It plays a critical calming role in the brain and body and has even been dubbed “the original chill pill” and “nature's valium.” Too little of this mineral can leave us feeling fatigued, stressed, and panicked.
The good news is that some studies (study links, a and b) have identified how magnesium may ease certain symptoms of stress and anxiety. Here are the facts: Magnesium may help to control the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.
The role of magnesium is complex and its deficiency is implicated in a number of nonspecific neuropsychological changes such as agitation, fear, anxiety, depression, dizziness, poor attention, insomnia, and restlessness. Some of these symptoms characterize the mental illness known as neurosis.
Very low magnesium levels may cause:
Nausea. Constipation. Headaches. Nighttime leg cramps.
Other research from 2017, appearing in the journal PLoS One , found that a 6-week course of magnesium chloride led to a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms.
Based on current data, magnesium taurate and glycinate have the most research supporting their effects on anxiety and other mental health disorders. Magnesium malate and threonine have also demonstrated therapeutic effects and may be useful in many psychiatric cases.
Dietary deficiencies of magnesium, coupled with excess calcium and stress may cause many cases of other related symptoms including agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, asthenia, sleeplessness, headache, delirium, hallucinations and hyperexcitability, with each of these having been previously documented.
Carolyn Dean, the following common factors can deplete the body's magnesium and/or increase the demand for magnesium: Supplements and drugs containing caffeine. Diuretics. Certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors, asthma medications, birth control pills, insulin, digitalis, and certain antibiotics.
Breathing exercise for panic attacks
If you're breathing quickly during a panic attack, doing a breathing exercise can ease your other symptoms. Try this: breathe in as slowly, deeply and gently as you can, through your nose. breathe out slowly, deeply and gently through your mouth.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.
Generally speaking, you will find that magnesium supplements start to work after one week of using them. After one week of regular magnesium supplementation, individuals may experience benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced muscle cramps, better sleep quality, and reduced anxiety.
But when should they be taken? Ideally, you should take magnesium at the same time every day, whether that's in the morning with your cup of coffee or in the evening right before you go to bed. The time of day doesn't matter so much—it's the consistency of taking magnesium daily that matters most.
According to a review conducted in 2017, one way magnesium helps reduce anxiety is by enhancing brain functions. This same research also suggested that magnesium helps regulate natural brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Simply put, these chemicals send messages to the body via nerve cells.
If you're suffering from poor sleep, then I would recommend taking it just before you go to bed. But if you're looking for something to help with stress and anxiety, to give you some mental clarity, focus and energy, then I may recommend taking magnesium in the morning.
How quickly magnesium works largely depends on the type of magnesium you are taking. With tablets, you may notice improvements after a week of consistent supplementation. With transdermal forms, it spears to work instantly due to the quick absorption through the skin, which bypasses the digestive system.
If the level of magnesium in your blood is lower than 1.8 milligrams per deciliter, your levels are considered low. If your level is below 1.25 mg/dL, your condition is considered severe.
A blood test will be ordered to check your magnesium level. Normal range is 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Other blood and urine tests that may be done include: Calcium blood test.