Can magnesium help fight anxiety?

One of the most abundant minerals in the body, magnesium plays an important role in a number of bodily functions and has a number of health benefits. In addition to these benefits, magnesium may be helpful as a natural treatment for anxiety. While further studies are needed, there is research to suggest magnesium may help fight anxiety.

A 2010 review of natural treatments for anxiety found that magnesium could be a treatment for anxiety.Trusted Source

More recently, a 2017 review that looked at 18 different studies found that magnesium did reduce anxiety.Trusted Source These studies looked at mild anxiety, anxiety during premenstrual syndrome, postpartum anxiety, and generalized anxiety. The studies were based on self-reports, so the results are subjective. The review stated that that further, controlled trials are needed to confirm this finding.

According to this review, one of the reasons why magnesium might help reduce anxiety is that it may improve brain function. Research shows that magnesium plays an important role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout the brain and body. This is how magnesium plays a role in neurological health.Trusted Source

Research has found that magnesium may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety.Trusted Source It is believed to affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate the pituitary and adrenal glands. These glands are responsible for your response to stress.

If you have an anxiety disorder, you might want to consider using magnesium to help reduce your symptoms.

What are the other benefits of taking magnesium?

There are many benefits of magnesium. From improved mood to bowel health, magnesium works throughout the body. Studies have found many other ways magnesium may help your health.Trusted Source