How Magnesium Can Relieve Stress and Anxiety
In this week's podcast we're talking about the benefits of magnesium for calming anxiety.
Our podcast is brought to you by Natural Vitality who are offering a free sample of their Natural Calm magnesium supplement and anti-stress drink.
Listen here:
Notes from the show:
Magnesium for relaxation
One of the ways magnesium can support us is as a muscle relaxant - over the years we have often recommended Epsom Salt baths for calming anxiety and easing muscle tension before sleep. Soluble magnesium supplements are another great way to aid relaxation and sleep and so much more.
Magnesium. Who knew?
During our research we learned that Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions and is essential for nerve health. Some research suggests that a lack of magnesium can contribute to anxiety and panic attacks.
Why soluble magnesium is a good idea
Ananga: Ayurveda teaches that it’s what we digest, rather than what we eat, that really affects our overall health which is why I always favour tinctures, or fresh or powdered herbs over tablets. I like soluble magnesium because I feel like it gets straight in my system.
Natural Health Expert, Dr Mercola says that Magnesium is perhaps one of the most overlooked minerals. This is especially important because, an estimated 70% or more of Americans are deficient in magnesium.
Magnesium is a crucially important mineral for optimal health, performing a wide array of biological functions, including but not limited to:
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Activating muscles and nerves
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Creating energy in your body
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It's also a precursor for neurotransmitters like serotonin
From our Instagram: what helps with anxiety? Vicky writes: “Claire Weekes books are well worth a read, and magnesium and good old chamomile.”
Magnesium and Anxiety Relief
Magnesium helps maintain normal blood pressure, and a steady heart rhythm.
We often hear people say I wish I could take something natural to support my anxiety. And magnesium is one natural thing that can really help.
You might consider supplementing your nutrition as over farming has lead to mineral depletion in soil which means some of our food sources of magnesium, like green leafy vegetables, are not as nourishing as they once were.
Many people are magnesium deficient without knowing it. So it's something to consider taking advice on via a qualified nutritionist or trusted health advisor if you are suffering with anxiety.
Grow your greens
One way we can support ourselves better is to grow some of our own greens and give them good soil to thrive in, eat organic where possible, and eat more! Increasing living plants in our diet is a positive step to our overall sense of nourishment and well-being. And for that, Ayurveda recommend they be cooked: lightly steamed or sauted with digestion enhancing spices like ginger and cumin. Again the emphasis being on what we digest being the primary concern. Salad may be nutritious but it’s hard to digest and extract nourishment from it.
When struggling with stress and anxiety, warm, easy to digest meals are best.
Three good food sources of magnesium:
Green leafy vegetables:
Spinach, Swiss chard, kale, collard greens
Nuts and seeds:
Pumpkin seeds, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, walnuts
Whole Grains:
Quinoa, millet, brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat, barley and oats
Additional Natural Ways to Calm Anxiety
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Oil massage
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Calming teas: chamomile, rose, fennel, mint
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Saffron milk, for your heart and to lift your mood
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Breathing exercises
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and natural supplements like magnesium are all important and helpful factors in supporting a healthy nervous system and calming anxiety.
Get your FREE Natural Calm anti-stress drink sample here