In 2024, more and more of us are turning to supplements to manage and improve our health. One such supplement is magnesium, a powerful element that is responsible for many functions in the body, from controlling blood glucose levels to supporting the immune system. It also plays a key role in regulating muscle and nerve function. But can taking these supplements improve your mental health? And if so, what type of magnesium calms the nervous system?
ContentDoes Magnesium Help Mental Health? How to Tell if You're Deficient in MagnesiumWhat Causes Magnesium Deficiency?What Type of Magnesium Calms the Nervous System?
WomanEL takes a deeper dive into the science-backed benefits of magnesium for anxiety. Thanks to this, you will be able to understand whether you need to buy it or not.
Does magnesium help mental health?
“Magnesium plays an important role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body,” explains Dr Jane Leonard. Primary functions include maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, maintaining a healthy immune system, and maintaining cardiovascular health, including a steady heartbeat. It is also very beneficial for strengthening bones and may be involved in maintaining blood glucose levels.
Magnesium is thought to help manage anxiety and low mood as it plays a critical role in the functioning of the nervous system and the regulation of neurotransmitters. Mental health researcher Ben Warren said: “Magnesium is also known to modulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is involved in the body's response to stress. Research has shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
How to Tell if You're Deficient in Magnesium
Unfortunately, diagnosing magnesium deficiency is actually quite difficult. This is because 99% of the body's total magnesium is found inside cells, not in our blood serum.
Mild symptoms may include:
- restlessness;
- convulsions;
- constipation;
- headaches;
- irritability.
Severe symptoms range from depression and hypertension to osteoporosis.
What causes magnesium deficiency?
There are many factors that affect magnesium levels, including:
- alcoholism;
- aging;
- antacids;
- chronic stress;
- Crohn's disease;
- heavy menstruation;
- high insulin ;
- poor consumption of foods rich in magnesium;
- poor absorption in the intestines;
- physical activity;
- uncontrolled blood sugar levels;
- vitamin B6 deficiency;
- excess or deficiency of vitamin D.
In other words, many things can compromise our levels, some of which are beyond our control.
What type of magnesium calms the nervous system?
Magnesium comes in many different forms, each adding benefits to the body in its own way. What types should we be looking at to (potentially) improve our mental health? “Magnesium taurate and magnesium glycinate provide the best support for mental health,” advises Dr. Leonard. “They are thought to be particularly helpful for anxiety, depression and sleep problems.”
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