The importance of magnesium: anti-stress and top energy

What is Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps our bodies to function properlyIt contributes to more than 300 enzymatic reactions, but particular conditions such as stress or absorption problems in the intestines can drastically reduce reserves of this valuable element. Magnesium supports the body in many of its functions:

• gut cleansing,
• joint’s health,
• invigorates the cardiovascular system,
• regulates blood sugar,
• supports the adrenal glands,
• it contributes to the proper functioning of the central nervous system, so much so that researchers call it a 'neuroprotector'.

Magnesium: energy balancer and excellent stress reliever

Magnesium, in particular magnesium citrate, helps the body to produce energy, restoring balance in cases of fatigue and exhaustion. It helps regenerate the muscular system and minimises fatigue, strengthens the immune system and balances the metabolism. Thanks to the balance that this important mineral generates in our bodies, it also benefits the state of stress that we often undergo.

Magnesium fights anxiety

When magnesium is present in our bodies at optimal levels, it means that we are better able to respond to stress. A 2016 large-scale clinical review looking at all studies on the relationship between magnesium and stress concluded that taking magnesium supplements could help alleviate mild to moderate anxiety and reduce the body's response to stress.

Where magnesium is found

Magnesium is contained in many foods, primarily dried fruit and legumes. Good quantities are also found in green leafy vegetables, especially artichokes and spinach, fish, especially salmon, some fruits, including acerola and goji berries, whole grains and cocoa.

It can often be necessary to supplement it, and the body sends us specific signals when we are deficient.

Magnesium deficiency: symptoms and remedies

Stress is one of the main sources of magnesium deficiency, but an unhealthy lifestyle and an unbalanced diet can also contribute.

Magnesium deficiency manifests itself with the following symptoms:  

- poor appetite,

- nausea,

- drowsiness,

- weakness and exhaustion,

- muscle spasms and agitation.

In the long term, deficiency may lead to severe headaches, weakening of the bones and poor physical endurance.

In these cases it is useful to intervene with a food supplement, adjust the diet and follow a lifestyle that alleviates stress as much as possible.

Sources and insights

• NCBI, The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review
• PubMed, Magnesium deficiency and stress: Issues of their relationship, diagnostic tests, and approaches to therapy
• PubMed, Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy