Stress and anxiety are closely linked to the deficit of this mineral, which is essential to achieve emotional balance.
Magnesium, present in bones and muscles, is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. An element that participates in up to 300 important metabolic functions within the body, such as the construction of DNA, or the proper functioning of muscles and the nervous system. However, despite its significant relevance, today 85% of the population does not meet daily magnesium requirements.
Main Causes of Magnesium Deficiency
The lack of this mineral is not well detected through a current analysis and ensures that food based on processed products - increasingly common among the population - is one of the main problems caused by low levels of magnesium within the body. The crops, which are left to rest less and do not have enough time to recover that magnesium, as well as the modern chemical fertilizer system are other causes, in addition to other diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn's, whose consequences affect the intestinal flora, that the absorption of magnesium is also reduced.
However, in addition to the factors mentioned above, stress, which acts as a true thief of this element in our body, is one of the most important (and unknown) causes that magnesium levels are not optimal for a high percentage of the population.
Properties of magnesium
Natural antidepressant or anti-stress mineral . This is how many nutritionists have baptized this nutrient for all the positive functions it has in relation to emotional stability. Magnesium collaborates with mechanisms that lead us to relaxation, reduce anxiety and keep the brain healthy. However, the more stress you have and the more it is continued, magnesium levels in the body decrease.
Among its benefits is the one that increases the levels of an inhibitory neurotransmitter in charge of reducing nervous activity in the brain (GABA), which in stress situations registers very low levels, something that is directly related to states of anxiety, irritability or panic attacks.
It also helps reduce the main stress hormone, cortisol, which contributes to generating anxiety, depression, memory loss and different mental disorders, and is released in response to stress. It is a vicious circle. When cortisol levels are very high because we are in constant stress, the cortisol hormone remains the same and does not decrease. Magnesium helps control these levels so that they are finally reduced. Tiredness, muscle cramps, lack of concentration, the tic disorder that occurs in the eye or tiredness are other symptoms that warn us of a deficiency of magnesium in the body.
Supplements yes or no?
For all the benefits it brings to the body, it may be necessary for a person with low magnesium levels to get an additional source of magnesium in the form of a supplement.
Magnesium is recommended as an effective remedy to reduce stress levels, as it has calming effects. "It reduces tiredness and fatigue, contributing to physical and mental relaxation and improving the quality of sleep. It is much better if the formula contains vitamin B6, because it helps its absorption. Maintaining optimal levels of magnesium in the body is very important for achieve emotional balance.