The Best Supplements for Stress
In 1936, a scientist by the name of Hans Selye coined a term that would come to be the basis of the definition of stress. Selye called it General Adaptation Syndrome – the body’s non-specific response to a demand for change. This definition described three stages of stress: the body’s initial reaction of brief alarm, the prolonged period of resistance to change, and, finally, exhaustion and death.
Stress requires multiple body systems to adapt including biochemical, psychological, physiological and gene expression changes in the organism triggered by stimuli that the brain interprets as harmful or dangerous. When the body is attempting to reach a state of equilibrium, or balance, it is known as homeostasis, and looks at the values of blood pH, blood oxygen, and body temperature. This is how the body determines if it is tired, hungry, too hot or too cold. However, stress falls under another type of balance called allostasis, which attempts to reach the same balance and equilibrium but looks at the additional values of hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal gland; catechol- amines and cytokines. Which can be affected daily, seasonally and through internal or external factors.
The modern world is fast paced, constantly changing, and filled with a plethora of external stimuli at any given time. And the implications of stress on humans is why it is critical now, more than ever, for a clearer understanding of stress and ways to reduce it.
Magnesium & Stress
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant ionic compound in the body participating in aerobic and anaerobic processes. Magnesium is relied upon by 325 enzymes, most of which are critical to the central nervous system. Studies have been conducted showing that stress increases plasma levels and urinary excretion of magnesium. This means that magnesium moves from intracellular to extracellular space in order to protect against the effects of stress. However, if prolonged, this can lead to a deficiency in magnesium.
Magnesium affects a number of neurological pathways and systems. Magnesium plays a role in inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitters, signaling pathways; mitochondria signaling, pathways and activity; modulation and stimulation of glutamate, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
The Body's Response to Stress
Stress can materialize through neuroendocrine responses such as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, increased blood flow to muscles (shakes), hyperventilation, disruption of digestion; and neuron activation in the neocortex and hippocampus to trigger anxiety, confusion, unease, and ‘fight or flight’ response. Subsequently, a deficiency in magnesium increases the likelihood of stress and stress related symptoms.
Symptoms of Low Magnesium
Having low magnesium can not only lead to stress but also increase the likelihood. Which, if an individual is already predisposed or undergoing stress, even in small amounts, over a period of time their magnesium levels may already be reduced below that which they need to maintain allostasis and homeostasis. Low magnesium can manifest in neuromuscular weakness or irritability (tremors, twitches or involuntary contractions), hyper-emotionality, fatigue, headaches, general anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, focal seizures, and asthenia.
Magnesium Products for Stress
Now Magnesium Transporters – 180 Vegetable Capsules
120 mg of Magnesium (from Magnesium Citrate, Taurinate, Malate, Glycinate and Aspartate)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Keto Friendly
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Non-GMO & GMP Certified
Now Magnesium Oxide Powder – 8 oz
290 mg of Magnesium (from Magnesium Oxide)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Keto Friendly
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Non-GMO & GMP Certified
Bluebonnet Magnesium Citrate – 60 Caplets
400 mg of Magnesium (from Magnesium Citrate)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Non-GMO
- Kosher Certified
Solgar Magnesium with Vitamin B6 – 100 Tablets
400 mg of Magnesium (from Magnesium Oxide)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Non-GMO
- Kosher Certified
Buried Treasure Liquid Mag – 16 fl oz
625 mg of Magnesium (from Aspartate and Citrate)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Natural Products Trade Association Certified
- Sustainably Produced
Natural Vitality Natural Calm – 8 oz (Unflavored)
350 mg of Magnesium (from Magnesium Carbonate)
(Also comes in Raspberry Lemon, Sweet Lemon, & Orange)
- Vegan/Vegetarian
- Gluten, Dairy & Soy Free
- Non-GMO
- Certified R.A.W. & C.L.E.A.N.