Magnesium… Gets Your Bowels Moving?

magnesium supplement

Hi Tracy,

A friend of mind told me about a magnesium supplement you recommended for them called Calm. And I really want to know what it is because it’s working wonders for them in the bathroom department, if you know what I mean. I guess it’s some kind of powder you mix up in water? Anyway, I was hoping you can tell me more about it. Can just anyone use it? Why does it work so well?

Signed, All Bound Up

 

Great question! Yes, Calm works wonders for sluggish or constipated bowels. Unlike the chalky pills you see avove, Calm is a powdered mix of magnesium carbonate and citric acid that is easy to swalow. When you mix it with water, a chemical reaction takes place, creating magnesium citrate that is fully dissolved in the water. No digestion required, so you don’t risk getting nauseated or not breaking down the tablets well. Calm is particularly ideal for kids, the elderly, those with GI ailments, or folks who have trouble swallowing larger tablets. But yes, anyone can take it. Calm is also great during the day for tension headaches and anxiety.

For constipation, take Calm in the evening before bed. Simply put one rounded teaspoon in a mug and add a tablespoon of water. Let the fizzing finish (~30 secs) and then top it off with hot water for a pleasant, relaxing drink. In the summertime, you may enjoy it with cold water too; it just takes a little longer to dissolve. Calm comes in a few flavors sweetened naturally with stevia. Or there is a plain variety that has no taste at all for folks sensitive to flavors. The least expensive source I have found for Calm is the Vitamin Shoppe (either in person or on-line).

You may have to experiment a bit to find the dose that works for you. Some folks find ½ tsp does the trick; others need 4-5 tsp. If you take too much, you’ll just give yourself loose stools for a day.