Does Magnesium Help With Anxiety?

Feeling a little anxious? That's totally normal. The National Health Service defines anxiety as a feeling of unease that can range from mild to severe. Almost anything can trigger that uncomfortable, jittery feeling. Perhaps you read a frightening story in the news, or suddenly realize you're late for a meeting. These days, anxiety is a hot topic of discussion. It's wonderful that, as a society, we are more open to discussing mental health than we have been in the past. This candor has opened our eyes to the fact that having a little anxiety is merely a part of being human. However, the number of us suffering from severe levels of anxiety is astonishing. 

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults over the age of 18 in the United States. Fortunately, this sometimes debilitating illness is treatable for many. Prescribed medications, therapy, and meditation may help you manage your anxiety. In addition, making sure you're getting enough magnesium might also make a difference.

According to WebMD, magnesium is a mineral that is essential to a properly functioning brain and body. The necessary mineral helps regulate heart rhythm, promotes strong bones, and aids in regulating blood pressure. The role magnesium plays in our overall health is immense. It can also benefit those managing their anxiety. According to a 2017 review published in the journal Nutrients, the mineral has a positive effect on brain function that aids in reducing stress and anxiety.

The mineral can also help reduce your anxiety if it is caused by brain inflammation. BeBrainFit claims that magnesium can be helpful in preventing anxiety, as it reduces the risk of chronic inflammation. There appears to be a direct link between anxiety, as well as a number of other mental disorders, and brain inflammation. 

You can take magnesium as a supplement, or you can focus on getting an extra amount through your diet. The Cleveland Clinic notes that there are a ton of magnesium-rich foods, such as oatmeal, cashews, pumpkin seeds, spinach, and dark chocolate. If you're dealing with an overwhelming amount of anxiety, just know that you are not alone. If you have yet to find a way to help you manage your severe levels of unease, consider talking with your doctor about possible alternative methods of treatment.