Magnesium Bisglycinate for Constipation
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While most people believe that fiber supplements are the only choice to prevent and relieve constipation, they will be surprised to know that it could lead to more issues if there is no consumption of enough water. In another way, the use of laxatives might lead to untimely and embarrassing bathroom trips that hamper daily work schedules. So, what’s the better option to combat constipation? Magnesium bisglycinate. Yes, you will be amazed to know the huge benefits of magnesium bisglycinate for constipation.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of magnesium bisglycinate for constipation as a less known natural remedy. But before we start focusing on magnesium bisglycinate, a natural constipation reliever, it’s important to learn the basics of constipation a little bit more. So, let’s dig a little deeper.
Table of contents
- What is constipation?
- Symptoms of constipation
- Causes of constipation
- Complications of constipation
- What is magnesium bisglycinate?
- How magnesium bisglycinate can help with constipation
- How to take magnesium bisglycinate for constipation
- Precautions and side effects
- Final words
What is constipation
Constipation is a condition in which a person experiences the difficulty passage of stools or infrequent bowel movements. The term “infrequent” is generally described as having irregular or less than once a day. It can be both occasional as well as chronic. Chronic constipation may interfere with the ability to perform daily activities and overall quality of life.
Symptoms of constipation
Symptoms of constipation may vary depending on the underlying causes and severity of the condition. However, common signs and symptoms may include:
- Having hard, dark, or lumpy stools
- Straining to have an evacuation of stool
- Having incomplete evacuation of stools, generally fewer than once a day
- Feelings of a blockage in the anus that prevents passing stools
- Needing assistance to pass stools such as using a finger to expel stool or using the hands to press on the belly
When two or more of these symptoms persist for the last 12 weeks or longer, the condition might be considered chronic constipation.
Causes of constipation
Constipation occurs when the bowel moves too slowly and stool or waste cannot be removed completely from the bowel. As a result, the stool becomes dry and hard over time. A number of physiological and dietary factors might be involved in developing constipation, including, but aren’t limited to:
Inadequate fluid intake
Not consuming enough vegetables and fruits
Higher stress level
Oftentimes suppressing the urge to evacuation
Sedentary lifestyle
Use of certain medications such as codeine and morphine
Low intake of dietary magnesium
Excess use of acid-reducing drugs or antacids
Blockages in the bowel such as narrowing of the colon or rectum bulge
Issues with the nerves surrounding the rectum or colon
Issues with the muscles (pelvic) involved in bowel movements
Conditions that impact hormonal balances like pregnancy or diabetes
Complications of constipation
While occasional constipation is easily reversible and doesn’t affect overall bodily functions, chronic constipation may lead to various health complications over time. Common complications of chronic constipation may include:
Rectal prolapse - in this condition, the lower part of the rectum or intestine protrudes from the anus.
Anal fissure - in which, hard stool causes tiny tears and bleeding in and around the anus.
Hemorrhoids - in which swelling in the veins occurred in and around the anus.
Fecal impaction - in this condition, dry and hard stool is accumulated and gets stuck in the lower part of the rectum which may cause it to be expelled.
What is magnesium bisglycinate?
Magnesium bisglycinate, also known as magnesium bisglycinate chelate or magnesium glycinate, is a form of magnesium in which the magnesium molecule is bound to an essential amino acid which is called “glycine”.
How magnesium bisglycinate can help with constipation
Magnesium bisglycinate and the glycine it contains have potent relaxing properties that can help relax the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract or digestive tract) that may lead to easier and smoother bowel movements.
Furthermore, glycine is gentle to the digestive tract, meaning magnesium bisglycinate is less likely to cause sudden and untimely bathroom trips often associated with laxatives. It acts as a natural agent to improve the frequency of bowel movements and doesn’t over-stimulate the bowels, making it highly beneficial for people who have constipation with higher sensitivities.
A 1987 clinical trial published in the Annals of Clinical Research showed that treating constipation with magnesium supplements is more efficient compared to bulk laxatives in elderly long-stay patients.
How to take magnesium bisglycinate for constipation
The exact dose of magnesium bisglycinate for constipation is individual and may differ from one person to another depending on the underlying causes. Therefore, it’s best to start with low and gradually enhance the dosages as per requirements. However, 200 mg to 400 mg of magnesium bisglycinate per day is a good option to start with.
Precautions and side effects
Magnesium bisglycinate is considered generally safe and well-tolerated in recommended doses. Some people may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat.
Besides, magnesium may interact with other supplements and medications. It has a huge impact on heart and kidney functions. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a certified natural medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before starting magnesium bisglycinate for constipation especially if you have any heart or kidney-related issues.
Final words
Constipation is one of the most irritating and distressing ailments that affects nearly every person at a certain point in life. However, the positive effects of magnesium bisglycinate for constipation can be a great alternative strategy for improving bowel regularity from the inside out by supporting the overall body system that influences bowel processes most.
Since magnesium may interact with other medications, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a qualified naturopathic practitioner or healthcare provider prior to starting magnesium supplements.
Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Magnesium Bisglycinate 200 mg Vegan Capsules.
Important resources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3126699/
- https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/nutrition/does-magnesium-glycinate-make-you-poop
- https://www.purelabvitamins.com/blog/magnesium-a-nourishing-alternative-to-popular-laxatives
- https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/MBCP/Magnesium.pdf
- https://hemorrhoidcentersamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/magnesium.pdf
- https://www.transparentlabs.com/blogs/all/magnesium-bisglycinate-best-magnesium-supplement
- https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-glycinate#supplements
- https://www.parkinsonsresource.org/news/articles/magnesium-for-constipation/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253