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Earlier than taking magnesium citrate, it’s important that an individual understands the way it works, its unwanted effects, and the way it interacts with different substances.
There are occasions when magnesium citrate might not be the best choice for treating constipation, and selecting different alternate options might assist keep away from any problems.
Constipation is a widespread situation, and most of the people expertise it sooner or later of their lives. Many individuals use magnesium merchandise, together with magnesium citrate, to deal with this uncomfortable situation.
Causes of constipation
Constipation is when an individual has fewer than three bowel actions every week. Stools are often onerous, dry, or lumpy, and could also be tough or painful to cross.
In lots of instances, addressing the underlying trigger for constipation might scale back the necessity for drugs, together with magnesium citrate. These embody a low fiber weight loss program, immobility, dehydration, or medical circumstances.
How does magnesium citrate work for constipation?
Compounds akin to magnesium citrate work by pulling water into the intestines. This water combines with the dry stool, making it simpler to cross. Drugs that work on this means are referred to as osmotic laxatives.
When used accurately, many individuals discover that magnesium citrate is a straightforward answer to occasional constipation.
Is magnesium citrate secure to make use of?
Magnesium citrate is usually secure for adults who would not have any well being points, and who solely use it occasionally.
As a result of magnesium citrate pulls water into the intestines from different areas within the physique, folks utilizing it ought to drink loads of water with it. They need to additionally drink extra fluids all through the day to forestall dehydration.
Magnesium shouldn’t be a sensible choice for treating continual constipation or constipation that requires ongoing therapy. Utilizing it too typically can result in extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Medical doctors typically use increased doses of magnesium citrate as colon cleansers earlier than surgical procedure. The compound can have a robust impact if an individual takes an excessive amount of. It’s important to learn the producer’s directions rigorously each time taking magnesium citrate.
Unwanted effects
Magnesium citrate might assist deal with constipation, however it may additionally trigger a number of unwanted effects. Typical unwanted effects from utilizing magnesium citrate embody:
When the stool does come out of the colon, there may be additionally an opportunity will probably be unfastened or watery. Diarrhea is widespread after taking magnesium citrate. These unwanted effects are often delicate and don’t pose a severe threat to in any other case wholesome folks.
Consuming alcohol together with magnesium citrate might make diarrhea and different intestinal unwanted effects worse.
Who ought to keep away from magnesium citrate? – “magnesium citrate for constipation”
Magnesium citrate might work together with medication, together with particular antibiotics and drugs that docs prescribe to decrease calcium focus within the urine, akin to potassium or sodium phosphate.
Individuals on low-sodium or restricted-sodium diets must also keep away from magnesium citrate.
Magnesium citrate may also lower the physique’s potential to soak up some drugs. Individuals taking any treatment ought to converse to their physician earlier than utilizing magnesium citrate.
Individuals shouldn’t use magnesium citrate if they’ve rectal bleeding.
Individuals who have had sure procedures or have particular medical points must also keep away from magnesium citrate. Examples embody:
Individuals with a medical situation ought to discuss with their physician earlier than utilizing magnesium citrate to ensure it’s secure to make use of.
Magnesium is secure to make use of for minor or occasional instances of constipation. It’s not for long-term use. Anybody experiencing continual, long-lasting episodes of constipation ought to keep away from magnesium citrate.
Utilizing magnesium citrate frequently might trigger the physique to develop into depending on it, making it tough for an individual to cross stools with out utilizing laxatives. Anybody with continual constipation ought to discuss to their physician to search out long-term options for his or her signs.
Dosages of magnesium citrate
Magnesium citrate is an lively ingredient in lots of branded over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. Liquid oral options with out another lively substances could also be finest for treating constipation.
Dosages fluctuate based mostly on the model or focus of magnesium citrate within the bottle. At all times comply with the dosage and browse the directions on the label rigorously.
It’s important to combine the answer with water and drink extra water when taking magnesium citrate. Combine the dose with at the very least 4 to eight ounces of water, and drink a number of further glasses of water all through the day. This may occasionally assist replenish any fluids the physique loses by means of the stool.
Very excessive dosages of magnesium could cause magnesium toxicity, so at all times use as directed.
At all times seek the advice of a physician earlier than giving magnesium citrate or another laxative to youngsters. Pregnant or nursing moms ought to discuss to their physician or pharmacist in regards to the appropriate dosage. Medical doctors might advocate different drugs or dietary supplements to assist with signs.
Options to magnesium citrate
Other than utilizing magnesium citrate to alleviate constipation, folks can strive:
Utilizing magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is an ingredient in OTC merchandise, akin to Milk of Magnesia. It additionally attracts water into the intestines to assist soften stool and encourage a bowel motion.
Individuals additionally use magnesium hydroxide to cut back abdomen acid and deal with different digestive signs, akin to heartburn or an upset abdomen.
Consuming Epsom salt
Also called magnesium sulfate, folks typically use as Epsom salt to deal with constipation.
Like the opposite types of magnesium, ingesting dissolved Epsom salt attracts water into the intestines, softening the stool. Nevertheless, if the suitable quantity of Epsom salt doesn’t dissolve in water, this will result in irritation. You will need to examine how a lot water to make use of and to comply with the directions accurately.
Growing fiber consumption
People who find themselves unable to take magnesium resulting from a medical situation or intolerance can strive soluble fiber. Soluble fiber provides bulk to the stool, serving to it get by means of the intestines.
Individuals can select from a wide range of OTC fiber dietary supplements, lots of which comprise fiber from plant sources, akin to psyllium husk, glucomannan, or wheat germ.
Individuals who expertise occasional constipation can typically enhance their signs by rising the quantity of fiber they eat. Healthful sources of fiber embody:
Different strategies
Individuals may also strive the next strategies to alleviate constipation: