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When stress and anxiety become unmanageable through conventional remedies like diet, exercise and self-care regimen, many people turn to supplements like magnesium for help. But what role does it play in reducing anxiety?

Magnesium naturally occurs in the body, but it can also be obtained by including magnesium-rich foods in one's diet. This includes green leafy vegetables, whole grains and nuts. It helps the body regulate several biochemical responses like protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control and blood pressure regulation. It also helps in energy production and the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes.

Magnesium deficiency, anxiety and muscle pain

Magnesium is an essential part of a person's diet. However, it may be difficult for some people to incorporate magnesium-rich foods into their daily meal planning. As a result, some can have magnesium deficiency, which has been linked to several physical and mental health issues, including anxiety. 

Unfortunately, aside from mental health issues, anxiety also comes with physical manifestations like muscle pain. Therefore, including magnesium in the diet can help alleviate muscle pain and anxiety symptoms.

The role of magnesium in controlling neurotransmitters

Magnesium helps control the chemical messengers of the brain called neurotransmitters. It is known to inhibit the activity of some neurotransmitters, like glutamate, that contribute to stress in the body. As a result, the body calms down in the event of exposure to a stressor. This explains why hypomagnesemia, or magnesium deficiency, causes stress and anxiety.

It also promotes the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that selectively blocks signals in the central nervous system and then allows the brain to slow down, calming the body during moments of stress and anxiety.