If you’re not already familiar with this stress-melting, disease-protecting, calm-inducing, sleep-promoting, essential mineral… it’s time to get up close and personal. Magnesium is one of seven essential macrominerals that the human body needs in large quantities. Healthy magnesium levels protect metabolic health, stabilize mood (yes, please!), promote better sleep, and contribute to heart and bone health. Few elements have more influence over the body than magnesium. But beyond this magic mineral’s role in everyday bodily function and health, recent research suggests magnesium may also help fight anxiety. Whoa. Sign us up.

A 2010 review of natural remedies for anxiety found that magnesium could be a legitimate treatment. More recently, a 2017 review that looked at 18 different studies found that magnesium did, in fact, reduce anxiety. These studies looked at mild anxiety, anxiety during premenstrual syndrome, post traumatic anxiety, and generalized anxiety.

One reason for this stress-busting effect is magnesium’s role in brain function. You can thank magnesium for creating strong neurological pathways that ensure good communication between your brain and body. In addition, research has found that magnesium specifically affects a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate the pituitary and adrenal glands. These glands are the hub of your body’s fight-or-flight system and can flood your body with stress hormones when triggered. Magnesium may help to suppress this inflammatory reaction. That is great news for all of us just trying to stay sane in today’s fast-moving, often overwhelming world.

Keep in mind that your body does not produce magnesium so it’s crucial that you get it from outside sources. In fact, over 50% of us are deficient! You can amp up your magnesium intake in multiple ways: through your diet (SUPER important), supplementation, or topically (our favorite!). Magnesium-loaded Recovery Balm is a fast and effortless way to give your body and mind some extra love and calming benefits from this wonder of a nutrient. Happy healing!

Peace, Love, Rally <3