Feeling more anxious lately? It could be due to various reasons like work, money, or kids. Interestingly, boosting your magnesium intake might be a simple way to ease that anxiety. Many people in the UK deal with anxiety, making it one of the most common mental health issues. While stress, medication, and illness are known triggers, not everyone knows about the link between anxiety and magnesium deficiency.
Recent research shows that taking magnesium supplements daily can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. A study involving adults with mild to moderate depression suggested that magnesium could relieve symptoms regardless of age, gender, or whether they were taking antidepressants. Results showed improvements within just two weeks.
Although magnesium is present in foods like brown rice, leafy greens, beans, avocados, almonds, and dark chocolate, about 70% of us have low levels, according to a hair sample study by Mineral Check. As a natural relaxant for both muscles and mind, magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 body processes, helping with muscle relaxation, nervous system regulation, and detoxifying cells.
The British Nutrition Foundation notes that many women aged 19 to 34 don’t get enough magnesium. While adults need about 375 milligrams daily, pregnant women need more. Our Western diets, often high in processed foods and low in leafy greens, can lead to deficiencies. Additionally, over-farming and pollution have decreased the magnesium content in foods.
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency—poor sleep, fatigue, and a low mood—might be contributing to your anxiety. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system and is essential for relaxing muscles. It interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA, which reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, and helps the body prepare for sleep.
Sleep problems and anxiety are closely linked, often creating a vicious cycle. Research suggests that magnesium levels impact the body’s sleep cycle, making it easier to sleep and wake at the right times. Studies have shown that magnesium can improve sleep quality and duration. For instance, a clinical trial using BetterYou’s Magnesium Sleep Lotion found that 92% of participants experienced better sleep.
Besides sleep, magnesium also helps combat exhaustion and supports energy production. It is crucial for creating ATP, the body’s energy source, which means low magnesium can lead to fatigue. Improving magnesium intake can boost mood by regulating serotonin and melatonin, helping to balance brain chemicals involved in anxiety and mood disorders. Stress hormones released by anxiety can weaken the immune system, but magnesium can help keep it strong.
To increase magnesium levels, consider transdermal methods like magnesium lotions, sprays, or baths, which can be more effective than oral supplements, especially if you have absorption issues. BetterYou offers a range of products for convenient magnesium absorption, such as their Magnesium Oil Spray, known to deliver 200mg of magnesium directly to the skin.
In summary, addressing a possible magnesium deficiency might help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and boost energy levels, making it a worthwhile consideration in managing stress and mental health.
