Magnesium and Constipation 

Magnesium and constipation relief have been associated for a long time but the clinical evidence is not so strong as the reputation magnesium has for ending constipation.

Magnesium Citrate is used as a medication for constipation because it can be bought without a prescription from your local pharmacy or retail stores.

Magnesium supplements can take one to four hours to produce a bowel movement, but if constipation is severe it may take longer or possibly not work at all.

It is important to note that a magnesium and constipation can be related by way of taking excess calcium as a supplement. If this is the case, then magnesium is needed to balance the calcium on the digestive tract.

For this reason some people, such as menopausal women, might be better to take a calcium supplement that also contains magnesium. Always consult your physician about these types of changes to your diet or supplement regimen.

What Does Magnesium Do For the Body?

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function, heart rhythm, blood pressure, immune system functioning and blood sugar level.

For this reason, magnesium and constipation are directly related because the entire digestive tract is essentially one long muscle.

In general, healthy individuals have enough magnesium in their system and do not need to take a magnesium supplement.

A common indicator of mild magnesium deficiency is cramping in the calf muscle at night.

This usually happens while lying in bed, it can be very painful but is well known as a beginning indicator of a magnesium and/or calcium combination deficiency.

Foods High in Magnesium

What the Research Says about Magnesium and Constipation...

One of the best indicators was a 2006 study that looked at the relationship between constipation and water, fiber, and magnesium intake.

This was a fairly large study involving more than 3000 participants and showed that constipation was NOT found to be associated with low fiber intake or low intake of water from fluids.

Constipation WAS associated with low intake of magnesium and low intake of water from foods.(1)

How are Magnesium and Constipation related?

Magnesium increases water in your intestines which help initiate peristalsis (the wavelike motion which moves fecal matter through your intestines). Peristalsis also pushes food into your stomach.

The laxative effect of magnesium appears to come through two different mechanisms:

Since your intestines will be absorbing this excess water from your body it is very important to drink plenty of water after taking Magnesium. This will keep you from becoming dehydrated.

Are there Cautions to taking a Magnesium supplement?

An example of caution would exist if you suffer from any kind of kidney disease due to magnesium being excreted by the kidneys.

If kidneys are not functioning well, a person can be at risk of having excessive magnesium.

Also, supplemental magnesium can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications. If you are taking any of the following you need to speak with your physician before taking Magnesium:

Documented Side effects of Magnesium Supplements can be:

If you are thinking of trying Magnesium for constipation please understand the following:

Are there different forms of Magensium---what's the best type?

Adequate Magnesium consumption can come from foods, generally a high fruit and vegetable diet is more than adequate to supply the bodies magnesium needs.

If you are dealing with constipation and having a difficult time of it, please see the following pages...

Foods that Cause Constipation 
Relief for Constipation 
Foods that Relieve Constipation

How Much Is Safe to Take?

References