Can Magnesium Treat Depression? New Study Says “Yes”

 

With the subject of healthcare and healthcare costs so prominent in the news these days, a new study* published in PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science, a peer-reviewed open access scientific journal) is a welcome positive development in lowering healthcare costs for those suffering from mild to moderate depression.

New research says magnesium supplements could be a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to side effects riddled depression meds.

A reported 350 million people worldwide suffer from mild to moderate depression. The commonly used SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) also known as anti-depressant drug treatments are expensive and have the following side-effects:

Weight Gain

Sexual  – Sexual side effects are the most common long-term side effects caused by SSRIs. Sexual problems, such as reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction), and the inability to have an orgasm in women. Up to 60 percent of people on SSRIs may have one of these depression medication side effects.

Suicide and Suicidal Thinking

Drowsiness – Daytime Sleepiness

Nausea

Dry mouth

Insomnia

Diarrhea

Nervousness, agitation or restlessness

Dizziness

Headache and Migraine Headache

Blurred vision

 

Magnesium is crucial to over 700 enzyme reactions in the body including heart rhythm, blood pressure, bone strength, fighting against inflammation in the body and has been proven to have a positive reduction in feelings of depression.

Serotonin, the feel good brain chemical that is boosted artificially by SSRI’s, depends on magnesium for its production and function.

According to one of the study’s lead researchers, Emily Tarleton, MS, RD, CD, a graduate student in Clinical and Translational Science and the bio-nutrition research manager in the University of Vermont’s Clinical Research Center, “The results are very encouraging, given the great need for additional treatment options for depression, and our finding that magnesium supplementation provides a safe, fast and inexpensive approach to controlling depressive symptoms.”

These results support a 2016 study* which found the same results.

With health care costs rising, low-cost magnesium is a welcome option for treating depression.

 

PLEASE NOTE: No one should stop taking psychiatric drugs without the assistance of a medical doctor.

*Complete Study – http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180067

*2016 Study – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28241991

Medical Disclaimer:

The ideas, procedures and suggestions contained in this article are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your physical health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this article.

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