Magnesium: The Stress Buster

If someone told you that your stress level could go from 300 to 0 with a boost of magnesium, you probably wouldn’t believe them, but you might buy a hefty bottle of magnesium supplements the next time you were in the vitamin and natural health section. Since magnesium is a part of your cells and bones and is especially vital as the smoothing cells of your arteries, it protects those arteries from blood pressure that is caused by stress. Magnesium also helps the body control its absorption of potassium (the mineral found in bananas) and calcium (the reason your mother always made you drink all of your milk). If magnesium can multi-task by also helping the kidneys, adrenals, brain, heart, and nervous system functioning, why wouldn’t it also reduce your stress?

An Australian chemist and nutritionist, Peter Gillham says that between 90 and 95 percent of the world’s population is living with magnesium levels unhealthy for their body. So, what does an unhealthy magnesium level feel like? Here are just some of the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency: asthma, lowered energy levels, sleeplessness, headaches, muscle aches, tension and soreness, fatigue, anxiety, seizures, nervousness, PMS, weak bones, teeth grinding, insomnia, difficulty breathing, and heart problems.

Magnesium depletion—as it’s called—is caused by many small things such as alcohol, smoking, sweating too much, drug use, hypothyroidism (low production of metabolism), diabetes, sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, or calcium-filled diets, and finally stress.

Stress can cause over- or undereating and trigger depression which can lead to a low metabolism with inactivity. It can also increase bad habits such as smoking and drinking, which tend to lead to bigger health issues such as cancer and heart disease.

Magnesium is as important as your daily vitamin and when used in conjunction with calcium, it just may save your life…or your quality of life. By balancing out the nervous system and relaxing the muscles, magnesium should be a welcome addition to any vitamin regimen. If you prefer magnesium the old-fashioned, non-supplemental way, be sure to eat lots of dark green foods, whole grains (check the label), garlic, lemons, avocados, chamomile, and cantaloupe, to name a few.

In terms of over-the-counter remedies, there are a few popular ones that are becoming well-known in natural health circles. A company called Source Naturals debuted a powder called Magnesium Serene which, when dissolved in hot or warm water, gives you at least the recommended daily magnesium at 800 milligrams per serving and absorbs quickly into your body helping you feel more calm and better refreshed. Another popular item off the magnesium shelf is good for those who do not wish to take the time to dissolve powders or generally dislike the taste. This product, offering 250 milligrams of magnesium, comes from one of the most respected natural health suppliers in the country: Nature’s Sunshine. Although not recommended for those with “severe heart disease,” the supplement provides a once-a-day tablet of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with various herbs and extracts to keep your body at its best.

With incredible health benefits and the determination of a worker bee, it seems that magnesium has been the wallflower of the natural health world. To do so much for the body and also be a great way to replenish the minerals we rid our bodies of, I am amazed that magnesium the “bodily pollution-eater” has not come to my attention before. As with any new addition to your routine, please consult your physician as certain pharmaceuticals and supplements do not mix well. Even if my stress level is not at 300 and I do not have a burgeoning heart problem, I will be stopping by my natural health aisle soon anyway as a preventative measure.