Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal dysfunction characterised by a gaggle of signs that often happen collectively, together with:
IBS is regarded as attributable to issues between how the mind and the intestines work collectively. Medical doctors now check with circumstances like IBS as issues of gut-brain interactions.
Some folks with IBS have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Others fluctuate between the 2. For that reason, IBS is often categorized into differing kinds:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C): irregular bowel actions with stools which can be laborious or lumpy; fewer bowel actions total, typically require straining
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): stools are free or watery; could have stomach ache together with extra frequent urges to go
- IBS with blended bowel habits (IBS-M): irregular bowel actions that may be each laborious and lumpy and free or watery in the identical day
When you have IBS, you’ll have heard that magnesium might assist ease your signs.
Whereas growing magnesium-rich meals may very well be helpful for everybody with IBS, sure formulations of magnesium dietary supplements are particularly recognized to assist ease constipation.
For that reason, magnesium dietary supplements could also be useful for folks with IBS-C or IBS-M however might not be a good suggestion for these with IBS-D as they’ll enhance diarrhea.
Learn on to study extra concerning the potential advantages and dangers of taking magnesium for treating IBS.
Magnesium is a mineral concerned in lots of important capabilities within the physique, together with regulating muscle and nerve operate, blood strain, and blood sugar. Magnesium may be found in a wide variety of foods, together with:
- leafy greens
- potatoes
- broccoli
- complete grains
- avocados
- legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, and peas
- seeds, like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds
- tofu
- some kinds of fish
- nuts
- darkish chocolate
Nevertheless, some folks don’t get sufficient magnesium and switch to dietary supplements to assist enhance their consumption.
Magnesium supplements are thought to assist ease stomach cramping, anxiousness, and constipation. For that reason, elevated dietary magnesium and magnesium dietary supplements could also be really useful to assist with signs generally skilled in folks with IBS-C.
Stool softener
Magnesium
Reduces anxiousness
Magnesium has been shown to reduce anxiety. Since anxiety may aggravate symptoms of IBS, this
Though magnesium is usually thought-about secure for most individuals, you’ll have unwanted side effects after taking a complement, particularly when you take an excessive amount of.
To keep away from unwanted side effects, attempt to maintain consumption to
The most typical unwanted side effects of magnesium dietary supplements embody:
- delicate diarrhea
- nausea
- abdomen cramps
Toxicity
Taking magnesium dietary supplements at excessive doses could cause extra severe unwanted side effects, comparable to:
- delicate diarrhea
- nausea
- stomach ache
Medical Emergency
Very massive doses of magnesium (greater than 5,000 mg/day) have been related to magnesium toxicity, which may be deadly. Signs of magnesium toxicity embody:
The chance of magnesium toxicity is increased in folks with kidney problems.
In case you encounter any of those unwanted side effects, cease taking magnesium and name your physician or the poison management helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Allergic response
It’s doable to have an allergic reaction to magnesium or any of the opposite substances contained in a meals or complement.
Signs of an allergic response could embody rash or hives, itching, hassle respiratory, and different signs.
Medical Emergency
Name 911 when you’re having hassle respiratory or signs of a extreme allergic response, comparable to:
- pores and skin reactions, comparable to hives, itching, or pale pores and skin
- wheezing or hassle with respiratory
- lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- facial swelling
- nausea
- weak and quick pulse
Drug interactions
Magnesium dietary supplements are recognized to
- sure antibiotics, together with tetracyclines (like demeclocycline and doxycycline), and quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin)
- bisphosphonates, comparable to alendronate (Fosamax), used to deal with osteoporosis
- diuretics, together with furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Aquazide H)
- sure medicine used to ease signs of acid reflux disease or deal with peptic ulcers that will additionally comprise magnesium, like esomeprazole magnesium (Nexium) and lansoprazole (Prevacid)
In case you’re contemplating taking a magnesium complement to deal with IBS, converse with a health care provider first to debate some other dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you just already take.
Magnesium dietary supplements can be found in quite a lot of types. Each will differ in absorption charges.
Remember the fact that the
Search for manufacturers which can be certified by third parties, like NSF International, for security and high quality.
Ask your physician earlier than taking any dietary supplements and make sure you read all product labels for the proper dosage.
Whereas there are lots of kinds of magnesium out there,
Magnesium citrate for IBS
Magnesium citrate is magnesium together with citric acid.
Magnesium citrate is taken into account an osmotic laxative. It really works by enjoyable your bowels and pulling water into the bowels. The water helps soften and bulk up your stool, making it cross by means of extra simply.
Magnesium citrate may be present in capsule, liquid, or powder formulations (that you just combine with water). You don’t want a prescription to buy magnesium citrate. It may be simply present in drugstores or on-line.
The really useful dose for magnesium dietary supplements is dependent upon model, meant use, and the way a lot magnesium you already get in your weight loss program. Observe the dosage on the bundle directions.
Magnesium sulfate for IBS
Magnesium sulfate, often known as Epsom salt, is one sort of magnesium salt that will enhance constipation.
A 2016 study, for instance, confirmed that consumption of mineral water containing magnesium sulfate improved the frequency of bowel actions in folks with IBS-C.
Nevertheless, the impact solely lasted as much as 6 weeks.
A 2017 study with carefully associated analysis parameters and strategies to the examine beforehand talked about confirmed comparable outcomes.
To deal with constipation, adults and youngsters ages 12 years and older can dissolve 2 to 4 degree teaspoons of Epsom salt in 8 ounces of water and drink instantly.
Magnesium hydroxide for IBS
Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) works as a laxative by pulling water into your intestines, which helps soften your stool and ease its passage.
The really useful dose varies primarily based on the product.
Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, for instance, recommends taking 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 60 mL) per day, with every tablespoon (15 mL) containing 1,200 mg of magnesium hydroxide.
Whereas that is thought-about above the secure higher degree, the laxative impact of that is desired in such a case.
Different magnesium formulations
There are a number of different types of magnesium supplements out there. Nevertheless, these formulations might not be the most suitable choice for treating constipation.
- magnesium chelate
- magnesium aspartate
- magnesium threonate
- magnesium glycinate
- magnesium malate
- magnesium bisglycinate powder
Rising magnesium-rich meals and taking sure kinds of magnesium dietary supplements, significantly capsules, powder, or liquids containing magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium hydroxide, could also be useful for some folks with IBS.
All the time observe the instructions on the bundle to keep away from issues and make sure you converse with a health care provider when you’re contemplating magnesium as a therapy choice for IBS-C.
Magnesium for IBS with constipation might not be an answer for long-term therapy. In case you discover that magnesium now not helps deal with IBS-C, see a health care provider to debate different therapy choices.