Magnesium as a Natural Antidepressant
According to a recent study, if people suffering from depression turn to magnesium supplements or foods that are rich in magnesium for a couple of weeks, their conditions will improve with reduced anxiety and symptoms. So it would not be wrong to assume that magnesium can offer an efficient and perfectly safe alternative to depression drugs.
About 5% of the world population- 350 million people suffer from depression at different levels- mild to heavy. Depression medications are not successful at treating all of these patients. Almost half of them are still depressed after going on an antidepressant treatment which often act like just a band-aid. And there may be side effects as you would imagine.
There are a variety of studies that found a close association between magnesium intake and depression symptoms. According to another study by University of Vermont, only 248mg supplementation of magnesium each day resulted in a significant decrease in depression symptoms. So you will be both improving the magnesium amount in your body and your depression symptoms. There is no doubt that anyone can benefit from a daily magnesium supplement.
The daily recommended intake is 6mg for each kg of your weight. So if you weigh 70kg, you need roughly 6 x 70 = 420g of magnesium intake per day. You can either take a magnesium supplement every day or eat foods that are rich in magnesium mineral. These foods include the whole grains, dark chocolate, legumes- lentils, beans, chickpeas etc., green vegetables, nuts, fresh or dried fruits and mineral waters. You will also find small amounts of magnesium in dairy products, fish and meat.
Magnesium is best known for its role in regulating blood pressure and rhythm of heart and fortifying bones. It offers great benefits for brain, kidney and cardiovascular health. It also has a very clear role in fighting inflammation, which is a part of depression. There aren’t any known significant side effects of magnesium supplementation. But excessive intake can upset your tummy and cause diarrhea.
Magnesium as an extra supplement is not recommended for people with kidney problems as it may be harmful to them. Magnesium mineral affects the hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters that are related to your mood. It is confirmed by different scientists that magnesium is a low-cost, safe but quite effective way to approach the depression problem. Magnesium supplement will cost you just 10 cents or less a day.
Return to Glycemic Index home page
