Depression is one of the most widely diagnosed conditions of our time, with over 3 million believed affected worldwide. Conventional medicine considers antidepressant drugs the first line in treatment, despite the fact that these drugs are fraught with serious side effects, including suicidal ideation and completion.
While research into natural alternatives for depression is growing daily, GreenMedInfo.com’s Depression database contains 647 studies on over 100 natural substances that have been studied to prevent or treat the feelings of depression. It is rare to find quality human clinical research on the topic published in well-respected journals, however, a powerful study published in PLOS One titled, “Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial” shows great promise in validating the role of natural substances to treat such symptoms.
We are led to believe that depression is caused by a deficiency in serotonin in the brain. This has NEVER been proven, in fact, the data has poked holes in this theory and even the field of psychiatry itself has begun casting doubt on this unproven theory. There is a fantastic article written by holistic psychiatrist Dr. Kelly Brogan, I encourage you to read it here.
Few people are aware of the enormous role magnesium plays in our bodies. Magnesium is by far the most important mineral in the body. After oxygen, water, and basic food, magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies; vitally important, yet hardly known. It is more important than calcium, potassium or sodium and regulates all three of them. Millions suffer daily from magnesium deficiency without even knowing it. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body. About 60% of magnesium in your body is found in bone, while the rest is in muscles, soft tissues, and fluids.
Here are some of the benefits of Magnesium:
Soothe Asthma Symptoms; builds healthy bones; eases muscle cramps; lowers blood pressure; improves cardiovascular health; improves digestive health; reduces the risk of diabetes; eases anxiety and depression; boosts athletic performance; reduces inflammation; reduces occurrences of migraine; increases vitamin and mineral absorption; nervous system regulation; sleep.
Look for these signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
Fatigue; muscles spasms and cramps; arrhythmia; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; numbness; personality changes; anxiety; panic attacks; insomnia; high blood pressure; osteoporosis; migraines; constipation; acid reflux; weakness; seizure;