Can Magnesium Citrate Be Used For IBS?

Magnesium Citrate, aside from being a potent nootropic and cognitive enhancer, has a host of physical health benefits that extend from the gut. This product is a gentle laxative. This laxative will increase fluid in the area of the small intestine. This laxative is also marketed under the names Citro-Mag and Citroma. It some cases it is added to food to help a person regulate the amount of salt they are consuming in their diet. Magnesium Citrate for IBS use, in aiding digestion, is actually a very common practice and recommendation in the medical community.

Benefits

Magnesium Citrate is a gentle way to relieve constipation. If a person has not had a bowel movement for a couple of days they often have a bloated and uncomfortable feeling. This laxative will allow the small intestine to take in water and allow the body to push the stool out. If a person is having surgery on the colon or in their intestines and they have to have their bowels cleared out this laxative can help. Magnesium citrate can help a person have a bowel movement soon after taking it.

This laxative works through the process of osmosis. Once the magnesium reaches the intestines it can attract water to this area in the body. This is why it is able to induce a bowel movement. Once a person has their bowel movement they need to make some changes to their diet. If a specific food is causing constipation they need to limit it in their diet. If there is a more serious problem and a person is constipated frequently they should contact their doctor to discuss possible causes.

Recommended Dosage

The dosage will vary based on a person age, medical conditions they may have, and the response to this treatment. A person should follow the recommendations on the bottle to see how much Magnesium citrate they should take. After taking this product they should immediately drink an eight-ounce glass of water. This will help prevent some side effects.

Younger males between the ages of 19 and 30 should take no more than 400 mg in one day per day. Men over the age of 30 can take 420 mg per day. Women need slightly less. A woman up to the age of 50 can take around 310 mg. Pregnant women and women over the age of 50 can take 320 mg per day. The National Institute of Health states that a person should not take more than the recommended dosage based on their age and their gender. The liquid may leave an unpleasant taste behind in a person’s mouth. While the taste is not the best it will not cause a person harm. To temper the taste a little a person can chill the magnesium before consumption. This supplement will work best when it is taken when the stomach is empty. A person should follow this laxative with a glass of water or a glass of juice is also acceptable. This will help reduce some cramping and reduce any complication that a person may have.

Side Effects

If a person takes Magnesium Citrate too often they may lose their ability to have bowel movements independently. This means they will have to use a laxative in order to pass their stool. Some signs that are a person is overusing this laxative include diarrhea, pain in the abdominal area, weight loss, and a feeling of weakness. If a person is taking tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics they should not take two hours before or after using this laxative. This may decrease their effectiveness.

Some mild side effects include discomforts such as gas, cramps, or nausea. There are some more serious side effects by they are unlikely. They include irregular heartbeat, changes in mood, muscle weakness, rectal bleeding, and bloody stool. This is often due to prolonged use of this laxative.

If a person uses Magnesium Citrate and does not have a bowel movement they may have a serious medical problem or obstruction in their intestines. They should consult a medical professional.

Long-Term Use

If a person is suffering from chronic constipation they should visit their doctor. Magnesium Citrate can help a person have a bowel movement if they are constipated but a person should not become dependant on this laxative in order to pass their stool. If a person uses this laxative often they may experience signs of dehydration. This may include decreased urination, dry mouth, and wrinkled skin. A laxative should only be used on an as-needed basis. Magnesium Citrate IBS use is very common and typically has very beneficial upsides.

Short-Term Uses

When used on occasion Magnesium Citrate can help relieve occasional constipation. This laxative will allow the intestines to take in more water to loosen the stool and help the body expel it. A person will then be relieved on the bloating and discomfort associated with constipation. When a person has to go for colon or intestinal testing they can also use this laxative to clean out their system so the doctor can have an unobstructed view.

Legal Status

Currently, Magnesium Citrate is currently available without a prescription. It is an over the counter medication. It has been approved for use as a laxative. If a person is allergic to any of the ingredients in this laxative they should not use it. This laxative is safe to use by pregnant women. It has no risk to the baby and it also safe to use by breastfeeding mothers.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium Citrate is safe and effective to use for occasional constipation. It has been shown to gently increase water in the intestines allowing the stool to be released. This laxative works quickly as well. A person can expect to have a bowel movement in as little as 30 minutes. This laxative is effective and safe to use for occasional relief of constipation.

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