Magnesium is the most useful yet overlooked minerals in the human body. It plays a vital role in operating the body functions properly. Moreover, it is packed with a number of health benefits. You would be surprised to learn that magnesium is a natural remedy that fights against anxiety. A scientific review revealed that it could be a natural treatment for anxiety.
This mineral can be found in various forms such as magnesium spray, salt, etc. The forms which are easily available include Magnesium Glycinate, Oxide, Citrate, Chloride, Sulfate, and Lactate.
How it should be taken to reduce anxiety?
A healthy diet must include plenty of magnesium. In fact, the best sources of magnesium are vegetables and a number of food items. Adults should take 310 to 420 mg regularly. It varies depending on your age and gender. Magnesium intake should be increased during pregnancy.
Listed below are the food items that supply plenty of minerals:
Taking magnesium as a supplement effectively reduces anxiety. While you are using the supplement, keep your dosage between 75 and 360 mg per day. If you are suffering from serious anxiety or depression, then it would be better to consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement. This way, you will be able to intake the correct dosage suitable for your health condition.
How does it combat anxiety?
Magnesium binds to and stimulates GABA receptors which are in the brain. GABA refers to Gamma-aminobutyric acid which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. It gradually slows down brain activity. When GABA gets low, the brain may stick to one point. In such a condition, a person cannot relax.
Some symptoms of low GABA level are:
All these symptoms lead to anxiety. By increasing GABA levels, magnesium reduces these symptoms and anxiety.
Excessive release of cortisol creates anxiety, depression, memory loss, dementia, brain fog, insomnia, and other mental and neurological disorders. Magnesium limits the release of stress hormones including cortisol. This mineral acts as a filter that prevents the hormones from entering the brain. Using magnesium oil and salt (Epsom salt) can help you pacify the stress hormones.
This mineral has anti-inflammatory properties. Such properties contribute to the development of antibodies that prevent inflammation from happening. Sometimes, inflammation causes anxiety. Therefore, by boosting anti-inflammatory capacities, it reduces the chances of anxiety.
Bottom Line
Apart from these, magnesium helps in removing heavy metals and improving brain plasticity. Which form you should intake will depend on your symptoms and purposes. For instance, if you want to get rid of tiredness instantly, you can use magnesium spray. For having a bath, you can use magnesium salt, popularly known as Epsom salt. No matter how you are consuming this mineral, make sure, you are taking it in the right dosage. If required, consult with a professional before starting magnesium intake.
The Author is a health blogger. Currently, she is associated with an established salt provider business. As a part of her work responsibilities, she regularly publishes informative blogs on uses of salts, magnesium spray, oil, and similar other products.