Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Calcium/Magnesium

I haven't been very good about taking supplements until very recently and I've been wondering whether mineral and vitamin deficiencies may be partly responsible for my hormonal problems or at least the way they affect my IBS.

Maybe I should explain that I was very sick and on a very poor and unbalanced diet (fat and protein free!!!) until November, when I cut out what little I was eating of wheat, dairy and any type of insoluble fibre. Since then I've managed to put on some weight and very slowly increased the amount of protein and fat in my diet and I'm generally feeling much much better, (even though my diet is still based mainly on rice).

I realise now that my IBS symptoms have been changing dramatically over the past months and when hormone levels are low I spend up to two days without a BM, for the first time ever in my life! I also get far less bloating, gurgling and discomfort now. What I do get much more though(mainly during the second half of my cycle and during my period so altogether two thirds of the time) is colon cramps, but even the cramping has changed. It reminds me of the type of cramps one gets in ones leg or arm sometimes, and normally, this type of cramping, though painful, has no impact at all on stool consistency. Also it occurs at night which is new, too. It seems to have not much to do with what I eat, only perhaps with the amount. During some peak days it's obviously linked with tension/emotions, but normally it's just there like a 'readiness' to cramp at any time and for any reason.

Now, finally, my question: Could I have vitamin b or Calcium/magnesium deficiency? I'm now taking a good supplement of vitamins (300% of the vitamin bs) but it only covers 15% of the recommended amount of magnesium and calcium. I've heard so much about magnesium beeing bad for IBS D, but as I don't really seem to be D anymore, should I try another supplement? Magnesium is often recommended for PMS. What type of calcium/magnesium should I try and in which ratio?

Thanks for bearing with me and for any advice!!

Susaloh

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