Anxiety, defined as a feeling of irrational fear often associated with heart palpitations and excessive sweating, is a condition that has to be addressed and treated by your doctor. Several conditions such as panic attacks, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorders are all forms of anxiety disorder. Although all essential minerals are needed for overall health, calcium and magnesium are especially important in individuals suffering from anxiety.
Functions
Your body uses minerals for the optimal composition of blood and bones, as well as maintaining normal cell functions. Minerals work in synergy with vitamins and are included in enzymes and coenzymes. According to Michael Murray, ND and author of "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines," some nutritional factors may trigger symptoms of anxiety by increasing the level of lactic acid in the blood, including deficiency in calcium and magnesium, caffeine, sugar, B vitamins, alcohol and food allergies.
Calcium & Magnesium
Calcium is an essential mineral needed for the structure and function of the bones and muscles. It is also involved in the regulation of certain hormones and enzymes. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include irritability, sleeping problems, anxiety, as well as increase risk to develop osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Magnesium is another essential mineral found in abundance in the body. This nutrient is involved in protein metabolism and plays an important role in maintaining optimal nerve and muscle function, promoting healthy bones and boosting the immune system. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include anxiety, confusion, weakness, nervousness and insomnia as well as kidney problems and digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Research
According to a study conducted by G. Grases and colleagues published in the June 2010 issue of "Magnesium research," levels of magnesium were reduced in the blood and increased its elimination in urine in subjects who experienced stress and anxiety. According to the authors, stress is also associated with increase calcium elimination in the urine as well, although this fact was not found in the above study.
A study published in the October 2010 issue of "Psychology and Behaviour" by Mc.Laarakker found that low magnesium levels in blood serum and brain were strongly associated with behavior symptoms related to anxiety.
Dosage
According to National Institute of Health, recommended daily dosage of calcium for adults is between 1,000 milligrams for men and 1,200 milligrams for women. Daily doses of magnesium for adults are 320 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men.
Considerations
Consult a qualified medical practitioner to find out if you have mineral deficiency, especially in calcium and magnesium. Supplementation with minerals does not replace conventional therapy for anxiety.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Calcium
- National Institute of Health: Magnesium
- Magnesium Research: Anxiety and stress among science students. Study of calcium and magnesium alterations
- Psychology and Behavior: Association between blood plasma and brain magnesium-ion concentration with anxiety.
- AnxietyPanic.com
- "The Pill Book Guide To Natural Medicines"; Michael Murray, ND; 2004
