The relationship between magnesium and stress is very complex. In one study, it was found that chronically stressed individuals had much lower magnesium levels when compared with control groups. And those who had healthy magnesium levels to begin with showed fewer signs of stress. Basically, stress can lead to magnesium loss in the body, but having more than enough magnesium stores can help protect against stress.
Leo Galland, MD explains the process further: “Chronic stress depletes your body of magnesium. The more stressed you are, the greater the loss of magnesium. The lower your magnesium level to begin with, the more reactive to stress you become and the higher your level of adrenalin in stressful situations. Higher adrenaline causes greater loss of magnesium from cells. Administering magnesium as a nutritional supplement breaks this vicious cycle by raising blood magnesium levels and buffering the response to stress, building your resistance.”
