.
This has been shown in a 7-week study where 26 untrained participants followed a training program.
Theresults showed that those who supplemented with Magnesium had a biggerincrease in strength and muscle mass than those taking the placebo.
Okay,so now we both agree that Magnesium helps with exercise performance and recovery,lets cover why you should supplement in the evening for this benefit.
Firstand foremost, muscle recovery happens when you sleep, so you want yourMagnesium levels to be highest during this period.
Also, recent research has shown that the best time to workout is in the evening, so by taking Magnesium just before your workouts, you should see the performance enhancing benefits.
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How Magnesium Works For Constipation Relief
Magnesium has a temporary laxative effect. It works to help relax the muscles of the intestines, which encourages easier passage of stools. Because it naturally draws water into the intestines, it increases the size of the stool and softens it, triggering a bowel movement.
Drawing water into the intestines is called the osmotic effect.This effect is due to ion ratios when there are more unabsorbed mineral ions in the intestinal tract than in the intestinal cell walls.
The bodys natural response is to seek equilibrium, which is actioned by water trickling from the walls of the intestinal mucosa to create a balance between the ratios of absorbed and unabsorbed magnesium mineral ions.
In simple terms, a mass of water is dumped into the intestine, resulting in easy-to-pass stools.
Summary And Future Perspectives
Magnesium oxide has been clinically used as a laxative for many years. Due to a lack of alternative treatment options, it was prescribed based on empirical experience. The increasing availability of newer drugs for treating constipation has led to the emergence of scientific evidence surrounding the use of magnesium oxide, which is convenient to administer, of low cost, and safe. Although RCTs have recently shown that magnesium oxide is safe and efficacious for treating constipation, evidence of efficacy for treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially the constipation-predominant subgroup, needs to be urgently established. Risk factors for developing hypermagnesemia have been clarified and evidence suggests that appropriate monitoring for this potential side effect is necessary. To be specific, patients with renal impairment of CKD grade G4 or higher and patients who take 1000 mg of magnesium oxide or more daily should be monitored monthly at the time of drug introduction, and monitoring of serum magnesium is recommended in parallel with renal function even during the stable period . However, there is still insufficient evidence to enable comparisons to be made between various laxative drugs and to enable correct prescribing decisions to be made. Drugs such as magnesium oxide are still prescribed based on empirical knowledge, and an accumulation of systematic evidence is still needed .
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Prescribed Magnesium Citrate For Constipation This Is Not The Normal For Me
- Asked
- 15 Nov 2016 by Tina57
- constipation, pain, nausea/vomiting, magnesium citrate, gerd, prescription, appendix, stomach, emergency room, abdomen, magnesium
Have a terrible stomach ache with nausea and heartburn, my lower abdomen was in all sorts of pain and the ER thought I my appendix was bad only to find the my digestive tract is full of feces! I was prescribed magnesium citrate and it did work ..But my concern is oes the magnesium citrate break down the fecal matter or is it just going around the “poop”?I had nothing solid come out,just watery stool!Anyone have an answer or an educated guess? I horribly stressed about and I know stressing about can’t be helpful either!
Windchimes123
Hi Tina,Mag Citrate is a saline laxative usually used for bowel prep for procedures or bad constipation.It is thought to work by increasing the fluid in the small intestine which forces the stool out. It is why you had all the water. Don’t worry! It’s not going around the poop.Be very careful not to get constipated.Extra water and fiber, activity and raw fruits and vegetables.Good luck
Jeez-O-Pete, so I’m worrying about nothing then!Thank you for the info! Appreciate your help and advice!
You did have poop come out? Right?They saw it on x-ray.
They said I had “a lot of fecal matter” in my digestive tract!Like I stated before,alliteration the magnesium citrate treatment I only got watery stools
Also I’m 5’3″ and 114 lbs soaking wet and I eat well .Stress??? I do stress a LOT
Tina57
What Other Drugs Interact With Magnesium Citrate
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
Magnesium Citrate has no known severe interactions with any drugs.
Serious Interactions of Magnesium Citrate include:
- demeclocycline
Moderate Interactions of Magnesium Citrate include:
- ciphrofloaxin
- vitamin D
Magnesium Citrate has mild interactions with at least 44 different drugs.
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.
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How To Take Magnesium Citrate
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What Are The Side Effects Of Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is considered to be quite a safe remedy for constipation because it works within the intestine rather than in the body at large. Side effects therefore tend to be minimal, especially when taken in moderation and for short periods of time.
Most side effects are minor and soon pass once supplementation ceases. Possibly the most common potential side effect of supplementing with magnesium citrate is that the volume of moisture drawn into the intestines can actually moisten stools too much, leading to short-term diarrhoea.
Used excessively, some experts have also raised concerns about the potential for electrolyte imbalances thanks to the osmotic properties of magnesium. Some experts claim that long term use has the potential to result in magnesium toxicity.
It is therefore recommended that you closely follow the dosing instructions on your chosen supplement, and if side effects arise you should discontinue use and seek advice from your doctor.
How Do I Take Magnesium Citrate For Constipation
Taking magnesium citrate is easy. Adults can consume their recommended dose in either pill or capsule form, followed by drinking a full glass of water.
Because of how this laxative reacts to the body, it wont send you racing to the toilet.
However, its a not a great idea to take magnesium citrate right before going on a lengthy commute or a road trip.
Its a good idea to take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach. Consider taking it first thing in the morning. This will help the supplement work most effectively in your body.
Also, make sure youre well hydrated before taking magnesium citrate.
Magnesium citrate, as weve mentioned before, will pull water into the intestines. If youre dehydrated, this will only make matters worse.
For this reason alone, dont take magnesium citrate before working out or when youre dehydrated.
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What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium Citrate
Like we said before: Magnesium citrate can help treat symptoms of constipation. But this OTC supplement also has other benefits over other traditional laxatives.
Here are just a few:
- Magnesium citrate is a natural supplement, which means its incredibly safe to use.
- It can help the bodys bowels retain water, even after being dosed.
- Magnesium citrate can help detoxify the body of built-up pollutants.
- It can help with excess bloating and stomach cramping.
- Magnesium citrate is not a stimulant laxative, which means it wont create cramping or irregular bowel movements.
- Its a less immediate laxative, so it wont send you racing to the restroom after taking it.
- Magnesium citrate has also been shown to improve a persons quality of sleep.
- It can help with feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
Perfect Magnesium Citrate Powder
Containing just one ingredient , the Perfect Magnesium Citrate Powder features:
- High Bioavailability
- Lab Tested For Heavy Metals, Click For The Results
- Virtually Tasteless and Odorless
- 100% Pure and Natural Magnesium Citrate
- Organic Form of Magnesium
- Easily Mixes Into Water or Juice
- High Solubility and Gut Absorption Rate
- Delivers 338mg of Elemental Magnesium Per Serving
- 120 Servings Per Bottle
- No Risk, 90 Day Money Back Guarantee
Remember, with all Perfect Supplements, use code GUTSY10 at checkout to save an automatic 10%.
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You Dont Have Enough Fiber
But each is true: Eating your daily recommended amounts of fiber is crucial to keeping your bowels working like they should.
One of the easiest ways to make sure youre getting enough fiber is to eat proper amounts of fruits and vegetables.
If youre still having trouble getting the fiber after following a proper diet, take a fiber supplement.
Budget And Price Matching
Make a list of the things you want in your magnesium citrates and the price you are willing to pay for it. So try to look for a product in that price range and choose the one that appeals to you the most. One tip we would like to give you is: dont settle for a cheaper product if it doesnt even have a function you need.Most magnesium citratess fall within the price range of $ 16.99 to $ 4.99. Therefore, if budget is not a problem and you want the best product for your needs, we advise you to choose the Nature Made Magnesium Citrate 250 mg, Dietary Supplement for Muscle Support, 120 Softgels, 60 Day Supply. If you want something medium range, choose NOW Magnesium Citrate, 400 Milligram 240 Veg Capsules. If you have a very low budget, you can choose the one that is the Liquid Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution Lemon Flavor Saline Laxative
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Before Taking Magnesium Citrate
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to magnesium citrate, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in magnesium citrate preparations. Ask your pharmacist or check the product label for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- if you are taking other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking magnesium citrate.
- tell your doctor if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change of bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks. Tell your doctor if you are on a magnesium or sodium-restricted diet. Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking magnesium citrate, call your doctor.
Combatting Chronic Constipation In Kids Naturally & Effectively
Chronic constipation is one of the many conditions on the rise among children. Unfortunately, its one that is too frequently treated by most pediatricians with over-the-counter medications, often MiraLAX, which comes in at #1 but ultimately may be harmful to our little ones.
As holistic primary care pediatricians, at GetzWell we know firsthand that there are better, safer ways to effectively combat constipation. In this post, well explore constipations most common causes and the reasons for avoiding MiraLAX. Well also suggest methods for prevention and safe treatment of this common problem.
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Alternative Ways To Treat Constipation
Magnesium citrate works well for many people, but it isnt the only option for constipation relief. There are other ways to treator even preventconstipation without a visit to your local pharmacy or doctors office.
- Eat more fiber: High-fiber foods like raspberries, oats, and almonds will add bulk to your stool and speed up its passage through your colon. According to the American Heart Association, the average adult should consume around 25 grams of fiber per day.
- Drink more water: An adequate water intake will keep your stools and intestines well-lubricated for a smoother transit through your digestive tract.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help stimulate your intestines, reducing the amount of time it takes food to move through them. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
- Train your bowels: Some find that training their body to have bowel movements at the same time every day helps to increase regularity. Choose a time that works well for your lifestyle and scheduleafter your morning breakfast is an ideal time.
If symptoms do not improve or get worse with magnesium citrate, or the alternative options above, see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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