Magnesium for IBD?

A recent study has shown that people with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) may be magnesium deficient, and that supplementation may help ease symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, depression, and insomnia.

Published in the medical journal Nutrients, the study found that patients with IBD had low levels of magnesium, and that this mineral may play a primary role in the development of IBD.

Findings show that supplementing with magnesium may improve IBD symptoms and sleep quality

IBD is an umbrella term to describe disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It affects the gut’s ability to digest food and absorb essential nutrients, which can result in malnutrition.

Experts advise that symptoms such as diarrhea may also contribute to nutrient deficiencies such as low magnesium and make it difficult for the body to get enough nutrients from food alone.

There are over 3 500 new cases of IBD in South Africa each year, and this figure is increasing. The disease can be debilitating and affect men and women of all ages.

Magnesium is essential for over 300 chemical processes in the body , including muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. However, more than 50% of South Africans consume less than the recommended daily amount.

Deficiency can include symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, cramps, fatigue, numbness, and abnormal heart rhythms, and can be difficult to diagnose.

The study authors noted that magnesium deficiency may also contribute to conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches

Health expert Vanessa Ascencao shares that IBD is commonly linked to stress, so it’s important to get enough sleep and to try stress-reducing exercises such as walking in nature or yoga and mind-body techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.

“Adjust your diet to include more whole, antiinflammatory foods such as pumpkin and chia seeds, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, almonds and cashews, wild caught salmon, bananas, avocados, turmeric, ginger, olive oil, and dark chocolate,” advises Ascencao.

“In addition, try high-quality, bioavailable supplements such as BetterYou Magnesium Oil transdermal body spray, which is proven to provide superior absorption compared to traditional tablets or capsules, and to work five times faster,” she adds.

Speak to your healthcare provider about adding magnesium to your IBD treatment plan for safe, gentle, and natural support.