Can Magnesium help IBS?

by Maureen
(New York)

Female, age 56. Diagnosed with IBS 35 years ago. So much is written about taking calcium supplements for this and now they are saying to take the calcium supplement with magnesium.

However, I need to know, since IBS alternates with diarhea and constipation, should I take the magnesium? I don't want to take magnesium if it will make it worse, however, a lot of information says it may actually control it. What advice can you give regarding this?

What benenfits can one expect from magnesium - will it help with the cramping that occassionally happens, or with the constipations that also happens. I know it is not a disease, it is a condition as I was told.

But I am convinced that there is a supplement and/or mineral that our bodies are lacking that will at least make this 'condition' bearable day to day. So far, you have been very helpful, more than any other website. Hoping you can shed some light on other minerals to take.