A video interview with Carolyn Dean, MD, ND. 

A vital nutrient known as the anti-stress mineral that is largely depleted from our foods and soils is "magnesium".

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A magnesium deficiency magnifies depression and stress. Serotonin, the feel good brain chemical that is boosted artificially by some medications, depends on magnesium for its production and function.  A person that is going through a stressful period without sufficient magnesium can set up a deficit that, if not corrected, can linger, causing depression and further health problems.

Magnesium supports our adrenals which stress, poor diet and lack of sleep overwork. A person with a magnesium deficiency (over 75% of American are deficient and are not getting their RDA) in the body is significant because of the many vitally important enzyme systems that require magnesium, some being responsible for energy production and storage. A strain on the adrenal glands puts a strain on the magnesium dependent energy system of the body which further promotes depression. The person with a low magnesium level during stress will experience energy depletion which leads to depression,  impulsive eating of junk food and caffeine and a decreased ability to manage depression and stress.