Emily Deans, M.D. writes an article in Psychology Today about the importance of magnesium to treat depression, anxiety and stress. Magnesium is responsible for cell transport activity and it is “counter-ion for calcium and potassium in muscle cells, including the heart”. A lack of magnesium in the body may result in apathy, irregular heartbeat, muscle aches, fatigue, and even death. The bad news is, most Americans have a magnesium deficiency; since our modern soil lacks minerals and magnesium is expunged from our water. This deficiency is concerning, since things like stress deplete our magnesium levels. In many studies conducted, magnesium has the power to improve behaviors associated with anxiety and depression, making it the miracle “chill pill”.
Then why do antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications exist if a magnesium supplement is the answer?
Deans claims magnesium is significant to our diets because it “is an old home remedy for all that ails you, including anxiety, apathy, depression, headaches, insecurity, irritability, restlessness, talkativeness, and sulkiness”. Sounds like magic, because it can assist in stress management as well: “In addition, magnesium can act at the blood brain barrier to prevent the entrance of stress hormones into the brain. All these reasons are why I call magnesium the original chill pill”. Certainly, there are foods that contain magnesium (rice, edamame, almonds, dark chocolate and sunflower seeds), but according to Psychology Today, “the average US intake is around 250mg daily”, compared to the 400mg that is recommended. In other words, a supplement is a must. Even further, magnesium may help with chronic headaches and PMS.
I have read other articles that link ADHD and pain relief with taking magnesium supplements, so it is definitely worth looking into. The following are magnesium-rich foods. Eating just two servings of buckwheat flour or oats gets you to the recommended daily serving.
Black-eyed peas (1/2 cup) = 45 mg
Buckwheat Flour (100g (4 oz)) = 250 mg
Halibut (100g (4 oz)) = 107 mg
Milk: low fat (1 cup) = 40 mg
Oats (100g (4 oz)) = 235 mg
Peanut butter (2 tablespoons) = 50 mg
Spinach (1/2 cup) = 80 mg
Whole wheat Bread (1 Slice) = 25 mg
Very interesting, did not know this.
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