Harry

CJones,

Every cell in the body contains magnesium and it is also needed for calcium absorption as well vitamin D.If your esophagus ---both upper & lower valves do not function properly ---it will cause gas to not escape--- 80% of gas is caused from swallowing air.
Magnesium is in lots of foods but is easily lost--- an alcololic drink cuses the releases 5 times the amount of magnesium in your urine after the drink than before--- just an example of how readily magnesium is lost.
There is a homeopathic remedy ---Mag Phos that can be used to relax spases as well as cramps--of all muscles--- 6X potency will do and can be bought from most Health Food Stores but mineral are needed long term!!!

I suggest you read some of Bluepumkins sticky thread at the top of this page -- he had a hiatal hernia and was treated for 9 years before taking magnesium supplement from Wal Mart. I like and use chelated minerals best--- by Albion Labs--- I also use Swanson products...They relatively inexpensive and readily avavailable.
The Poster above is also good advice. You need these minerals anyway to live a healthier life.
I also eat yogurt(Stonyfield) & Kefir to maintain good friendly intestinal bacteria.

I wish you well ---Harry