We've all experienced
constipation at some point in our lives, right? It's actually a very common digestive complaint. If you're going to the bathroom less than three times a week, or if you have difficulty passing stool, and your stools are hard or dry, you may be
constipated . It can be a very uncomfortable experience.
How does magnesium help with constipation?
Magnesium is an essential mineral for many things in our body, such as muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and
blood pressure control. So when you take magnesium for a condition called constipation, this is what happens. It helps our small intestine absorb water. Then the stool in the intestine becomes liquid, soft, and easy to pass. This stimulates the natural movement of the intestines, that is,
peristalsis , and makes it easier to pass stool.
What are the main causes of constipation?
There is no single cause of constipation. Many different factors can contribute to it.
- Dietary deficiencies: Constipation can occur if the amount of fiber in your diet is low and if you don't drink enough water during the day.
- Lack of exercise: Not getting enough exercise for the body also affects digestion.
- Certain medical conditions: Medical conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and some hormonal issues can also cause constipation.
- Certain medications: Painkillers (especially opioids) and the recently popular weight loss and diabetes medications ( GLP-1 agonists ) can also cause constipation as a side effect.
GLP-1 drugs and constipation
These (GLP-1) drugs work by controlling the action of a hormone that stimulates the production of insulin in our body. This can slightly slow down the speed at which food moves through the digestive system. This causes stool to stay in the intestines longer, making it dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
Magnesium is a relatively safe solution to constipation caused by medications like these. It's easy to find and is necessary for normal processes in our bodies.
If you are taking this type of medication and you are constipated,
talk to your doctor first. He or she will likely advise you to change your diet, drink more water, eat a high-fiber diet, and exercise. He or she will also explain how to use magnesium or other laxatives if you are taking them.
What type of magnesium is best for constipation?
There are several types of magnesium. You can take them in different forms, such as pills, powders, and liquids. Sometimes one type works better for you than another and may have fewer side effects. They also vary in price. The important thing is to choose something that suits you, has fewer side effects, and is easy on your wallet.
| Magnesium type | Description and use |
|---|
| Magnesium Oxide | This is the most commonly used and best-studied type for constipation. It comes in tablets or capsules. Since it is not easily absorbed by our intestines, there is less risk of unnecessary increases in magnesium levels in the body. It is also less expensive. This is what doctors often recommend. |
| Magnesium Citrate | It comes in a liquid form. It is well absorbed by the intestines. Many people use it as a 'rescue therapy' in emergencies, such as when they have not been able to go to the toilet for several days. Doctors also give it to cleanse the intestines before tests such as a colonoscopy. |
| Magnesium Glycinate | This is actually more commonly taken for people with low magnesium levels in the body, for mental stress, and insomnia than for constipation. It is available in powder and tablet form. |
| Milk of Magnesia | This is actually a liquid form of magnesium oxide. This is a good alternative for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. The action is similar to magnesium oxide. |
| Epsom Salts | These are also a type of magnesium, specifically magnesium sulfate. It is often used to soak the body in water for muscle pain, but it can also be dissolved in water and drunk for constipation. |
No matter what type of magnesium you take,
read the instructions on the bottle or packet carefully and follow them exactly . Be especially careful about how much water you should drink with it.
Let's also be aware of side effects and risks.
Although magnesium is generally considered safe, side effects can sometimes occur.
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache (Cramping)
- Nausea or vomiting
Very rarely, if taken in high doses, serious conditions such as decreased breathing rate and irregular heartbeat can occur.
Most importantly: If you have kidney disease, never take magnesium without consulting your doctor. This is because excess magnesium is filtered out of the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working properly, your magnesium levels can become dangerously high.
Also, if you are taking other medications, especially those for diabetes
(insulin) or heart disease,
be sure to talk to your doctor before taking magnesium.
In these cases, see a doctor.
- Do not take magnesium if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- If there is blood in the stool.
- If you haven't had a bowel movement within 6 hours of taking magnesium, call your doctor immediately. It could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a bowel obstruction.
- If you have chronic constipation, see a doctor to determine the cause before continuing to take magnesium.
Take-Home Message
- Constipation is a very common and annoying condition. Magnesium is an effective and easily available solution for this.
- There are several types of magnesium. Among them , Magnesium OxideIt is the most commonly used.
- Regardless of the type, follow the dosage and instructions on the package exactly.
- It can take anywhere from half an hour to 6 hours to work after taking the medicine. So choose a time when you can easily go to the toilet.
- People with kidney disease or those taking other medications (especially for diabetes and heart disease) should not use these without consulting a doctor.
- If you continue to have constipation, it's important to find the cause. So be sure to see a doctor for advice.
Constipation, magnesium, constipation, magnesium, dry stomach, magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate
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