Magnesium is a mineral necessary to every organ in the body. Whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables are particularly rich in magnesium, and although many foods contain magnesium, most people do not consume enough of this essential mineral. Further, certain health conditions, such as intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and kidney disease can deplete magnesium levels. So does excess coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol intake, and stress (who doesn’t have stress?!).

Magnesium also happens to be particularly helpful for people who are constipated, which is why the bowel cleanses I formulate contain magnesium. Because constipation can lead to a range of health conditions (and I have experienced this firsthand, along with many of you), it didn’t surprise me when I came across a recent study that found increased intakes of magnesium to be associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

The meta-analysis, an analysis that pulls data from many studies, was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and found that every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake daily was associated with a 13 percent decrease in the risk of adenoma, and a 12 percent decrease in the risk of colorectal cancer in overweight people. Although only a small number of studies were analyzed, researchers stated, “consumption of magnesium-rich foods may be a new avenue to explore further in the search for cancer-prevention strategies.”

Magnesium helps to soften stool by retaining some water in the colon, making stool easier to pass and relieving constipation. It is an excellent addition to constipation formulas that help you achieve regular elimination, essential to good health. If you tend to be constipated, consider your magnesium intake as a contributing factor.