Constipation is when a person has very hard stools that are difficult (even painful) to expel. Typically, this happens when the food moves slowly through the digestive tract, giving the colon more time to absorb the water.
This makes the faces hard. Constipation can also occur due to certain medications, lack of any activity, or ageing.
The best way to deal with constipation is through natural means like changing your diet. However, in some cases, it may not be sufficient. For instance, certain medicines like pain drugs cause constipation that cannot be relieved by a simple change in diet.
In such cases, doctors will prescribe laxatives like magnesium citrate in India.
Understanding constipation
How do you know you are suffering from constipation? If you have gone an unusually long time without any bowel movement or if you find that passing your stools is very difficult, you have constipation.
Symptoms include hard seats, straining during a bowel movement, and a feeling that your bowels have not been cleared even after you have passed your stools.
The chances are that you are familiar with such conditions because most people experience constipation at some point in their life. It becomes a problem when you have been constipated for months or years or if your constipation has led to other complications like hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, or anal fissure.
A doctor will often prescribe a laxative for people suffering from chronic constipation or related complications or those under constipation-inducing medications.
For the usual case of constipation, a better diet and lifestyle changes are recommended. Laxatives are usually for serious issues. However, mild laxatives like magnesium citrate India can safely be taken and are available over the counter.
Magnesium citrate as a laxative
Laxatives are substances that soften stool so that it is easy to expel. For example, magnesium citrate works by relaxing the bowels and absorbing water into the intestines. This water softens and bulks up the stool, making it easy to pass.
It is a popular laxative because it is quite gentle. However, one should be careful about the dosage. Too much, and you can find yourself running too often to the toilet!
Certain medical conditions may not go as well with magnesium citrate. Take a doctor’s opinion if you are suffering from stomach pain, kidney diseases, vomiting, nausea, or if you are on a sodium/magnesium restricted diet. It can also interact with certain medications. It will help if you inform your doctor about any such conditions.
Dosage:Â Magnesium citrate India is available both as an oral solution and as a tablet. Magnesium citrate tablets are also taken as a mineral supplement. The oral solution is advisable when treating constipation.
It is not advisable for children below the age of 3. Consult a doctor if your child is between 3-6. For children aged 6-12, the right dosage is typically 5 oz in 8 oz water. For children above 12 years and older, the dosage is 10 oz in 8 oz water.
Although it is a relatively gentle laxative, consult your doctor before taking medications. For a long-lasting change, however, you must change your lifestyle.
Potassium Magnesium Citrate – An Important Necessity Of Human Body
The potassium chemical element, which is isolated from potash, is an alkali metal. Potassium is majorly present in bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, etc. This alkali metal plays a major role in maintaining normal blood pressure.
In addition, it triggers the heart to squeeze blood through the body. Some other functions in which Potassium plays a vital role are the functioning of the nervous system, muscle function, and kidneys to filter blood.
Magnesium’s chemical element is an alkaline metal. It is a shiny grey solid and is majorly present in are green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, seafood, etc.
Magnesium metal plays a vital role in more than 300 reactions in the human body, including the metabolism of food, the transmission of nerve impulses, reduction of fatigue, muscle function, psychological function, electrolyte balance, and maintenance of bones.
Potassium magnesium citrate is crucial for the human body as it helps the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. While the magnesium citrate behaves like a laxative by increasing water concentration in the intestines, the potassium citrate helps regulate heart rate. However, these citrates can be very dangerous if taken without proper medical advice or in the amount more than prescribed.
Potassium and magnesium citrate is usually prescribed to patients with kidney stones and sometimes in nutritional deficiency cases. For better, fast, and effective results, the patient should consult with the doctor first and carefully follow the doctor’s instructions.
The patient should consume the potassium magnesium citrate tablets with meals. Who should directly swallow it without chewing as chewing them will irritate the mouth and throat.
Regularity is also a must while consuming potassium magnesium citrate tablets, i.e. the patient should consume the medicine simultaneously each day for better results. When the patient is consuming potassium magnesium citrate tablets, their potassium level, significant fall in blood hematocrit, or a substantial rise in creatinine levels should be regularly monitored and observed to check whether this medicine is good for the patient or not.
Just like any other medicine, potassium magnesium citrate medicine also has some adverse effects. If you face unwanted effects after consuming potassium magnesium citrate tablets, you should immediately consider medical attention.
A few and easily identifiable side effects of potassium magnesium citrate include upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, abdominal swelling, constipation, vomiting, chest pain, lightheadedness, extreme allergic reactions, impaired breathing, swelling of the facial area, and closing of the throat.
Read More:- 10 Ways Exercise Preserves Youthfulness In You