Can magnesium citrate really treat constipation?

A bout of constipation can be very frustrating. Whether your stool is irregular, painful, or difficult to pass, you may be tempted to try almost anything to relieve the pain. Many have tried magnesium citrate for constipation. The supplement is used as a laxative to help stimulate inactive bowels.

In this article, we’ll discuss how magnesium citrate works and whether it’s the right treatment for you. But first, let’s get to know the symptoms and causes of constipation.

Constipation: symptoms and causes

Constipation occurs when stools are infrequent and irregular, difficult to pass, or both. It is officially defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week.

However, every person is different, and research suggests that people experience a wide range of “normal” bowel habits.

Defecating three times a day to three times a week is considered normal by most health experts. But if your “normal” stool falls outside this range, and your stool is soft and easy to pass, you’re probably fine.

However, you may be constipated if you experience symptoms such as:

• Dry, hard stool that looks like gravel
• Feeling of incomplete emptying
• Difficulty passing stool (straining)
• Flatulence

Constipation can result from poor diet or lifestyle choices, existing health conditions, and certain medications.

Some common causes of constipation include:

• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Not drinking enough water
• Having a sedentary lifestyle (lack of activity)
• Eat a lot of cheese or other dairy products
• Certain medications (antidepressants, prescription pain relievers, iron pills, and antacids containing aluminum and calcium)
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable bowel syndrome
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Pregnancy
• Aging

Anyone of any age, gender, or health condition can experience occasional constipation. It is a common problem that can be easily treated by changing the diet. But if your symptoms last more than three months, it may be a chronic problem.

If chronic constipation is left untreated, it puts you at risk of complications such as anal fissures (tears), hemorrhoids (swelling of the rectal veins), impaction (stool obstruction), or rectal prolapse (protrusion of the rectum through the anus).

You should talk to your doctor if you suspect you have chronic constipation. Furthermore, seek immediate medical attention for any constipation accompanied by:

• fever
• Severe pain
• Bloody stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Inability to pass gas
• Vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

Magnesium citrate and constipation

If your constipation is not severe or chronic, you may consider taking a magnesium citrate supplement. But what exactly is magnesium citrate? How does it work?

Constipation occurs when waste becomes dry and hard because it remains in the colon for a long time. Magnesium citrate acts as an osmotic laxative. This means that it draws water into the intestines, softening dry stool and making it easier to pass.

Magnesium citrate usually produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours. It’s a quick and relatively easy way to treat constipation from the comfort of your home, when used correctly.

Magnesium citrate safety and side effects

Magnesium citrate should be considered a short-term solution to a short-term problem. It is not intended to treat chronic or severe constipation, and is not without side effects.

Excessive use of the supplement can lead to dependence on laxatives, where you are unable to produce a bowel movement without digestive assistance. Over time, the nerves and muscles of the intestine can become unresponsive to normal signals.

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may also occur with overuse. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water when taking magnesium citrate.

When used as directed, magnesium citrate is generally safe for most people. However, certain populations may be more at risk for side effects, including:

• Children under two years
• Pregnant women
• Nursing women
• People with kidney disease
• People on a diet restricted in magnesium or sodium

Side effects are usually mild and include stomach cramps and/or discomfort, gas, and mild diarrhea. Stop taking magnesium citrate and call your doctor if you have serious side effects, such as:

• Blood in stool
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Severe diarrhea
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion or confusion
• Irregular or slow heartbeat

Magnesium citrate doses

First of all, you should always follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not take more often than recommended or for longer than one week, unless recommended by your doctor.

Magnesium citrate can be purchased over the counter in the form of tablets, saline solution, or powder to mix with water or juice. For constipation, oral solutions and powders are most effective.

Dosages will vary between brands and by age and weight. But in general, for adults and children 12 and older, the saline solution should be taken with eight ounces of water.

If using powder, add recommended dose to 10 ounces of water or juice, and stir until well mixed.

Also be sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. This will help reduce the risk of dehydration.

Magnesium citrate may interact with other medications. Before starting to use it, tell your doctor or pharmacist of any other medications you may take, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

To be safe, avoid taking any medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking magnesium citrate.

Alternative ways to treat constipation

Magnesium citrate works well for many people, but it is not the only option for relieving constipation. There are other ways to treat or even prevent constipation without visiting your local pharmacy or doctor’s office.

• Eat more fibre: High-fiber foods such as berries, oats, and almonds will add bulk to the stool and speed up its passage through the colon. According to the American Heart Association, an adult should consume about 25 grams of fiber daily.
• Drink more water: Adequate water intake will keep the stool and intestines well lubricated for smoother passage through the digestive tract.
• Exercising regularly: Physical activity can help stimulate the intestines, reducing the amount of time it takes for food to move through them. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Train your gut: Some find that training their bodies to have bowel movements at the same time every day helps increase regularity. Choose a time that suits your lifestyle and schedule, after eating breakfast in the morning is the ideal time.

If your symptoms do not improve or get worse with magnesium citrate, or the alternative options listed above, see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.