Magnesium supplements can alleviate anxiety and regulate cortisol; here’s how: Neurologist explains | Health

Recently, there has been a surge in videos and online information about the positive impact of magnesium supplements on mental health. Influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have shared their positive experiences after taking magnesium supplements and recommended them to reduce anxiety and positively impact mental health.

But how true is that information? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sheetal Goyal, a neurologist at Wockhardt Hospital, Central Mumbai, said, “Magnesium is thought to help reduce anxiety due to its role in regulating various biochemical processes and neurotransmitters in the brain.” Here’s how magnesium can positively impact your mental health and help ease symptoms of anxiety:

Neurotransmitter Regulation:

Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin that affect mood. Adequate magnesium levels support serotonin synthesis and function, which may reduce anxiety.

GABA Regulation:

Magnesium can increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect in the brain. GABA reduces neuronal excitability, promotes relaxation, and reduces anxiety.

Stress Response:

Magnesium is involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls stress responses. Adequate magnesium levels may buffer the effects of stress hormones such as cortisol, effectively reducing symptoms of anxiety.

Muscle relaxation:

Muscle tension is often associated with anxiety, and adequate magnesium levels may help relieve physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle spasms and tension headaches.

Sleep Promotion:

Magnesium can improve the quality of your sleep by regulating melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle. Improved sleep can reduce anxiety levels.

Cardiovascular Support:

Magnesium supports cardiovascular health, and when taken in adequate amounts, it may reduce the risk of palpitations, anxiety, and other physical symptoms that resemble other mental illnesses.

General Health:

Magnesium deficiency is linked to increased symptoms of anxiety. Getting enough magnesium through your diet or supplements can improve your overall health and help manage anxiety.