Magnesium Chloride & Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person has difficulty having bowel movements or does not have them at all. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information ClearingHouse (NDDICH), constipation can be caused by dehydration, improper diet, or lack of exercise. Magnesium chloride can help relieve some constipation symptoms.

Causes of Constipation

• According to the NDDICH, improper diet is the most common cause of constipation. People whose diet consists of high fat content and low fiber content tend to become constipated. Dehydration is also a primary cause of constipation.

  Both of these problems can be addressed by eating a higher-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. (You can usually tell whether you're drinking enough water by the color of your urine: clear, you are; yellowish, you're not.) High-fiber foods also tend to be high in magnesium.

  Constipation can also be a symptom of a serious illness, so address longer-term constipation issues with your doctor.

Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause constipation. Magnesium chloride helps with IBS because it softens stool, leading to less pain and discomfort in the bowel area and easier excretion.

Magnesium Deficiency and Constipation

• Michael B. Schachter, a medical doctor specializing in complementary forms of medicine, says that constipation can be a symptom of magnesium deficiency. According to Schachter, magnesium deficiency can cause medical problems all over the body, including neck and back pain, heart palpitations, and bowel movement problems. This problem can be corrected with dietary changes and magnesium chloride pills.

Magnesium Intake and Diet

• Schachter recommends eating whole grains, nuts and green vegetables to get more magnesium into your body. The NDICCH recommends a similar diet to ease constipation by increasing fiber intake.

Magnesium Supplements

• Schachter recommends magnesium supplements for people who cannot correct magnesium deficiency symptoms, including constipation, via diet alone. Magnesium chloride is a popular choice for supplements, although Schachter says that you can use any type of magnesium supplement prescribed by your doctor.