Magnesium for constipation

[cmclien]

Just wondering if any of you have tried magnesium oxide or citrate for your constipation issues?  It has totally cured my IBS-C, I still have IBS but at least I'm not constipated anymore!  Since I started taking magnesium supplements I have had a BM pretty much every day for months.  It is such a simple solution but one worth trying for any of you who suffer.  Its non-addictive unlike laxatives, it is simply a supplement that most sources say we are very deficient in.  You can google "magnesium constipation" to find more information.  The exact amount will vary person to person, its best to start with one tablet (can be bought in any vitamin section at walgreens etc) which is 250mg and if that doesn't work, try 500mg the next day, 750mg the next until you find the right dose for you and then adjust daily depending on stool consistency etc.  I have found the magic number for me to be somewhere between 700-1000mg a day, a couple with lunch and one or two with dinner.  My husband who doesn't have constipation issues will have diarrhea with only 250mg but for those of you like me it would take a much much larger dose to ever give me diarrhea.  It really has been a miracle for me so wanted to mention it on this board.

[Natasha666]

I recently went back to 1000mg since more than a 1000mg. started giving me really bad cramps.

[Natasha666]

I've been taking 1260mg. when I wake up in the morning with 1 cup water for almost 2 months now. I tried 1000mg but that isn't strong enough. It only worked about 4 times.  I take the magnesium oxide kind by Swiss. My IBS is so severe so I guess that is why nothing works.

[FurballsMom]

Yes, it definitely helps.  It's something I also use as a preventative for my migraine disorder.

[cmclien]

I'm sorry it isn't helping you.  Some people find that taking 750mg to 1000mg right before bedtime does a better job then taking it throughout the day.  Is the supplement magnesium only? Have you tried it for a few days in a row?  Don't mix it with calcium which can be constipating.  There are other posts on this site of what others have tried.  Also, if you are already backed up by days and days you might want to take a regular laxative to get you going and then start taking the magnesium daily to keep things moving.  I hope you find relief!  

[Natasha666]

I tried it but it won't help at all. I'm so depressed. I was hoping it would help.I go like once a month only. The symtoms are so severe,