In today’s times, when stress has become a second habit, a large number of people are struggling with the problem of depression. Although it is so common, the condition is not as well understood and any kind of sadness is perceived simply as a case of mood swings. One can understand the magnitude of the problem from the fact that about 16.1 million American adults over the age of 18 reportedly dealt with at least one major depressive episode in 2014, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), depression is defined as “a period of two weeks or more during which there is a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure, and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleeping, eating, energy, concentration, and self-image. “

Although medications and making certain lifestyle changes can help fight depression, they may not be effective in many cases. While many turn to traditional treatment measures, there are certain unexplored ways that can prove comparatively more beneficial in combating depression. One of those ways is by overcoming magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium, an essential mineral in the human body, is crucial for various functions such as regulation of blood pressure, bone development, normalization of heart rate, muscle and nerve function, etc. If a person cannot reach the minimum required level of magnesium in the body, he is prone to developing various health problems such as anxiety disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.

How Magnesium Helps Treat Depression

While a lack of magnesium can cause an increase in depression, the harmful neurological changes that occur due to its deficiency can be reversed by taking supplements. Magnesium supplements can help you recover from depression in many ways. Some of these mechanisms are listed below:

• NMDA receiver channel modulation: As an antidepressant, magnesium prevents the recurrent opening of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channels in the brain, which protects against neuronal damage and aids in the recovery of neurons from pre-existing damage. By reducing the level of nitric oxide, magnesium helps improve mood.
• HPA axis modulation: According to a number of studies, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is overactive in people experiencing depression. Since magnesium reduces hyperactivity of the HPA axis, it is an effective way to treat depression by acting on this axis.
• Serotonergic modulation: Research has revealed a close relationship between magnesium and the level of serotonin, a hormone that stimulates mood, in the human brain. Therefore, magnesium supplements are a great way to improve serotonin levels in an individual and thus improve mood to recover from depression.

Apart from these magnesium supplements they can improve depression by improving the following in the body: synaptic density in the prefrontal cortex; hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroidism and low testosterone levels); autonomic nervous system (ANS) function; dopaminergic dysfunction and neurotransmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation; and decreased excitement in the brain.

Maintaining the required level of nutrients is essential

While a lack of magnesium increases the risk of developing depression, a person dealing with depression is also prone to developing a magnesium deficiency. Therefore, one must ensure that the required level of magnesium and all other essential nutrients is maintained in the body to avoid the development of major health problems.