Seeking Guidance on Transitioning from Magnesium to Triphala for Bowel Health - #48934
Hi valued doctors. I have been trying really hard to break the dependency I have developed towards magnesium oxide to help bowel movements. It has been really really hard as I have had several major health insults along the way. Last July I woke up with complete urinary retention and was catheratised for nearly 3 weeks with heavy antibiotics , the following morning after the catheter procedure I experienced a complete shut down of my bowels for the first time in 45 years. To cut a long story short the onmy thing that worked to get me moving was high strength magnesium oxide as high as 1000mg elemental a night which admittedly became a crutch for over 2 months as I was terrified of losing bowel function again. In November I was diagnosed with an other nasty uti and more antibiotics which massively set me back and I found out I had elevated magnesium levels so I immediately tried to lower the dose to 750mg which was fine, then to 500mg which caused loss or delayed morning urge for about 2 weeks during this time after the latest antibiotics I was experiencing rectal discomfort not pain but a horrible sensation like my nerves were firing and it's been going on ever since. I have since reduced the magnesium to 375mg but I had started having really insignificant passing. My is the last two nightsi added 1 teaspoon of triphala powder and yesterday and this morning I had the most normal stools in 4 months, but I am concerned I am. Just swapping one crutch for another, reduced magnesium and replace it with something else. Is this a safe and logical ayurvedic practice yo try and replace the magnesium with the Triaphla or could I potentially become dependent on that stimulas aswell.What I do know is since I added 1 teaspoon of triphala the last 2 nights my stool form as been the most normal formed in months. What's the next logical step and does this show that I maybe moving back towards bowel independence at some point in the future? Thank you for everything you do kind regards Aaron
How frequently do you experience bowel movements currently?:
- DailyWhat is the consistency of your stools?:
- Soft but formedHave you made any significant changes to your diet recently?:
- Yes, increased fiber intake

Doctors' responses
Diagnosis: Chronic constipation post-antibiotics and urinary retention; magnesium dependence Rx: Triphala Churna – 3 g (≈1 tsp) at bedtime with warm water, empty stomach Dietary Advice: Increase fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains), drink 1–2 L warm/room temp water daily Lifestyle: Gentle morning walk, abdominal massage, maintain bowel routine Duration: 4–6 weeks, then review Follow-up: Track stool frequency, consistency, and urge Note: Gradually taper magnesium oxide continue with ayurveda prescription as bowel regularity improves

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