Magnesium can help reduce anxiety and depression
One of the most popular minerals to supplement for depression is magnesium. Magnesium affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Also referred to as a macromineral in chemistry class, the deficiency of magnesium still has to be proven as a driver for depression.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is ubiquitous in the body. For starters, magnesium binds with calcium to form strong bones. To read more about how minerals can boost your health, you can read books written by Dr Michael Greger. Apart from helping to form the skeleton, magnesium is also important for muscle contractions and muscle relaxation. When the muscle’s functional unit called the sarcomere contracts, the muscle then needs to relax. The muscle relaxes via magnesium binding to the unit consisting of actin and myosin. A deficiency in magnesium can cause muscle contractions. These spasms, normally in the calf muscle, can be very painful.
Can magnesium help with constipation?
Magnesium is also beneficial to relax the arterial smooth muscle and reduce blood pressure. Magnesium has the same effect as a laxative when taken in high amounts. Since magnesium has an osmotic effect in the GI tract when taken in high concentration as a powder or a liquid, it can help with the relief of constipation. Another integrative doctor with great books on how to stay healthy through diet is Joel Fuhrman. Milk of Magnesium is frequently provided to individuals who are constipated that would prefer a non-pharmaceutical intervention.
What are the risks of taking too much magnesium?
Caution should be taken when consuming high elemental amounts of magnesium, either in powder or in liquid form, because it can disturb electrolyte balance. Patients with cardiac and kidney disease will need to be careful here and take this supplementation under the guidance of their physician. Finally, those who suffer from anxiety, can try to remedy their depression with magnesium, but should also consider consulting a professional to help them improve their mental health.
