Magnesium Citrate is one of the most popular medicines used for constipation. It’s also occasionally used to treat acid indigestion.
It leaves most breastfeeding mothers asking whether they can take Magnesium Citrate while breastfeeding. Thankfully, this medicine is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.
In this article
What Is Magnesium Citrate?
Magnesium Citrate is typically taken in a tablet or liquid form. Then, it works by helping to increase the amount of water in the intestines. Because most bouts of constipation can be caused by mild dehydration, this can help bowel movements move through the intestine.
Even if a person is not mildly dehydrated, the extra water can still help produce a bowel movement. It can also water down the acid in the stomach to help alleviate symptoms.
- Promotes Healthy Bones; Magnesium helps to regulate calcium transport and absorption; By stimulating the secretion of calcitonin, it aids the influx of calcium into bone and promotes optimal bone mineralization
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Side Effects Of Magnesium Citrate
There are a few side effects of using magnesium citrate. While some people will experience all of these, others might not experience any of them. Side effects can include, but are not limited to, these:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Cramps
Because of these side effects, it can also cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body. If you experience these symptoms, pick up some Gatorade or your favorite sports drink to help balance things back out.
Taking Magnesium Citrate While Breastfeeding
If you’d like to take magnesium citrate while breastfeeding, you can do so safely. There is minimal risk to infants. They’ve found that there is poor oral absorption when breastfeeding mothers take magnesium citrate.
However, there are also not a lot of clinical studies on this, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
Natural Remedies For Constipation
While some mothers will take magnesium citrate with no concerns, others might want to explore natural remedies for constipation just in case. Whatever you choose to do is your decision. If you fall into the latter group, consider these options to find relief.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking plenty of water is always important. At a minimum, women need at least 64 ounces of water daily. Breastfeeding mothers might need even more than that. This can lead to being mildly dehydrated. In fact, most people are mildly dehydrated without realizing it. Symptoms of mild dehydration can include:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dark yellow pee (it will be pale yellow or almost clear when you’re properly hydrated)
- Cramps
- Dry skin
- Headaches
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Sipping on water throughout the day even when you’re not thirsty can prevent mild dehydration.
This can also help bowels move through your stomach to get things going again. Even if you’re not mildly dehydrated, drinking extra water can help you find relief from constipation.
Avoid Taking Supplements That Can Cause Constipation
When you’re both pregnant and breastfeeding, you need more nutrients than before. For example, you need almost 70 grams of protein!
This can lead to most of us taking supplements to make sure that we meet our daily requirements. Common supplements that can be causing constipation include:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Some protein powders and shakes
If you think this might be the cause of your constipation, ask your doctor about switching supplements. Make sure that you do not start or stop supplements without speaking to your primary care provider.
Exercise To Reduce Constipation
When we get moving around, it can stimulate the bowels. During the postpartum period, our body is healing. We’re on-demand day and night. Sometimes, the mere thought of getting dressed is enough to make us not want to leave the house.
If you can, consider going for a walk around the block. On the days that you’re not feeling it, try some at-home workouts. There are plenty of gentle workout videos for postpartum women available on YouTube.
Up Your Fiber Intake
- CHEWY BAR: Whole oats and chocolate chips in a chewy bar topped with delicious chocolate flavored drizzle
- Rich chocolate chips and hearty oats help satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle
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Fiber is known for helping you form stools. It can also help keep you regular. That means that it can resolve problems like diarrhea as well as constipation. Fiber One bars or shakes that include fiber are a great way to quickly add some fiber into your diet.
To consistently make sure that you get plenty of fiber, consider adding these foods into your diet:
- Whole grains
- Cereals that are fortified with fiber
- Fruit
- Beans
- Broccoli
Today, most breakfast cereals and other foods can be found fortified with fiber. This is to help guarantee that everyone gets their daily required amount to stay healthy. All you have to do is read the label before throwing it into your cart.
Eat Something That Causes A Bowel Movement
For me, this is McDonald’s. Sorry if that’s TMI, but there was one particularly stubborn bout of constipation that I had. Nothing worked. I tried laxatives to no avail. So, I ate at McDonald’s.
I had a bowel movement within two hours. However, it’s also important to note that it came with some pretty intense stomach cramps.
Other foods that can help cause a bowel movement include coffee, caffeine, or cappuccino. Whatever sends you running to the bathroom, have a healthy portion of it.
Drink Some Coke
Coca-cola is actually marketed as a health drink in some other countries because it can help slowly dissolve a bowel obstruction, and it can make you poop.
If you need to clear something out, drink some coca-cola. Keep in mind that this is not healthy for you to do every day. It should not be used to regulate bowel movements.
Contact your Physician For Chronic Constipation
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Thanks to our western diet and sedentary lifestyle, we all get constipation once in a while. At this point, it’s almost normal to be constipated from the food we ate, or some foods that we aren’t eating enough of.
However, if you find that you’re experiencing frequent constipation, you need to speak with your doctor. You should be able to make dietary changes or lifestyle changes to find relief.
In Conclusion
Magnesium Citrate is considered safe to use while you are breastfeeding. If you’re not comfortable using over-the-counter medications to treat constipation, consider using natural remedies like the ones mentioned above.
When you’re concerned or experiencing consistent constipation, it’s important to consult your doctor.
*The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical advice.
