Discover if magnesium makes you poop, why it works, and how fast it works for constipation.
Learn about supplements and their benefits.
Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
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What you mightnotknow, though, is that when youre backed up, magnesium may actually help you poop.
Does magnesium help constipation?
gastroenterologist and founder ofThe Center for Integrative Gut Health
If youre having trouble pooping, magnesium can help by making your stool softer and easier to pass.
But you might get the same benefits just from taking amagnesium supplement, says Dr. Ivanina.
You just need to take the righttypeof magnesium.
Most magnesium supplements come in 500-milligram tablets or capsules, perMichigan Medicine.
Most experts recommend starting with 500 milligrams, but ask your doctor about the right amount for you.
In general it can often help produce bowel movements the next day, she says.
Can you take too much magnesium?
And because it works as a laxative, theres a good chance that overdoing it will give you diarrhea.
Doses above 5,000 milligrams per day could be toxic, per the NIH.
gastroenterologist and founder ofThe Center for Integrative Gut Health
Finally, keep in mind that magnesium can interact with other medications.
Other ways to poop easier
Magnesium supplements can help you poop when youre really backed up.
These could be signs of an underlying GI issue that needs to be treated.
FAQ
Is it okay to take magnesium daily?
Its generally safe to take 500 milligrams ofmagnesium daily.
to support better bowel habits, says Dr. Ivanina.
Can magnesium soften your stool?
What is the best stool softener for constipation?
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