[teach]

There has been alot of discussion on using both of these. Am I right to understand that both are NOT stimulant laxatives but do something with the water in the colon... So... which is better for long term use. Which has less effect on the colon? Magnesium is a supplement where colace is an OTC drug... I am very confused/

 

[Citylady403]

I'd love to know the answer to this question too. Based on searching various legit medical information sites (Mayo Clinic, WebMD, MedicineNet) I observe that NONE EVER mention magnesium, while all mention colase. I even asked a question about magnesium on this board's associatiated site, IBSassociation.org, "Ask a Specialist." I asked both the pharmicist and the dietition. Both said they knew of no studies or evidence on magnesium aiding constipation. I can only presume that no once wants to say anything publically on magnesium because there is no research. Since colase is made by a drug company, there is funded research and thus evidence.

 

[teach]

oops... I meant to write.. STOOL softener..such as colace....

 

[teach]

If someone s taking a tool softener , ch as olce.. do you ever get crampy from it? I was told it shouldn't have any effect like that..

 

[Mojosue]

I THINK magnesium/calcium work for me.I get a slowed up belly round about ovulation. It feels like the belly muscles cannot expand and contract. I read up that magnesium helps muscles work properly.. and I think it seems to do just that. Allows the muscles to open and relax and then close smoothly - rather than just freekin out and paralysing. Anyway, my GP seemed happy for me to use magnesium supplement, but refused injection which I think may be better than oral ... I asked a GP once about magensium and its role in muscle assistance and he said "well i wouldnt know anything about that" great, thanks, fine. Im outta here, I know more than you do. BYeeee Anyway, i also read that people in chronic pain use up their magnesium quicker and could be deficient, as well as B vitamins which helps the parasympathetic nervous system... so I chucked some of trhem down too. worse thing that happens with too much B6 is wee wee goes lime green, thats when you know you got too much. I think the magnesium and b vits take the edge off the aches and pains I get down my back... my tuppeny happeny worthSue

 

[Mojosue]

PS - theres LOADS of studies done on the role of magnesium - think health professionals just havent read it. Sue