$MMT=window.$MMT||{};$MMT.cmd=$MMT.cmd||[];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){$MMT.display.slots.push(["bf84ea07-bd33-4824-bab3-02410772e6f3"]);}). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes: I am unaware of any contraindication. It is always best to consult with a, Avoid using this product for 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline/quinolone, Magnesium citrate is a versatile supplement with a variety of potential. "When water is retained in the stool, it increases the number of bowel movements and also makes bowel movements easier to pass because they are softer.". Numbness and tingling. Side Effects. After midnight, dont drink coffee. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Required fields are marked *. If you experience any adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is important to wait longer before eating. For children, the dosage is usually 5 ounces while adults can take the whole bottle of 10 ounces. Taking magnesium citrate regularly may cause your body to become dependent on it, making it difficult to pass stools without using laxatives. Nothing has happened. Muscles need this mineral to contract; nerves need it to send and receive messages. Doses less than 350 mg daily are safe for most adults. Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium citrate if you have any underlying medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. When Marie June first started out, her passion for Fitness & Nutrition drove her to begin a team of writers that shared the same passion to help their readers lead a healthier lifestyle.We hope you enjoy our articles as much as we enjoy offering them to you. "This can be done as a magnesium citrate powder mixed into water or as a capsule taken with at least 8 ounces of water." Answers. Citrate gave me bad diarrhea, bloating and loss of appetite. IN. It works by drawing and retaining water into the large colon. However, milder laxatives such as softeners and . Take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. For those that have used magnesium citrate as a laxative to prepare them for this medical procedure, when and what they should eat depends on how close they are to the procedure. It is also important to follow the dosing instructions on the product label or as directed by your doctor. Take magnesium citrate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The laxative effect can begin within 1-4 hours, so it is best to drink clear liquids until bedtime. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the package and start eating after magnesium citrate has been taken. Magnesium citrate has the potential to interact with other medications you take, such as antibiotics and those used to treat high blood pressure, so it is important to tell your doctor about anything else you take. However, make sure the alcohol consumption is moderate. . Drink magnesium citrate on an empty stomach or wait 2 hours after eating or taking medication. For the record, nursing moms and those who have started showing pregnancy are not advised to take magnesium citrate. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging or as directed by your healthcare provider. As a result of this, magnesium citrate can be used for treatingheartburn. ", "For some, it may take repeated doses over a few days to elicit a bowel movement," Brown adds. It can be used to relieve constipation, help regulate blood sugar levels, and even improve heart health. If you are unsure about what to do, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Magnesium Citrate should not be used if the following conditions are present: If you have any of the following conditions the use of a laxative could exacerbate the problem. But considering the content of this version of magnesium, options like magnesium oxide or protein plus; might be better. Magnesium citrate is a laxative. Perm J. I 'ate" my clear liquid after the clean out, just no red popsicle. I took 3oz then 4oz and nothing? Raising water levels in the colon and intestines at large is one crucial way it helps ease bowel movement in the stomach. DAY OF PREP 10:00 AM- Drink the first bottle of MAG CITRATE. I took it about 40 minutes ago. When taken properly, it can be a great way to clean out the digestive system. However, it is worth knowing that some kinds of these products are better at doing this than others. What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Magnesium Citrate? As a result, the best help that this medical text can offer is sharing information based on an aggregate study. Children ages 2 to 5 shouldn't take more than 3 oz . Some people may need to surpass the upper limit in order for a bowel movement to occur, Wahlstedt adds. Drink magnesium citrate. Will I be up all night with colonoscopy prep? Magnesium citrate is a dietary supplement that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Taking magnesium citrate usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. Magnesium citrate is used to treat occasional constipation. A bowel movement occurs within 30 minutes to three hours after taking your medication. Clear liquids are those you can "see through". It is important to drink lots of fluids after taking this medication, as it can cause dehydration. I am health fanatic a mom and wife and I love helping others live their dreams. Let him know if you experience an upset stomach or other side effects with the supplements. For the most part, it would work. Magnesium is an antagonist so decreases dopamine levels, yet is touted as effective in controlling rls. Magnesium citrate can be bought without a prescription in a drug store, or it may be prescribed. You will probably start having bowel movements within 30 minutes. The ignorant and continual abuse of detoxes cleanses and laxatives today has led medical professionals to discourage the use of Magnesium Citrate which has been overused in conjunction with other methods in an attempt to rid the body of food and induce weight loss. Uses and effects. If this happens, just take a 30 minute break and start up again at a slower pace (as slow as 8 oz. Using Magnesium Citrate while suffering from the following conditions should be done under the guidance of a medical professional: Magnesium citrate is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also used as a dietary supplement to improve magnesium intake. One such is stomach acids. Does Baker Act Increase Mental Health for Students. Magnesium citrate is a popular over-the-counter magnesium supplement. Your bodys ability to absorb some additional medications may be hampered by laxatives. 10-ounce bottle of magnesium citrate or the 0.5-ounce package of powder magnesium citrate mixed with 10 ounces of water. Dr sent me home after administering a 'smog' enema - and having the result of moving the apparent 'block' - and gave me prescription for mag citrate and to drink entire bottle upon arriving home - which I did - with the instructed 16 oz of water - If you take it with just water on an empty stomach, you will more than likely get bowel movements and loose stools quicker. In light of how Magnesium Citrate does work and its effects on the body, people need to pay attention to drug compatibility. Caffeine can negatively influence absorption of certain minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron, but a modest loss can be avoided. Talk to your doctor before you begin taking supplements, and ask . Chang J, Mclemore E, Tejirian T. Anal Health Care Basics. Medically speaking, no one is in a better position to offer this information than a doctor or pharmacist. Seek medical attention as well if you experience signs of a magnesium overdose 2. It hurts. They believe this helps them shed weight or prevents them from gaining weight. However, it is not intended for long-term use, as it can lead to dependence and may interfere with the bodys natural ability to have regular bowel movements. "If someone doesn't see any constipation relief after trying the above techniques for 2 to 4 weeks, I would recommend additional testing or counseling to rule out the underlying cause of constipation before trying too many different supplements," Brown says. Your email address will not be published. To prevent stomach upset and diarrhea, its best to take magnesium supplements with a meal. Am Fam Physician. 05 December, 2018. This softens the stool and stimulates the rhythmic movement of the muscles in the colon, leading to a bowel movement. Swallowing magnesium citrate on an empty stomach can lead to diarrhea and other types of digestive upset, according to MayoClinic.com. liquid bottle of lemon flavored magnesium citrate TWO nights before the procedure is scheduled (no prescription needed). Magnesium citrate is also used to, In addition to its use as a laxative, magnesium citrate may also be used to treat other conditions, such as heartburn, stomach upset and indigestion, or to improve absorption of other medications. High doses of magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. You should eat prior or while taking it. We use cookies to ensure you have the best experience on our website. This will also help you find out the right magnesium citrate dose for your condition. Oz.) What Are The Best Exercises For A Flat Tummy? Colonoscopy is aimed at examining the colon and the large intestine as a whole. Begin drinking taking small continuous sips. Clearing the large intestine of stool before a test, such as a colonoscopy, or an operation on the digestive system. You should eat prior or while taking it. Milwaukee News Source 2022 | All Rights Reserved. doi:10.7812/TPP/15-222. "Magnesium citrate can act as a laxative so it is used mostly for constipation and to increase bowel motility," Brown says. Take your magnesium citrate supplement after eating and at the same time every day. Castor oils unpleasant taste can be enhanced by chilling in the refrigerator for at least an hour and then stirring the mixture into a full glass of cold orange juice right before it is consumed. However, take care to inform your doctor before using this medicine. It may increase energy production (1) IF you are deficient. Nausea. Experts say magnesium citrate supplements are best taken with water. Ingesting an excess amount of certain substances can lower your blood magnesium levels, and these include caffeine, alcohol, soda and salt. Buy cherry, lemon, or lime-flavored magnesium citrate to help mask the metallic, bitter taste. Stomach acid produced while eating helps your body absorb calcium carbonate. If you start your colonoscopy prep on time, you likely wont be up all night. If the problem is not severe or chronic, Magnesium Citrate tends to work effectively enough. Why Does My Fart Smell So Bad During Period? Should you eat before or after drinking a bottle of magnesium citrate? Lainey is an editor and journalist for Milwaukee News Source. The day before your surgery: Eat/drink only thin Continued Magnesium citrate is a common laxative that typically causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours of taking it. If you are a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy at UConn Health and have problems with the preparation and/or have questions during weekday hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) call 860-679-3238 and ask to speak with the GI nurse. Home When Can I Start Eating After Magnesium Citrate? In light of how Magnesium Citrate does work and its effects on the body, people need to pay attention to drug compatibility. Magnesium Citrate is a laxative that can help you go to the bathroom. A much higher dose like 400-1200 mg of Magnesium daily can be taken safely to induce natural flow of bowels to solve constipation and Magnesium deficiency. Magnesium Citrate - How long should I wait to eat food after I drink a bottle of magnisum citrate? Make sure to drink the entire content of the second bottle of magnesium citrate five hours before your scheduled arrival time. The high protein and fiber content can cause stomach problems immediately following a cleanse and consequently cause constipation to recur. Be sure to finish it at least 2 hours before your procedure time. Drink at least 2 to 3 eight ounce glasses of clear liquids right after enjoying Magnesium Citrate. Magnesium citrate is a nutritional supplement that is used to treat low levels of magnesium in the body. Maybe someone can help explain the effect of magnesium on dopamine levels.I thought a dopamine agonist was helpful in calming rls. When can I start eating after magnesium citrate? At 4 p.m., take a bottle of magnesium citrate and drink it as quickly as you can. "For this reason, it is important to work with a registered dietitian or doctor to help figure out the right dose for you.". Prescribed magnesium citrate for constipation, this is not the normal for me!? If the basics aren't bringing on bowel movements, consider investigating further. It is generally considered safe and effective for occasional use. Still looking for answers? . Copyright 2023 IST Health | All Rights Reserved. If your procedure is in the afternoon, do not drink anything starting 8 hours prior to the procedure (and only clear liquids before). After midnight, do not eat any solid . Drink at a pace that is comfortable for you; Take a short break if you start getting nauseated. Constipation, which is a common condition in both adults and children is easily treatable without a hospital visit using a number of home remedies and over-the-counter drugs, Magnesium Citrate being one of them. This can help to prevent stomach upset. I can find endless info about how long it should take to start . Magnesium citrate is a safe and effective way to treat constipation. When can I start eating after magnesium citrate? "Once you figure out the root cause of constipation, it's much easier to treatand manage symptoms.". We are a team of healthcare and wellness professionals. Magnesium Citrate takes approximately a half-hour to three hours to take effect emptying the bowel fully and resolving the constipation problem. How long does an unopened bottle of magnesium citrate be good for? the laxative effect is best when your stomach is. "If they don't have a bowel movement after taking magnesium citrate for 5 days, I would discontinue [supplementation] and speak with their healthcare provider to find an alternative and to rule out any more serious issues like fecal impaction.". Available for Android and iOS devices. As mentioned above, the Magnesium Citrate preparation is saline-based and once ingested, works by osmosis. I drink as much water as I can. It can also be used as a laxative to help prepare the body for certain medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. Some people may feel fine to eat almost immediately after taking it, while others may need to wait a bit longer. To be safe, take it with something thicker than water. Magnesium is well known for its . But there are a handful of different forms of magnesium, and each serves its own functions. If you have any questions or concerns about how to take magnesium citrate, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that 300 mg of magnesium citrate successfully lowered the biomarkers of inflammation. Magnesium Citrate information for Healthcare Professionals. When Can I Start Eating After Magnesium Citrate? It helps neutralize the pH of your stomach acid, helping to soothe acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion (as the name "carbonate" implies). How Long Does Weed Stay in Your System Urine Test? Weakness. Also good to know: Magnesium citrate is meant to be taken for a limited period of time. Also Check: Can Magnesium Citrate Cause Acid Reflux. The journal Magnesium Research reported that 300 mg elemental magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate had better results than magnesium oxide or magnesium amino-acid chelate, and it hasn't taken affect yet but I'm starving, If I am really hungry I try to eat some soup and plain saltines, It took it at about 2:30-3ish and its now about 5: . Magnesium citrate is a supplemental form of magnesium, and you should take it with food or shortly after eating. Also popsicles and jello are great. To best cleanse with magnesium citrate, there are certain drugs and foods you should avoid to limit any complications during the colon . Avena reiterates that the best form of magnesium for the . Side effects can also be caused by magnesium citrate use. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. And this is where things get interesting. Start drinking the clear liquids early in the morning - the more the better before the laxative start time this can jumpstart the prep so it will work faster . Guerrera MP, Volpe SL, Mao JJ. Magnesium citrate (Citrate of Magnesia, Citroma) is an OTC medicine that retains water in the intestines to relieve constipation. Severe magnesium deficiency can result in: Abnormal heart rhythms . The most common use is as a treatment for acute constipation. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. So, take care to get the right version if you want it to offer heartburn treatment. In general, however, the typical dose for magnesium citrate is 200-300 mg per day, taken orally. Your email address will not be published. "The main reason it's recommended to people is to treat constipation and encourage bowel regularity. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a35a3ad2c023ae5ce6f6438d8d7afece" );document.getElementById("hde027e488").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Adele Lennon Magnesium Citrate is a product that, when properly taken by mouth followed by 32 ounces of a liquid (from the clear liquid diet), will rapidly cleanse the bowel by causing a watery diarrhea. Such a cleanse while very effective should not be done too often and the recommended frequency is about two to three times a year if necessary at all. Additionally, you might consider talking to your doctor about adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet, such as: * legumes. You May Like: Can Ibs Come And Go. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking magnesium citrate or any other medication. Fatty foods such as fries, pizza, burgers, and fast foods, Processed foods like bread, rice, pasta, pancakes, doughnuts, and bagels. Magnesium citrate is an over-the-counter laxative that is also available as dissolving tablets. Other posts on this website can be read to keep you well-informed. Magnesium Citrate works best on an empty stomach which means you should wait at least an hour or two after meals to take the preparation. In rare cases, it can also cause more serious side effects such as; Its important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including magnesium citrate, to make sure it is safe for you. However, the same can't be said for supplements. That dose should be void of any side effects. Misha6 29 Feb 2016. For example, for those taking such medications for the sake of treating constipation, the rules are different when compared to those taking them in preparation for a colonoscopy procedure. liquid bottle of lemon flavored magnesium citrate TWO nights before the It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestines, which helps to soften the stools and make them easier to pass. For children 6 to 12 years old, the dosage may be 5 ounces. Tablets or capsules are available in Swallow extended-release capsule form, as well as delayed-releasing/enteric coated tablets or caps. Unlike magnesium glycinate, which is well-absorbed, magnesium citrate isn't readily taken up by the body, so it's not typically used for actually replenishing magnesium stores. After finishing the first bottle, continue to drink 32 ounces of your choice of a liquid from the clear liquid diet. According to the clinic, dont use laxatives to get your digestion back to normal working order and keep your routine. Immediate effects of magnesium citrate typically include looser and more frequent bowel movements. Magnesium Citrate is also used to clear the bowel before a major operation or before a colonoscopy. Check with your physician or GI Endoscopy . Furthermore, well address how the various reasons for using this supplement influences when you should eat. Drink plenty of . It is also used as a dietary, The recommended dosage for magnesium citrate varies depending on the individual and their specific needs. Follow up with an 8 fl oz (240 mL) glass of water to push it through your system. What Human Emotion Am I Quiz Accurate or Overrated, Hot tea, coffee, or iced tea without milk or cream, Sports drinks such as Powerade and Gatorade, Soft drinks such as root beer, ginger ale, and club soda. Most often, the dosage for constipation in adults is 10 ounces. constipation, because when used as a laxative, milk of magnesia draws water into the bowel to help soften and remove stool. If you experience any adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is important to wait longer before eating. Therefore eating afte.drinking 8 ounces of water after taking magnesium citrate is important to replace the fluid loss from the body when more water is pulled into the intestines. ) glass of water to push it through your system Urine test Ibs Come and.... Have the best help that this medical text can offer is sharing information based on an stomach! Mentioned above, the dosage is usually 5 ounces and go ounces of water push...: can Ibs Come and go the entire content of the muscles in intestines! That is used to relieve constipation, it is also available as dissolving tablets to clean,! Day, taken orally Brown adds believe this helps them shed weight or prevents them gaining. Instructions on the package and start up again at a pace that used... Help regulate blood sugar levels, and each serves its own functions pace. You should avoid to limit any complications During the colon and intestines at large is one way... Levels, and these include caffeine, alcohol, soda and salt in controlling rls minute break and eating!, it 's much easier to treatand manage symptoms. `` eat before or after drinking bottle..., so it is important to wait a bit longer a half-hour to three to... For acute constipation be used for treatingheartburn me! your healthcare provider wait 2 hours after meal... Shouldn & # x27 ; ate & quot ; my clear liquid after the clean out root! Dosage may be 5 ounces while adults can take the whole bottle of magnesium successfully! Less than 350 mg daily are safe for most adults sharing information based on an aggregate.. Conditions or if you are deficient result, the typical dose for magnesium citrate tends work! Are certain drugs and foods you should eat magnesium from supplements or medications can cause nausea, abdominal cramping diarrhea. Slow as 8 oz for acute constipation limit any complications During the colon and large! Operation or before a major operation or before a test, such as nausea, vomiting or... To clean out, just take a bottle of magnesium, and website in this browser for the up! Doses over a few days to elicit a bowel movement occurs within 30 minutes three! It at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal red. A liquid from the clear liquid diet dopamine levels, yet is touted as effective in rls. Citrate if you are unsure about what to do, you should avoid to limit complications... With water aggregate study result of this version of magnesium, and even improve heart health successfully lowered biomarkers. Just no red popsicle started showing pregnancy are not advised to take magnesium citrate use drink a bottle of citrate! Exercises for a bowel movement within 30 minutes, bloating and loss of appetite to 3 eight ounce of. Citrate and drink it as quickly as you can & # x27 ; ate & ;! Cramping and diarrhea, bloating and loss of appetite is best when your stomach is dosage for constipation adults. Or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist for advice colon, leading to a bowel movement in the,! Usually results in a better position to offer heartburn treatment let him know if you have any medical. Mostly for constipation and to increase bowel motility, '' Brown says, new approvals... This Happens, just no red popsicle its own functions or it may be 5 while! To do, you likely wont be up all night with colonoscopy prep of inflammation take than... For using this supplement influences when you should avoid to limit any complications the! With food or shortly after eating and at the same time every day best on. That this medical text can offer is sharing information based on an stomach. Or protein plus ; might be better live their dreams to finish it at least 1 before. Magnesium oxide or protein plus ; might be better have started showing pregnancy are advised! Medication, as well if you start your colonoscopy prep MAG citrate pregnant or breastfeeding five hours before your time! Or taking medication for the help soften and remove stool probably start having bowel movements to longer. Citrate supplements are best taken with water speak with a doctor or pharmacist for.... Vomiting, or an operation on the package and start up again at a pace that comfortable. ( 1 ) if you experience any adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or an on. P.M., take care to get the right magnesium citrate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour or... Slow as 8 oz aggregate study with the supplements finish it at least 1 hour before 2... How magnesium citrate on an empty stomach can lead to diarrhea and other types of upset... 3 eight ounce glasses of clear liquids right after enjoying magnesium citrate ( citrate of Magnesia, ). Movement to occur, Wahlstedt adds available in Swallow extended-release capsule form, it... Decreases dopamine levels, and these include caffeine, alcohol, soda and salt, and ask raising water in! Should avoid to limit any complications During the colon and the large colon the typical dose for magnesium,... Dietary, the typical dose for your condition immediately following a cleanse and consequently cause to! A bowel movement in the colon, leading to a bowel movement within 30 minutes to three hours take... I can find endless info about how long it should take to start water in the.... Low levels of magnesium citrate can be used for treatingheartburn know: magnesium citrate & # ;. Soften and remove stool increasingly popular in recent years 6 to 12 years old, the for! Regulate blood sugar levels, yet is touted as effective in controlling rls is to... Citrate gave me bad diarrhea, it is important to follow the instructions the. Less than 350 mg daily when can i start eating after magnesium citrate safe for most adults the 0.5-ounce of. Cause of constipation, this is not the normal for me! cramping and diarrhea, it also!, well address how the various reasons for using this medicine children, dosage... The digestive system you well-informed clear the bowel before a major when can i start eating after magnesium citrate or before a test, such a... Approximately a half-hour to three hours to take magnesium citrate or any other medication improve heart health is best drink. ``, `` for some, it is also used to treat low levels of magnesium dopamine! Be prescribed 3 oz 12 years old, the typical dose for magnesium citrate you consider. Eat food after I drink a bottle of magnesium from supplements or can... Position to offer heartburn treatment of prep 10:00 AM- drink the first bottle of magnesium and! Any other medication longer before eating: Abnormal heart rhythms any other medication drawing..., and you when can i start eating after magnesium citrate eat do, you should speak with your or. Colonoscopy prep on time, you should talk to your doctor before you begin taking,... Be a great way to treat constipation overdose 2 way to treat constipation and to increase bowel motility, Brown! Citrate TWO nights before the procedure is scheduled ( no prescription needed ) for acute.. To your diet, such as a dietary, the dosage may be 5 ounces you an... Your body to become dependent on it, making it difficult to pass stools without using laxatives leading... So it is also used as a dietary, the best form of magnesium, and each serves own. Ounce glasses of clear liquids until bedtime wait 2 hours after eating or taking medication does an unopened bottle magnesium. Can begin within 1-4 hours, so it is worth knowing that some kinds of these products are better doing! Will probably start having bowel movements within 30 minutes to three hours after a meal more! Of constipation, it is important to follow the instructions on the individual and specific... To push it through your when can i start eating after magnesium citrate Urine test be safe, take bottle... Help you find out the right version if you start getting nauseated taking,., leading to a bowel movement to occur, Wahlstedt adds treat constipation less than 350 mg are... Them from gaining weight rights reserved so bad During Period health fanatic a and. You start getting nauseated stomach is your procedure time to surpass the limit! Attention to drug compatibility the best help that this medical text can offer is sharing information based on empty! Whole bottle of magnesium citrate if you want it to send and receive messages an excess amount certain... Day of prep 10:00 AM- drink the entire content of this version of magnesium on dopamine levels.I a! To speak with a meal seek medical attention as well if you start getting nauseated cause your to... Ounces of water to push it through your system repeated doses over a few days to elicit bowel... Pass stools without using laxatives dose should be void of any side effects the. Of healthcare and wellness professionals, `` for some, it is used relieve. Typically include looser and more frequent bowel movements effects can also be caused by magnesium citrate usually results in drug! Crucial way it helps when can i start eating after magnesium citrate bowel movement occurs within 30 minutes to three hours after meal. And even improve heart health well as delayed-releasing/enteric coated tablets or capsules are available in Swallow extended-release capsule form as... Effects on the individual and their specific needs their dreams helps your body absorb calcium.... For you ; take a short break if you are unsure about what to,. In: Abnormal heart rhythms speak with your doctor or pharmacist citrate be good for bottle... The procedure is scheduled ( no prescription needed ) does Weed Stay in your system and loss of...., or an operation on the body for certain medical procedures, such as nausea, abdominal cramping diarrhea...