Constipation as a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis

elaine · Family Member Joined: Dec 19, 2003 Posts: 37

thanks jimmylegs and cure i will get some magnesium oxide and see how i go.But do i still take my magnesium chelated ?

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1999

hi there, yep still keep taking the chelated one regularly, for your best chance at absorption.
take the oxide periodically, to move things on out Smile

gibbledygook · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:59 am Post subject: Capsaicin. Fight fire with fire

I have to caution on that capsaicin MUST be consumed with food. I have found that it has made my bowel EXCEPTIONALLY loose. It has also improved my spasticity and bladder control. TAKE NO MORE but up to 2.4g of capsaicin WITH FOOD! Laughing

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1st traceable symptoms Jan 01, last edss by doctor 6.5. Feeling better on ginkgo, salvia, capsaicin, curcumin, scutellaria. Interested in other vascular strengthening herbs; pycnogenol, butcher's broom, horsechestnut, centenella, hersperidin

cheerleader · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

Rob and gang...
Before MS (or BMS), Jeff lived on diet Dr. Pepper, beef jerky, coffee and adrenaline. He was overstressed from work, never slept well, and pooped once a week. Yeah, I tried nagging, but it didn't help.

After MS, Jeff decided it was time to clean up his diet and calm down his life. No more artificial sweetners, no more red meat. He's eating Swank, and taking daily magnesium. He likes Natural Calm (mag citrate) as his evening beverage. He also takes a probiotic to balance intestinal flora. Daily bms now. He's a pooping machine.

Will this new routine stop his MS progression? Who knows? I realize that you can do everything right (diet, exercise, positive thoughts) and still end up really sick. Nobody blames anyone for getting MS, or getting worse.

It's still worth trying the mag. and the probiotic to move things along. It should work for everyone.
(like the mineral/city water hypothesis, JL. I grew up with well water, Jeff with city water. Wonder how the mineral depletion might play into MS? chlorinated water and the hygiene hypothesis?)
wishing all smooth sailing-
AC
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Husband diagnosed RRMS March 2007
pursuing endothelial healing
Copaxone, Swank, supplements, laughter

MrsGeorge · Family Elder Joined: Dec 11, 2007 Posts: 238

I told my neuro that i had constipation when I saw him for the first time in may and he didn't comment on it. It seems to go in cycles for me but I definitely go less than I used to and do get constipated for a few days and am then ok for a few days.

I eat a very healthy, fruit, veg & pulse based diet as I am trrying to lose weight. I eat probitic yoghurt every day and I try natural foods to start to shift things but wont take laxitives as I used to have bulimia and would rather not mess with what is settled!

Is it worth trying the magnesium?

cheerleader · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

Hi Mrs. George!
Definitely try the magnesium...it's good for you on many levels. Neuros tend to focus on what they know, and don't really care about the rest of the body. But it's all related. Healthy intestines mean less toxins in the bloodstream.

Also, women's GI tracts are affected by hormones. Lots of us are constipated when progesterone is high mid-cycle and it causes a relaxation of the smooth muscles. Then progesterone drops with the onset of menses, and it's easier to go. You can bump up the mg dosage after the ovulation part of your cycle.

Good luck with the new eating habits, and hang in there! The probiotic yogurt is a great idea.
best,
AC
_________________
Husband diagnosed RRMS March 2007
pursuing endothelial healing
Copaxone, Swank, supplements, laughter

jimmylegs · Family Elder Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 1999

MG, i agree with cheer. good ideas re: dietary intakes, and the mag is also worth trying to help deal with slow metabolism. keep in mind though, that although magnesium is important, the oxide form used against constipation is, in essence, a laxative - although potentially a healthier one than some others.

the other day, i tried the regular "natural calm" (magnesium citrate powder) that cheer's hubby jeff uses these days. maybe it was my two consecutive early mornings, in part, but "calm" i certainly became!

i also pondered the difference between swallowing a pill, which is what i've done previously (where the magnesium has to contend with other reactions trying to reach the lower intestines for absorption) and between drinking it in a liquid where it has a greater chance of absorbing straight into the blood stream via the tissues inside the mouth, similar to a sublingual b12.

last night my friend gave me a dose of lorna van-der-somebody's MagSense, which has other ingredients besides magnesium citrate. it's also a somewhat flavoured product. maybe i wasn't as tired when had the mug of that, but i think i preferred the flavour of natural calm. and i also felt more calmed by NC compared to magsense. perhaps it was the b vitamins in magsense that give energy, while the mag is calming, and they cancel each other out?

either way, i think personally i will switch to magnesium powder in liquid once i'm done my current batch of pills. tonight maybe i'll empty a capsule or two into a cup and see what that's like.

just thoughts,
JL

Muu · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 11:07 am Post subject:

Its also really important to maintain a decent fluid intake to help with constipation. I know from personal experience the delicate balancing act between enough water and too much for my system and constant dashes to the loo - the MS affects my bladder function enough as it is.
Having said that i have been seeing a physio to help in this area and have been concentrating on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles - guys you have them too. It has made a real difference to me. It helps with control both going and retaining! Front and back bottom. Sorry to be so blunt - but these things have really helped me.
muu