Magnesium for Constipation Relief
Try Magnesium Supreme for non-habit forming relief from Constipation

Do you regularly suffer from constipation? It is possible that the laxatives you take to find relief are, in fact, worsening your condition. Constipation is characterised by fewer than three stools a week. The stool is hard and dry and often in the shape of small pellets pressed together and is difficult to eliminate. Constipation makes a person feel bloated and uncomfortable. Severe constipation is defined as less than one bowel movement per week.

Chronic constipation, on the other hand is constipation that continues for an extended period of time. Chronic constipation is not a disease in itself, but it may lead to complications such as haemorrhoids and anal fissures. Have yourself checked by a physician if you think you suffer from chronic constipation to find the underlying cause of constipation. It is possible that some of your prescription medications are contributing to your chronic constipation.

What causes Constipation?

Some things that lead to constipation are:

• Not eating dietary fibre
• Lack of physical activity
• Not drinking enough water
• Resisting the urge to use the lue
• Stroke or other disease
• Dairy products
• Intestinal function problems
• IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)
• Pregnancy
• Problems with the rectum or colon
• Abuse of laxatives

During pregnancy women may suffer constipation because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Constipation may also come with age resulting from an impaired metabolism and decrease in intestinal activity.

Additional causes of constipation include medications, irritable bowel syndrome and abuse of laxatives. Recently research has shown that a deficiency of magnesium may also contribute to constipation. A 2006 study on the association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation among young Japanese women undertaken by Murakami K, Sasaki S, Okubo H, Takahashi Y, Hosoi Y, Itabashi examined the intake of magnesium with constipation. Published in Eur J Clin Nutr (2006 Dec 6) the study concluded that low magnesium intake was associated with constipation.[1]

Taking Magnesium for Chronic Constipationn Relief

The treatment for constipation relief depends on the severity and duration of the constipation. Usually a simple change in diet and or lifestyle will prevent constipation from happening. Increasing fibre in your diet by including foods like bran, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables is one idea. Limit foods that increase constipation like cheese, white bread, meat and processed food. Drinking more water also can aid in constipation relief as dehydration will cause stools to be harder.

You can also look at increasing your intake of magnesium by incorporating magnesium rich foods in your diet, or by regularly taking in a magnesium supplement like Magnesium Supreme. As the food you eat moves through your colon, the water and nutrients from the food are absorbed. Muscle contractions in the colon push the waste towards the rectum, and by the time the waste gets there, most of the water has been absorbed. If the colon absorbs too much water, or the muscle contractions are too slow, stools will become dry and hard and you will have constipation.

Magnesium helps to prevent constipation by relaxing the walls of the colon and allowing for a normal peristaltic action. Magnesium attracts water and you can bring in more water into your colon by taking a magnesium supplement like Magnesium Supreme. Water in your colon makes your stools softer and allows your colon to absorb water from your fecal matter if you body needs it.

If you suffer from chronic constipation, you can get relief by taking a slightly larger dose of Magnesium Supreme to the point that you have enough non-digested magnesium in your system. This non-digested magnesium acts as a gentle laxative because it has not been converted to ionic form before it enters the digestive system.

Jesse Lynn Hanley, M.D., in the book, 'Tired of Being Tired', proposes the following way to take Magnesium to relieve your constipation: "Begin with 200 milligrams magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate—you may increase the dosage in 200-milligram increments until your bowels move regularly. The dose for magnesium is individual, so begin low and increase the dosage as needed. Reduce the dosage if you experience loose bowels."

Magnesium Supreme for Constipation Relief

Unlike irritating laxatives, magnesium does not create laxative dependency. Most over the counter laxatives contain Magnesium oxide a form of magnesium that cannot be used nutritionally (to help relax the walls of the colon) and only has a laxative effect (hydrate your stools). Studies have shown that forms, such as magnesium citrate (Magnesium Supreme), chloride, aspartate, are better absorbed than forms like magnesium oxid. In fact, magnesium citrate supplements such as Magnesium Supreme or Magnesium Rub are even better than 'milk of magnesia' which was a common remedy for constipation relief for years as 'milk of magnesia' is made from magnesium oxide.

In addition to taking Magnesium Supreme, set aside some time for undisturbed visits to the toilet. Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement as this can contribute to constipation. Also try to avoid an over-dependence on over-the-counter laxatives, they maybe be worse for you than you think; especially long term.

References:

1. Murakami K, Sasaki S, Okubo H, Takahashi Y, Hosoi Y, Itabashi M. Association between dietary fiber, water and magnesium intake and functional constipation among young Japanese women. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Dec 6.

Disclaimer
The information in this article is meant for information purposes only and is not prescriptive. We recommended that you consult with your doctor before you introduce magnesium in your diet, especially if you have a severe kidney or heart disease or are taking hypoglycemic drugs.