Thanks so much for sharing what has worked for you! I know Magnesium Citrate has worked really well for me. Though the pill form never seemed to. I have to get the liquid form that comes in a bottle and also has Calcium and Vitamin D in it. I get both Bluebonnet and Lifetime Magnesium Citrate. They both taste good too! I find that I can 'tolerate' anything liquid really well. Though the Chelated Magnesium from Bluebonnet also works great to keep things 'loose.' I also try to eat a good amount of insoluble fiber if I take this to balance things out. I also have pelvic floor dysfunction (my muscles are too tight) so the Magnesium works wonders in keeping my muscles relaxed! I think Magnesium Citrate can be a bit irritating to the colon, so I tend to use my Chelated Magnesium in high doses before trying the citrate. I have heard great things about Constella. Does it have any side effects?

You might also try Aloe Vera Inner Filler (not Whole Leaf) at some point. When I use this in between 'binding' meals it really works to loosen things up. Though sometimes it can give me the runs - so I have to be extra careful. Coconut water or oil really seems to help me out too, if I take enough of it.

Anyway, great to see someone sharing their success stories! We need more of those.

 

I haven't noticed any side effects from the Constella (other than I tried it and Magnesium Citrate for the first time on the same day as I hadn't had a BM in a week... which resulted in diarrhea).

So now I have found that alternating Constella and Magnesium Citrate (6 capsules) every other day gives me just the right balance. And as any constipation sufferer will know, having watery bowel movements that are easy to pass is better than being plugged up for weeks at a time!

Magnesium Citrate is such a common supplement, through all my years of research, I can't believe I only discovered it about a month ago. I wish I would have known about it when I was 16!

I have literally HATED my stomach / bowels for so long, it has been a constant war with my own body. But with this combination of Magnesium Citrate and Constella, I finally feel like I have a "nuclear weapon" against the greatest scourge of my life.

Thanks for the suggestion of the "Aloe Vera Inner Filler", I'll have to check that out. I'm always up for having another weapon in my arsenal in the war against my IBS-C (which I am finally winning)!

 

Finallyfree--that's wonderful you've found something that works for you!

 

I've had magnesium suggested to me elsewhere, I haven't had citrate on hand but have the other...oxi something, I've tried that at night before bed in hopes to get things better moving in the morning, when I'm usually always going. I mean to get some in a few days and hope it helps, the problems have been so awful lately I hate feeling miserable from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed.

I've also been trying vitamin c, 500mg, I was told to increase it every so often to see how much I tolerate before diarrhea, but I've been anxious too as I know oranges and orange juice give me bad reactions and I suspect that the vitamin c is the problem, but pills so far no problem, but they're not alleviating the issue either.

Linzess I found to be too harsh, forgive my third bashing on this drug (least I try not to be TOO harsh) I just feel it made things worse, it may be great for folks who for instance, only go maybe every 4-5 days, if they have that kind of constipation, but for the seemingly more difficult cases who have clogged colons yet go -4-5 times in the morning consecutively because their systems out of whack for whatever reason, I don't feel it's the right stuff for that. I'm sticking to natural means and just hoping something eventual helps, all the harsh drugs, tried them all, they've only made this worse, especially the antibiotics…dealing with cramps under my left rib now sometimes before BM's since taking those for SIBO, and that was 5 months ago.

But it's good these things work for some people, I just wish I was one of them.

 

Hi -

Are you taking magnesium citrate in pill or liquid form?

Also what is the dose?

 

I take it in pill form, 6 capsules every 2nd day (the bottle says to take 3 pills a day):

https://well.ca/products/webber-naturals-magnesium-citrate_5365.html?gclid=CK30mqO0ssACFSMV7AodiRQAOg

 

Thanks for the reply! I will probably order some in the next couple of days.

I don't mean to be the fly in your ointment, but I don't think you are actually cured of your IBS-C, as the subject of this post says. I think it's more like you are successfully treating your condition. I would think a cure would mean you can eat normally and not have to take any meds or supplements whatsoever to treat your condition. But hey, don't get me wrong. I'm very, very glad that it is working for you! I hope I can find something that works, sooner or later. This drives me crazy at times.

 

I completely agree, I have conquered and cured the SYMPTOMS of my IBS-C but the underlying problem is still there.

But since colonoscopies have revealed nothing actually wrong and these pills have given me my life back, I'm thrilled!

 

Just ordered a bottle of magnesium citrate from Amazon.com....

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SKUWI/ref=pe_385040_30332200_TE_item_image

Hope they work. (We shall see.) I'll keep ya posted whenever they arrive and I get to try 'em out.

 

I have IBS-C as well. I have suffered with a "flare" for almost 2 years. However, the tides are turning. My biggest problem besides the constipation has been that my ENTIRE colon is in perpetual spasm 24/7. Pure misery. HOWEVER, I recently discovered magnesium as well but in a different form. Guys/Gals, if you have the pain along with your constipation you need to try this as well as it works very quickly and is applied by simply rubbing onto the area of the body that troubles you.

Enter MAGNESIUM OIL.

I don't want to get too excited as I have only used it for 2 days but have experienced more relief from this than all the dietary/lifestyle/etc. changes I have made. It was after this that I researched online and lo & behold, us Americans, for the most part, do not get nearly as much magnesium daily as we should (something like 70-80% of us are deficient). Couple that with excess calcium that I consumed growing up that was never adequately used/metabolized due to lack of magnesium and I get the perpetual colon spasm. I am now hopeful that all I have to do is rebalance my calcium/magnesium levels. I am also going to be taking the Calm magnesium powder before bed every night but if you need fast relief from the discomfort and pain I HIGHLY recommend trying magnesium oil. Hell, get them both!

I forgot to mention that the effects seem to be compounding! Spasms continue to reduce each day.

 

Just wanted to provide an update from last year.

I still haven't discovered the underlying problem, however, I'm finding that a little bit of Linzess / Constella kickstarts everything back into action if things stop moving.

And I mean very little. You can actually carefully twist open a Linzess / Constella capsule to find little granules inside. Then I carefully put about 6 granules on my finger, lick it and that's it!

It seems like nothing but since I found an entire 145mg Linzess / Constella was too powerful, I decided to cut back a bit.

So almost a year later, I can personally vouch for the insane "thermonuclear" capabilities of Linzess / Constella.

Bottom line: if you have IBS-C and it's ruining your life, give Linzess / Constella and / or Magnesium CITRATE a try. If it ends up being too powerful, cut back on the dosage, even so far as breaking open a Linzess / Constella capsule and reducing the dosage even further.

I hope this helps someone find some relief!

 

Dear Finally free,
i have been suffering from ibs -c. . My problem same as same you.But some liquid and gas stay in my right side. i am sure that liquid just like mucus secretion and it stay in my right aide with gas in my abdomen. .i tried many medicine but did not work.did you suffer as secretion? .what can i do .i want to live.
FINALLY FREE,

 

I am so happy that you got back to us. Thanks for the update. Also so happy that u still feel good!

 

Just wanted to provide an update from last year.

I still haven't discovered the underlying problem, however, I'm finding that a little bit of Linzess / Constella kickstarts everything back into action if things stop moving.

And I mean very little. You can actually carefully twist open a Linzess / Constella capsule to find little granules inside. Then I carefully put about 6 granules on my finger, lick it and that's it!

It seems like nothing but since I found an entire 145mg Linzess / Constella was too powerful, I decided to cut back a bit.

So almost a year later, I can personally vouch for the insane "thermonuclear" capabilities of Linzess / Constella.

Bottom line: if you have IBS-C and it's ruining your life, give Linzess / Constella and / or Magnesium CITRATE a try. If it ends up being too powerful, cut back on the dosage, even so far as breaking open a Linzess / Constella capsule and reducing the dosage even further.

I hope this helps someone find some relief!

I have Pure brand Magnesium Citrate capsules- 150 mg each.

How many caps would you recommend to treat IBS- C?

I'm not able to take the Linzess because of cost. With a discount it's over $300.00 for 30 pills. So I'm hoping the Mag Citrate will help.

I've been alternating taking Milk of Magnesia liquid & caplets every night for YEARS & YEARS. It's ok but it never really emptys me out and I gurgle all day long.

Thank you

 

Just wanted to provide another update.

Why I am still managing the symptoms with Magnesium Citrate and / or Linzess / Constella, the underlying cause is still there.

I have found that a FODMAPS diet has helped a bit.

I have also done some CBT with the audio book How to Control Your Anxiety: Before it Controls You by Dr. Albert Ellis. It's an EPIC read / listen if you suffer from any kind of anxiety.

But the most exciting news is this forthcoming drug, which looks like it would be a cure (to me):

http://www.syntheticbiologics.com/product-pipeline/microbiome-focused-pipeline/syn-010

I am going to be keeping a close eye on the development of this drug and will be first in line to try it!

 

Hi folks! This will be the first time I've posted in any thread here, as I've been reading through them all before jumping in.
I'd like to share with you some of my own recent treatment discoveries, which, so far, (crossing my fingers) has kept this demon called IBS-C, at bay for about 2 weeks now. And I've done so WITHOUT taking my Rx of Linzess! That's a biggie for me because I had been having debilitating flares every few days, even ON the Linzess! Plus, the Linzess was dehydrating me something awful.

I'm just going to dive right in to my list:

First of all, I drink at least a half gallon of purified, high alkaline water a day. I get it for $1.59/gal at my local health food store, but the brands Essentia and AquaHydrate are right up there with it.

I drink 1oz of aloe juice and 1 drop each of the essentials oils of lemongrass and clove, in 4oz of purified water EVERY morning.
I also take 4 Mag Citrate capsules and my high quality 250 billion bacteria probiotic along with that.

1 peppermint capsule before every meal or snack. (To relax the bowels.)

3 drops of 100mg CBD oil under my tongue every morning. (CBD has been said to alleviate IBS symptoms by half or more and boy do I believe it!)
I also add a vapable CBD oil to my vape pen. (About 20 drops of 100mg...my favorite is Creme Brule' because it's major sweet and I've had to cut out sugar due to my underlying cause of IBS, but I'll get to that at the end of this list.) I quit smoking and started vaping because cigarettes definitely don't help IBS.

1 chewable digestive enzyme pill after every meal or snack. (To break down food faster.)

I have also changed my diet somewhat, but not drastically. I switched to unsweetened original (not vanilla) almond milk because it tastes the most like my beloved but GONE 2% milk. (Cow's milk contributes to constipation.)
I also make sure I get 25-30mg of fiber every day (30-35 for men). I do that through taking a dose of Benefiber in my drink for every meal, eating fiber rich snacks such as fiber bars, pears, almonds, raspberries, and popcorn, which are all high in fiber. Yes I did say POPCORN. It is pretty high in fiber and I love me some popcorn! With grass-fed butter and sea salt of course! (Fake "butters", margarine and regular salt also contribute to IBS.)

I add a fiber rich veggie to every meal, such as broccoli, potatoes with skins, Brussels sprouts, okra, navy beans or kidney beans (but I take a gas pill (Phasyme) before any bean touches my tongue!)

Then I round it all out with 2 Tblsp of mineral oil before bed every night, chased with 4oz water. (It makes the lining of the bowel slippery.) Yes it's kinda gross to drink, but there's nothing grosser than being in such bad pain that you give yourself every kind of enema known to man or resort to gloving up and going after what refuses to come out! Yes, I have been to that point, as we probably all have.

Anyway, that's how I'm managing...quite nicely, I might add. And I feel great!

BUT, in researching to find out all of the above, I also figured out my own underlying cause for my IBS. Which I am seeing my primary Dr about this very morning.
A little back story first. I have also been battling a horrible and recurring case of athletes foot for a long time. I would treat it for days, and it would go away. But within 2 weeks it would recur. Same with scabs and sores in my nose. I found out that these are most likely related to my IBS, or more specifically, the Candida overgrowth that I more than likely have. There you have it...my underlying cause. Remember I said that I had cut out sugar? Well, sugar is Candida's "fuel" so to speak.
You see, I recently found out that low dose antibiotics kill off the good guys in your intestines and pave the way for the Candida, the bad guys, to take over.
So this morning I'm having my Dr order a Candida overgrowth lab test for me. If it comes back positive, I will be asking her to put me on Xifaxin and Diflucan to kill those nasty creatures. I will also up my prebiotic to 450 billion, to quickly build the good guys back up. I'm also going to ask for a antispasmodic just in case I have any flares through this process.
And FYI, this all came from the Mayo Clinic website. I found every symptom I have under "Candida overgrowth" on that wesite! Including that it is one of the causes of IBS.
So I'm encouraged that it is a possibility that with the right treatment, I may be able to say goodbye to IBS for good!
I'll keep yall posted. But for now, I have to poop! And from the feel of it, I'll be doing so glove free!! (Yay!!) Stick around...I may just throw a party afterward! (I know, that's sick, but hey, if we don't develop a sense of humor about this IBS monster, we'll just feel that much worse, right?)
Know that I am praying for relief for all of us. God bless!

 

My stool test came back with candida overgrowth.

 

Ding ding ding! Behold, your (likely) root cause of IBS! Congrats because that is completely curable. Cut the sugar for awhile, get a killer (haha) probiotic and get your Doc to Rx you Xifaxin and either Diflucan or Nystatin. This is straight from the Mayo Clinic website. Good luck and God bless!

 

Hi Everyone,

New user here.... Quick question, I've read numerous times that overuse of laxatives is bad, that your system becomes dependent on them and they can also start to lose their effectiveness.

Isn't Magnesium Citrate just another type of laxative? I've also got C but am trying to avoid going down the laxative route. Thanks!

 

Hi Julie

the liquid magnesium citrate that comes in a bottle is a laxative but the magnesium supplements (tablets or capsules --also available in a powdered form ) are not.

magnesium is a mineral that a lot of us are deficient in anyway. Magnesium relaxes the muscles in the intestines which helps to establish a smoother rhythm and magnesium also helps soften the stool by attracting water to the colon which helps to make stools easier to pass. so it does help a lot of people with C and it is not a laxative.

 

You're such a wealth of information, Annie! Thank you for the explanation, I'll be picking some up on my way home from work!

 

thanks--glad i could be helpful. good luck with the magnesium citrate! hope it helps. if mag citrate doesn't work for you, try magnesium oxide. some people find that more effective. sometimes you have to experiment to find which type--and amount-- works best.

 

Ding ding ding! Behold, your (likely) root cause of IBS! Congrats because that is completely curable. Cut the sugar for awhile, get a killer (haha) probiotic and get your Doc to Rx you Xifaxin and either Diflucan or Nystatin. This is straight from the Mayo Clinic website. Good luck and God bless!

Do you have a link? I stopped sugar back in 2009. I stopped fruit in 2015. I took nystatin in 2013.

 

I pored over the vitamin section last night, not immediately finding the magnesium citrate. I was looking at other magnesium capsules and some has oxide as well as citrate combined with some other ingredient I couldn't remember. I wondered if they'd be as effective.

Is there a better time of day than others to take these? And I realize the original post was a combination of magnesium citrate and Linzess, is it possible I will find a difference without Linzess as I'm not taking that currently?

Thanks in advance

 

people vary as to what type of magnesium--and how much-- works best for them. you could try the magnesium you saw in the store and if that doesn't work, try plain magnesium oxide and if that doesn't work try magnesium citrate. generally, mag oxide tends to be more easily found in stores than mag citrate. i bought my mag citrate online from puritan's pride. as Flossy mentioned above, he got his from amazon.

from what i've read, some people get D when taking magnesium on an empty stomach so you might want to experiment with taking it with and without food to see what works best for you.

and yes, taking magnesium with linzess would definitely give you different results than taking it without.