Getting diagnosed with mental health issues is the worst thing that can ever happen to me. It changes everything in my life. It made me believe that the negative and uncontrollable things around me are something I deserve. Because I do not often find time to take care of my overall health, I should experience something like this. But should I be okay with that? Should I instantly accept that my mental health is now damaged because I did not pay attention to it?
I realized that if I wanted to become mentally stable again, I needed to find the best solution for my condition. With that, I managed to have the courage to seek professional help. As I went on with a series of therapeutic sessions, my therapist advised me to take medication. He insisted that I should take antidepressants to avoid the intensifying signs and symptoms of depression. However, despite the consistency of taking the drugs, I somehow felt like I still need more. Not in the sense that I got to be addicted to my depression disorders antidepressant pills or anything. But what I mean by “I need more” is that I have to incorporate something into my lifestyle. And that took me to the idea of taking magnesium supplements.
After researching online, I learned that magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in a wide range of bodily processes, including muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone health. Some studies have suggested that the amounts of magnesium usually plays a role in the related treatment of depression.
One theory is that magnesium helps to regulate the body’s stress response system, which can become dysregulated in people with mental condition such as moderate depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, etc. Additionally, it has been found to have a calming content effect of magnesium supplementation on the nervous system, which may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
However, it is important to note that while some studies have suggested a potential benefit of magnesium for depression, the evidence is still limited and inconsistent. More research is needed to fully understand the role of magnesium in treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression disorder, it is important to seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider who can look at your case and develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. This may include medications, therapy, or other interventions.
At first, I was hesitant about the thing because I do not entirely know how supplements can help with mental illness. I do understand that it provides additional vitamins and minerals, though. But I am not convinced of supplements keep someone mentally okay. However, when I asked my doctor about it, he happily told me that it could be a good choice. I gave him a few frequently asked questions, and now I am using some of them as wellness guidelines. Below is the list of queries I also asked.
Which type of magnesium is best for depression?
Studies show that supplemental magnesium is useful in stabilizing mood. Magnesium citrate is 16% bioavailable and gets highly absorbed by the body, making it most helpful for individuals enduring constipation. However, the glycinate form is more beneficial for reducing the symptoms people experience when they have mild-to-moderate conditions and anxiety or other health issues like chronic stress, insomnia, and inflammatory conditions.
How much magnesium should I take for depression?
Over-the-counter magnesium supplements significantly improve depression in a span of two weeks. That is why medical experts suggest a 200–400 mg dose of it, especially at bedtime. That is due to magnesium’s effects in promptly inducing sleep vital to recovery from the mental disorder. But you should always consider that it is best to take forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid because these are more completely absorbed in the gut than other soluble forms.
Is magnesium an antidepressant?
Magnesium is highly absorbable and bioavailable. In a randomized clinical trial with depressed older individuals, a daily 450 mg of magnesium supplement helps improve mood as effectively as an antidepressant drug. But note. Though magnesium glycinate is often used for its calming effects, scientific evidence on these uses to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia is limited.
Does magnesium improve mood?
Magnesium plays a significant function in mood and brain function as it helps develop serotonin, which is a major contributor to happiness. Magnesium can help individuals regulate emotions and balance moods. A study found that those individuals who consider taking Magnesium supplements reported an improvement in symptoms. That is regardless or on top of their existing treatment.
Is It Okay To Take Magnesium Every Day?
For some people, doses less than 350 mg a day are proven safe for most people. However, there are instances that magnesium can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset, and other side effects, especially when taken in very large amounts, such as a dosage greater than 350 mg daily. In conclusion, more than enough of the required dosage is always unsafe and can cause overall health damage.
What’s the best time to take magnesium?
There is no specific time to take magnesium supplements, as they can be taken at any time of the day. For as long as the person is consistent in taking it, there is not much to worry about. As a matter of fact, some individuals like taking the supplements first thing in the morning because that is the easiest and most convenient time of the day. But of course, others like to take the supplement at dinner or just before bedtime.
What are the symptoms of low magnesium in the body?
The symptoms of low magnesium in the body include fatigue, convulsions, muscle spasms or cramps, numbness, muscle weakness, and abnormal eye movements or also known as nystagmus.
There is High Blood Pressure, Asthma, Irregular Heartbeat, and Osteoporosis as well. Low magnesium in the body can lead to low levels of other vital minerals such as potassium and calcium. Also, psychological disorders are another potential consequence of magnesium deficiency.
Does magnesium make you gain weight?
Magnesium is an important nutrient in the body regulating blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and muscle and nerve function. It also helps sustain healthy bone and DNA and consuming more than enough shows no effectiveness regarding weight loss. But the reduced magnesium in the body is a different story as it is linked to insulin resistance that can potentially lead to weight gain.
What’s the role of magnesium in our body?
Magnesium plays an important role in mental health, and magnesium deficiency has been associated with major depression. Magnesium supplementation can help increase magnesium levels in the body and may contribute to a rapid recovery for those struggling with severe condiition. There are a variety of magnesium supplements available, such as magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium malate. While magnesium can be an effective treatment, however when you are in a magnesium oxide treatment, it’s important to be cautious with the intake because of the effect of magnesium as it can have chemical reactions when taken with other medications. It’s always recommended to consult with a doctor before taking it. Furthermore, before starting the treatment, make sure that the cause of the magnesium deficiency in your body is depression.
How long before bed should you take magnesium?
Taking magnesium supplements as a sleep aid is one of the ways medical experts recommend it. Taking the supplement 1-2 hours before going to bed is advisable as it also helps with sleep issues like insomnia.
What’s the natural way to consume magnesium in daily intake?
Keeping a healthy diet that involves foods that are rich in magnesium may play an essential role in the treatment, as low magnesium levels have been found to be connected to a higher risk. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and stress hormones, which are some of the factors that can contribute to depression. However, the reliance of humanity on food processing and the constant reduction of nutrients from soil may result in low magnesium intake. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that we are getting enough magnesium through our diet or supplementation.
Awareness is crucial to avoid adverse effects which can result from taking more magnesium than intended. According to the 2018 study published in the Med Hypotheses journal, low magnesium levels may contribute to postpartum depression, making magnesium intake even more significant, particularly to pregnant women and to those who have given birth recently.
What Medications Should You Not Take With The Chemical Element?
You should not take medications along with magnesium as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Some of the medications you need to avoid include DynaCirc, IsoptinVerelan, Cardizem, Plendil, Norvasc, Adalat, Calan, Procardia, and others.
Benefits of Taking The Supplements
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in many bodily processes and has numerous potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of taking magnesium:
- Supports bone health: Magnesium is a key nutrient for bone health, as it helps to regulate calcium levels in the body and is necessary for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones.
- Improves heart health: Magnesium has been found to help regulate heart rhythm, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.
- Reduces inflammation: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Relieves muscle cramps: Magnesium is important for muscle function and can help to prevent and relieve muscle cramps.
- Reduces anxiety and stress: Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
- Helps regulate blood sugar: Magnesium is involved in insulin production and can help to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
- Improves sleep: Magnesium may help to improve the quality of sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms of insomnia.
Overall, magnesium is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in many bodily processes and has numerous potential health benefits. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a magnesium supplement regimen, as it can interact with certain medications and can be harmful in people with certain health conditions.
Final Thoughts And Takeaway
I am not saying that you should always process your health through magnesium supplements when you feel emotionally and mentally unstable. Yes, magnesium is important as it helps in the development of the mind and body. But you should not rely on it as a medication for a mental illness. Always ask your doctors about any pills you might want to take so they can give you a piece of proper advice on what or what you should not do.
People with depression may consider taking magnesium supplements because some studies have suggested that it may have a positive effect on mood and symptoms of depression.
Research has shown that individuals with depression may have lower levels of magnesium in their blood compared to individuals without depression. Additionally, some studies have found that magnesium supplementation may be helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in individuals who have a magnesium deficiency.
While more research is needed to fully understand the role of magnesium in depression treatment, it is generally safe for most people to take magnesium supplements in moderation. However, it is important to note that supplements can have a specific reaction when taken with certain medications and can be harmful in people with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a supplement regimen.