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Q. I have suffered with constipation for many years, despite regular prune juice and Metamucil. Since I read in your column that my calcium supplement might be constipating, I have been following your suggestion of taking magnesium with it every day. That did it! I finally have relief.
A. Chronic constipation can be extremely distressing. We’re glad our suggestion was helpful; many Americans don’t get enough magnesium from their diets.
We offer this and other suggestions, including a recipe for Power Pudding made of wheat bran, applesauce and prune juice, in our Guide to Constipation.
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I wish that would help me! Magnesium only bloats me and then I get abdominal cramps.
If magnesium cannot be taken then how about psyllium caps?
When I had low thyroid function which causes the system to slow down, I was severely constipated. I took 500 mg. magnesium caps per day until I got my thyroid meds adjusted. Even now I take 200 mg. Magnesium daily and never have a problem with constipation.
After suffering from constipation for years and taking all the right foods- whole wheats, bran fiber and veggies. Nothing worked.Thank you for the tip on calcium and magnesium. I had to cut the tab in half it worked so well!!
On taking Magnesium. Three years ago a physician suggested I take Magnesium to help with my constipation. I have an elongated colon and have suffered for years. It works, I take 750mg a day. Also I eat 7 cooked prunes daily. Cooked or raw prunes helps better than the juice.
Can you please tell me what type and dosage of magnesium is recommended to take along with calcium to relieve constipation from the calcium? Thank you very much.
I have been bothered by chronic constipation for several years. I have taken Zelnorm, Kristalose and presently 24mg Amitiza.....nothing has worked for me. I also have IBS and have problems with bloating. Any suggestions that I may try other than prescriptive medication which is not working.
Thank you so much!!
I also have had a constipation issue for years and have tried everything natural... I take 500 mg of magnesium oxcide ( as suggested by my MD) which has been a God-send, but some articles warn against too much magnesium due to kidney damage (my doctor says my kidneys are functioning fine and not to worry) please discuss and share another solution! mrp
I am concerned about my granddaughter who is only 9 months old. She has been constipated since she was born. She can go 6 days without having a bowel movement. They are very good about her diet - she eats prunes every day and flax seed - they have tried everything natural. I don't think it is her diet, since she is still nursing and eating well. She looks healthy, but I hate to see her straining to go - and she seems to have lots of gas. Her doctor is old and doesn't seem concerned since she is healthy, gaining weight, and does not seem in pain when he sees her. I wish they would get a second opinion. Any ideas?
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THIS IS BEYOND OUR EXPERTISE. A SECOND OPINION IS A GOOD IDEA.
I think so too. She may be allergic or sensitive to something (like my daughter when she was a baby)... milk or...cereal...
Check the child for allergies, wheat and or dairy would do it.
Taking Activia 3 a day will also help.