Magnesium

Magnesium is a chemical substance which is well known in the scientific and medical communities for a wide variety of conditions. It can help to strengthen and balance the body, affecting all organ systems within the body. Most people don’t actually associate Magnesium with psychological functions though! You may think of osteoporosis, kidney stones, and heart disease; this natural ingredient benefits all of your organs in one way or another, as it is a mineral that is needed on the cellular level for survival. But, did you know proper amounts of Magnesium can actually assist brain functions and the nervous system to promote healthy psychological functions?

Magnesium plays a part in the bioactivity of the brain. When you are lacking this essential nutrient, you are leaving your body open and vulnerable to unwanted stimuli from built up stress and anxiety. Every time the brain sends and receives a message, chemical receptors are used, and biological functions take place. If there is a chemical imbalance, it can cause interruption in the flow from one synapse to another, and may cause inflammation of certain nerves. If there is an extended amount of internal or external stressors present, this could cause elevated blood pressure, and a feeling of general discomfort. This may be due to the action of the adrenal glands when stress is present; they release a hormone called cortisol that affects all organ systems when it is excreted. Excessive amounts of this hormone can lead to mood swings, mental and cognitive impairment, and the effects of anxiety.

Magnesium is actually an ingredient that is naturally occurring in our bodies and is required for so many biological functions that keep us healthy. It may assist the body manage anger, anxiety, and depression, because it is known to relax muscles, having a calming effect when they are stimulated through chemical or biological impulses. Oftentimes, this is recommended with an herbal supplement to ease panic attacks when they occur. Scientists have documented that two stress hormones, catecholamines and cortisol, actually deplete the body’s storage of Magnesium, so therefore when stress and depression and long term, this may create interruptions in the body. When there is a lack of this vital substance, it can lead to heart palpitations or arrhythmias, hyperactivity, and even restlessness, which are common in people suffering from anxiety disorders.

Magnesium is actually found in many healthy foods that we eat and cook with on a daily basis, such as grains, nuts and seeds, and some dark green leafy vegetables. Taking a magnesium supplement in addition to a healthy and balanced diet will benefit your mental and cognitive abilities, and even work to assist the rest of your body with its biological functions. The best way to treat anxiety, depression, and the symptoms they cause is to use nutritional supplementation. Scientists have even documented magnesium’s ability to synthesize proteins, which are one of the building blocks of our bodies. This creates energy needed to sustain life, and therefore when you maintain a balance of this substance in your body, you are preventing imbalances from occurring. As you can see, there are many health benefits associated with Magnesium, so by incorporating this supplement into your regular diet, you are protecting yourself from bouts of anxiety, while also strengthening your body’s immunity to the reactions of stress!