Magnesium for Stress and Relaxation

Caya KerkhofOrthomolecular Advisor12 july 20244 min. reading time

A busy day at work, a packed schedule, or simply too much on your mind. Stress can happen to anyone, and sometimes it can be difficult to relax. Fortunately, there is a mineral that can help: magnesium. In this blog, we delve into how magnesium works in relation to stress and relaxation and answer all your questions about this important mineral.

How does our stress system work?

Stress is a natural response of your body to challenges and threats. When you are stressed, your body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the 'fight or flight' response. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These prepare your body to react quickly to danger. While this system is useful in acute situations, chronic stress can lead to various problems.

It is therefore important to understand how your body responds to stress to be able to relax properly. However, this can be exhausting if your body has to react to stress too often. How this works exactly can be read further in what stress is and how stress works in your body. Fortunately, there are ways to control your stress levels, and magnesium can play an important role in this.

Magnesium and stress: how does it work exactly?

Magnesium is very important for our body, especially when we are stressed. When we are stressed, our body uses more magnesium. When we experience stress, our body produces more stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones ensure that our body consumes more energy, and for that, we need magnesium. Magnesium supports the energy level.

In addition, stress can cause our body to absorb nutrients (including magnesium) less effectively from our food. During stress, we can also lose more magnesium through our urine.

Magnesium for relaxation: how does it work?

Magnesium is good for the muscles and supports normal muscle function. The mineral also has a positive influence on the functioning of the nervous system. For true relaxation, it is necessary for your nervous system to be relaxed as well. Magnesium also plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. This neurotransmitter contributes to a sense of well-being and relaxation. After a stressful period, it sometimes feels like all the fatigue suddenly surfaces. The good thing about magnesium is that it contributes to extra energy when tired and helps reduce the lack of energy.

Read more about why daily relaxation is important.

Which magnesium for stress?

There are different forms of magnesium available, each with its own properties.

Magnesium citrate: magnesium bound to citric acid.

Magnesium malate: magnesium bound to malic acid.

Magnesium bisglycinate: magnesium bound to glycine.

Magnesium taurate: magnesium bound to the amino acid taurine.

8 things you can do for relaxation

With our busy schedules, it's important to make time for relaxation. That shopping list, the laundry, and all the other tasks you still need to do can certainly wait a while.

Below are some ways to relax and let go of the stress of daily life.

Walking in nature: A leisurely walk through a forest or park can work wonders for your mental health. It helps you to relax and break away from daily stress.

Reading: A good book transports you to another world and helps you relax. Choose a genre that appeals to you and take the time to really immerse yourself in the story.

Listening to music: Music has a powerful influence on our emotions. Put on your favourite music and let the soothing sounds help you relax.

Creative activities: Painting, drawing, writing, or another creative outlet can be a way to relax. It gives you the chance to shift your thoughts for a while.

Taking a warm bath: A warm bath can help relax your muscles. Add some essential oils (lavender), bath salts, or magnesium crystals for extra relaxation.

Exercising: Physical activity is also a good way to relieve stress. Whether you go for a run, swim, cycle, or hit the gym, exercise helps relax your mind.

Relaxation exercises: There are various exercises that can help you relax. Read here the 4 relaxation exercises that anyone can do at home.

Adaptogens: Adaptogens support your body in adapting to changing circumstances. Read here which adaptogens help with physical imbalance.

How quickly does magnesium work for stress?

Although magnesium is an important mineral for our body, it is good to know that something in your lifestyle will also need to change. Unfortunately, magnesium is not a miracle cure that immediately resolves problems and stress. It is therefore important to address the source of all your stress or learn to cope with it using one or more of the methods mentioned above.

However, in combination with some lifestyle adjustments, magnesium can be a great supplement to the magnesium you already get from your diet.

Some people notice a difference within a few days of taking extra magnesium, while for others it takes a few weeks. It is important to be patient and give your body time to replenish its magnesium stores and regain balance.

Good to know

Magnesium can be a valuable addition during stress. The mineral is already enormously important for our body and especially during periods of stress. See what you can do in your daily life to reduce your stress, such as walking more in nature, reading for half an hour a day, listening to music, or exercising. Magnesium can also be a great addition to your lifestyle.

More information? Check out our category page magnesium or visit the store where our Health Coach can provide personal guidance.

Sources

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Marin, M. F., Lord, C., Andrews, J., Juster, R. P., Sindi, S., Arsenault-Lapierre, G., ... & Lupien, S. J. (2011). Chronic stress, cognitive functioning and mental health. Neurobiology of learning and memory, 96(4), 583-595.
Pickering, G., Mazur, A., Trousselard, M., Bienkowski, P., Yaltsewa, N., Amessou, M., ... & Pouteau, E. (2020). Magnesium status and stress: the vicious circle concept revisited. Nutrients, 12(12), 3672.
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