Magnificent Magnesium
Or....Constipation...the tragedy of Sisyphus and the endless giant boulder...
Before we begin…The Disclaimer….The information in this newsletter is purely for information purposes only and in no way is to be used as medical advice. I am not, nor am I holding myself out to be a medical professional in any way. This newsletter is purely from my own experience as a patient and a sufferer of chemotherapy induced neuropathy and chronic pain. Always seek advice from a qualified medical professional and do not delay in getting your symptoms checked by a qualified medical professional.
Magnesium. It’s a mineral found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and water amongst many other foods. It helps in over 300 enzyme processes in the body that we know of including the making of proteins, muscles and nerves, blood glucose and blood pressure. It is vital in your body’s processes of energy production, bones, DNA, RNA and even that wonder of anti-oxidants glutathione. It also plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction and heart rhythm. And…drumroll….it’s also brilliant at treating chronic constipation! (To read more technical information, click here) Who knew?! Until recently, not me and definately not many of my doctors.
We need magnesium to function. (I think doctors know about that part…just not the pooh part…) However, what I didn’t know until recently prescribed by my functional doctor, is that it is an enormous help with regular stool function.
If you are on medications for chronic pain, in particular, opioids, then ask your doctor and or nutritionist about taking magnesium. In my own particular case, I take three Magnesium Forte a day, one in the morning, one at lunch and one at bedtime. It has been a game changer for me. Throughout these six years on opioids, I have tried many different medications for constipation caused by the opioids. None has worked so well with no crampy or DB (dribbly-bum) messy side-effects than these three magnesium a day. I tend to think that if the body can get rid of the toxins in a regular manner then I believe it must also help my whole well-being. I am no longer bloated and uncomfortable and I no longer dread, but really fearfully dread, after one, two or three days of no bowl movements, the bloody awful and painful mess that is chronic constipation. It was like giving birth without anything cute to reward all that rocking and swaying and swearing and crying and pleading to just “Get it out!”.
So, this is a short newsletter but one which I hope will help those who suffer from the awful consequences of not even slow motion but no motion….
I should also say that when I told one of my doctors here (I am seen by a number of specialists) about the wonderous effects of three magnesium a day, he was surprised and had never heard of it. However, he was very curious about it, ( a sign of a good doctor) unlike many doctors in my experience who when confronted with something they don’t know, tell you that it’s rubbish, or your belief is rubbish, or it must be the placebo effect (as if that’s a bad thing…) or give you that look as if you are completely mad, or even a warning about supplements being no good except for emptying your wallet. Many doctors have little training in nutrition, not out of bad faith but because it doesn’t feature prominently in medical training.
Isn’t that an odd thing? Surely, what we consume to make our bodies run must be important? Most of us, are more wary about what type of fuel we put in our cars than what we put in our mouths. And I know it’s a stretch but if putting the wrong fuel in a car can seize up an engine, what about our constant and daily consumption of processed foods, let alone all the residual chemicals and plastics that go along with unhealthy foods or even regular non organic whole foods? What long term effects is this having on our bodies?
These days, we live in a heavily polluted environment with more chemicals, pesticides, plastics and toxins than in any other era in human history. Our agriculture is sprayed and treated with herbicides, pesitcides and fertilizers and whilst this might be great for production and profit, we are only just beginning to realise the cumulative effects on human health.
Put all these factors together, and it’s no wonder we are living in an age of chronic illness.
It’s a great pity because the majority of practioners are overwhelmed on the front line of our healthcare system looking after the sick and the chronically ill. Imagine if we could all improve our health ourselves by eating clean whole foods, so that perhaps we don’t ever develop diabetes or obesity or cancer… But where’s the profit in that?
In any case, if you suffer from birthing the rock of Sisyphus every second or third day, ask about Magnesium.