What is magnesium citrate pills used for?

If you are anything like me, you have probably had your fair share of digestive issues, and trust me, it’s not a pleasant experience! Whether it is constipation or indigestion that is bothering you, finding the right solution can be quite challenging. As I was browsing through my local pharmacy one day in search of something to ease my stomach discomforts, magnesium citrate pills caught my attention.

Magnesium citrate? What in tarnation is that supposed to do? Well folks, stay tuned because this article will give you the lowdown on all things magnesium citrate.

A Brief Introduction to Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium is an essential mineral our bodies need for a wide range of functions such as muscle contraction and relaxation. It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth while keeping our heart rate steady. Magnesium comes in various shapes from gummies and powder forms to chewable tablets but the most popular one seems to be magnesium citrate.

Fun fact: Did you know that magnesium derives its name from a district in Greece called Magnesia where researchers discovered large deposits?

Now let’s dive into what exactly these little pills do!

Uses of Magnesium Citrate

As A Laxative

Let’s address the elephant (or should I say bowel movement) in the room – yes, magnesium supplements are known for their laxative effect! If constipation has been causing some serious problems with your digestion process then look no further than these babies. They work by pulling water into your intestines which softens stools making them easier to pass out.

Disclaimer 1: Overusing this method may cause dependency on laxatives which could lead to long-term damage so be careful okay!

Mineral Supplement

As mentioned earlier magnesium plays several crucial roles within our bodies. Magnesium citrate pills may be used to replenish declining levels of magnesium in the body through an oral supplement.

As a Detox Agent

Have you had one too many martinis recently? Well not to worry, magnesium citrate is here to save the day! Its laxative effect flushes out any toxins that might have accumulated in your intestines giving them a good clean.

Disclaimer 2: Drinking moderately and staying hydrated will do wonders for your liver so perhaps try that before reaching for these supplements.

Anxiety & Stress Relief

Magnesium has been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Magnesium citrate specifically has become popular among people who experience high-stress levels due to its calming properties.

Magnesium Citrate Dosage

One size does NOT fit all when it comes down to how much magnesium should be taken since everyone’s health profile differs. It’s always best practice to consult with a healthcare specialist who can guide you on how much magnesium citrate is safe for you.

That being said, taking more than 600mg of magnesium per day could cause some serious side-effects like irregular heartbeat and stomach cramps making it extra important not only get advice from an expert but also stay within healthy limits!

Here’s a table outlining the recommended daily intake:

Age Recommended Daily Intake
Infants (0-1 year) 30-75 mg
Toddlers (1-3 years) 80 mg
Children (4-8 years) 130 mg
Youth(9 -13 years) 240 mg
Adolescents (14–18 years male) (400 –420 )mg

Possible Side Effects

Before rushing off buying every bottle of magnesium citrate at your grocery store, here are some potential side effects:
Diarrhea
Stomach upsets like bloating and gas
Nausea or vomiting
Fun fact 2: Magnesium citrate has been reported as the cause of one man’s explosive diarrhea on an international flight.

It’s easy to conclude all supplements should be treated with caution, especially if you are taking other medication. Given our unique medical histories, there could be side-effects never disclosed in the label so my advice would always go hand-in-hand with a professional opinion!

Magnesium from Food VS Supplements

You may wonder why not just eat foods rich in magnesium? And that is a valid point! Foods such as whole grains, almonds, spinach or peanut butter hold decent amounts of magnesium making it safe for consumption but it does come with its drawbacks:
Adult females are recommended to get about 320 mg while males need around 420 mgof magnesium each day (Girl power anyone?).
The intake required may involve consuming several servings which might necessitate more time than most people have.
So reaching for supplements fitted my lifestyle better because they were readily available and frankly much easier to consume; besides who doesn’t love tablets?

Final Thoughts

With all said and done let us weigh out the pros and cons (we can’t forget this bit no matter how tempting that is) before deciding whether we should include magnesItem Underlineation citrate pills in our mini-pharmacy:

Advantages

  1. Relief options for constipation especially during travel periods when bowel movement changes significantly.
  2. Improves absorption of Vitamin D by promoting calcium balance (who knew right?)
  3. Moderates anxiety levels through calming effects.

Disadvantages

1 May cause dependency on laxatives lowering your natural bowel movements ability over time.
2 Potentially comes with side effects such as diarrhea or an upset stomach.
3 Not recommended for individuals suffering from kidney disorders since magnesium is normally removed via urine.

Now, my dear readers, you are equipped with the hilarious tips necessary to choose what pleases your stomach so take a swing at these supplements and remember the golden rule: everything in moderation!

Thankfully magnesIum Citrate tablets not only have their attractive purple color but also serves a diverse range of purposes for all our digestive needs. So travel often without any issues (output first of course!)

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