Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human life. Magnesium has proven to be particularly essential for muscle and nerve activity. However, the human body cannot produce magnesium itself, which is why it has to be taken in through food. The recommended daily intake is 200 to 300 milligrams.
If the daily intake of magnesium exceeds 300 milligrams, this usually has an effect on the bowel movement. The magnesium can no longer be fully absorbed into the body's circulation and therefore remains in the intestine. This can eventually lead to loose stools or even diarrhea.
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The cause of diarrhea caused by magnesium is relatively simple. Magnesium is absorbed through food or tablets so that it first goes through the normal digestive system. After the magnesium has passed through the stomach, it eventually reaches the intestines. There are special channels in the intestine that absorb magnesium from the intestine and release it into the bloodstream. Through this mechanism, the magnesium reaches the appropriate body regions or organs where it is needed.
If there is an increased absorption of magnesium through food or tablets, the ducts in the intestine reach their maximum after some time, so that not all of the magnesium can be absorbed. The remaining magnesium stays in the intestine. Due to the increased concentration of magnesium in the intestine, more water is drawn into the interior of the intestine. This thins the stool that has formed, resulting in very soft stools or even diarrhea.
Read more about the topic here: The causes of diarrhea.
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The symptoms of an increased magnesium concentration can be very variable and non-specific. In general, however, it can be said that the intensity of the symptoms increases when the concentration of magnesium increases.
As a rule, those affected first notice the loose stool or diarrhea. Such complaints can, however, be remedied quickly and therefore have no disease value. However, if there is a further increase in the magnesium concentration, this can have effects on the nervous system and the heart in addition to the bowel movement. Symptoms such as tiredness, feeling weak, vomiting, slow heartbeat and breathing, or a drop in blood pressure are possible consequences.
Particularly in the case of a known kidney weakness, attention should be paid to the amount of magnesium consumed daily, as the magnesium can no longer be properly excreted and it accumulates in the body.
Find out all about the effects of Magnesium.
Flatulence is caused by an increased accumulation of air in the intestine. The air in the intestine consists mainly of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and nitrogen. Various causes are known that cause this bloating. Gas is often attributed to digestive problems. However, it is not uncommon for stress or too hasty eating to be the cause.
$config[ads_text3] not foundIn addition, flatulence is often associated with an increased magnesium intake. About 20% of all respondents who had taken magnesium in tablets then stated that flatulence occurred. The magnesium supplied cannot be completely absorbed and accumulates inside the intestine. This in turn leads to an increased amount of water inside the intestine and, associated with this, to an increased metabolism. Increased metabolic activity also produces more carbon dioxide, which manifests itself as flatulence in those affected.
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Find out more about the topic here: The causes of flatulence.
An increased magnesium intake often leads to complaints within the digestive tract - especially the intestines. Various mechanisms can lead to loose stools, diarrhea and flatulence.
Diarrhea and flatulence in particular are often associated with abdominal pain. The increased amount of water that accumulates inside the intestines and ultimately causes diarrhea, increases the irritation of the intestine. In particular, the soft to liquid stool, which passes through the intestines faster than usual, is registered by the body as unusual and is often associated with a general feeling of malaise. In addition to the increased amount of water in the intestine, the increased accumulation of air within the intestine can also lead to pain, which can lead to abdominal cramps.
Abdominal Pain - What To Do? Find out more here.
Diarrhea and flatulence, which are often triggered by increased magnesium concentrations in the body, can prove to be quite painful. Excessive build-up of air in the abdomen can cause parts of the intestine to press on the stomach, salivary gland, or other organs within the abdomen. The associated feeling of fullness is also often perceived as uncomfortable by those affected.
$config[ads_text4] not foundIn addition to acute swelling of the abdominal organs, the causes of abdominal cramps can also be traced back to the stretching of the intestines. In response to the stretching, the muscles of the intestinal wall contract spasmodically, resulting in severe pain.
Also read the article: Abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Whether the diarrhea is triggered by an increased magnesium concentration can be found out through simple laboratory tests. A blood test can be used to check how high the magnesium content in the blood actually is.
An increased supply of magnesium also increases the concentration in the blood. This can be illustrated well using the blood results. However, if the concentration of magnesium is increased, it cannot be said for sure whether this is due to an increased intake of magnesium from food or tablets. A reduced excretion of magnesium can also be the cause. Magnesium is mainly excreted in the urine and an increased magnesium concentration with constantly low or normal magnesium intake can indicate a dysfunction of the kidneys. In this case, further diagnostic steps must be initiated.
When adding magnesium, it is important to pay attention to the amount. In most cases, a balanced, healthy diet can maintain the magnesium balance and there is rarely an increased or decreased concentration of magnesium in the body. Foods that are high in magnesium include nuts, whole grains and legumes.
In order to counteract a possible magnesium deficiency, one should first try to consume an increased amount of these food products. In contrast, if you have consumed too much magnesium, you should avoid it. Artificially supplied magnesium, for example in the form of tablets, should also be avoided or at least reduced in the event of diarrhea.
A magnesium deficiency is often noticeable through very unspecific symptoms. These include muscle cramps, fatigue and diarrhea. The diarrhea is often not permanent, however, but occurs alternately with constipation and nausea. Anyone who suffers from diarrhea with an existing magnesium deficiency should also bear in mind that the deficiency is exacerbated by this, as the magnesium is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream in diarrhea.
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If several of these symptoms occur and a magnesium deficiency is a possible cause, this deficiency should be remedied, as a deficiency can lead to serious complications. For example, cardiac arrhythmias, impaired consciousness or even severe weight loss can be triggered.
The symptoms of magnesium deficiency? Read more here.
