Magnesium citrate is commonly used for colon cleansing before a CTC scan or colonoscopy. The fluid is often an ingredient found in laxatives, and it can be consumed in liquid form on its own under the prescription of a doctor or health care provider. Laxatives and other colon cleansing products are not recommended as weight loss tools. Laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and should only be used under the care of a doctor or health care specialist.
How Does Magnesium Citrate Work?
Magnesium citrate contains ions and osmotic agents that are inorganic. These components push fluids into the bowel, causing the colon to cleanse itself by expelling anything present. Known as a "saline laxative," it stops the re-absorption of fluids and, instead, passes fluids straight through the colon to help empty any substances present.
Colon Cleansing and Weight Loss
According to Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, co-author of "The Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs -- Nature's Own Appetite Suppressant -- to Stop Emotional Overeating," it may or may not be possible to cleanse the colon with magnesium citrate or any laxative substance. In an article on the Huffington Post Health Online, Wurtman explains that while marketers for colon cleansing products claim that exercise and diet plans won't work without first ridding the body of toxins, the real reason for weight gain and overeating is toxic thinking, or a need to cleanse the mind. She encourages dieters to stop and consider why they overeat -- habit, emotional distress, work stress, or other factors -- before reaching for laxative substances that may cleanse the body of some of the toxic waste caught in the gut, but won't change your mindset to ensure sustainable weight loss.
Warnings
Magnesium citrate should only be taken under the advice or prescription of a health care professional. It is typically recommended that the patient consume the substance in the prescribed amount on an empty stomach followed by a full glass of water. It is important to avoid using magnesium citrate as a laxative if you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or changes in bowel movements that persist for more than two weeks. After using the laxative, if you fail to have a bowel movement or experience rectal bleeding, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.
Magnesium Citrate: Not a Weight Loss Solution
Magnesium citrate is not a solution for weight loss, and is only to be used occasionally to prep for certain procedures as prescribed by a doctor. Continued use of laxative substances can cause long term damage to the bowels and create a dependency in the patient. Regular diet and exercise will lead to long term weight loss and weight management, but the use of laxatives is a technique only meant to cleanse the bowel temporarily. Any weight lost from this process is not to be considered fat or muscle loss, but a loss of fluids and waste.
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