It's been recently reported that diet and mood have direct ties. Moreover, overall mental health and cognition are related to our food choices.

I recently did some research on Magnesium and why it is so vital to our bodies. According to The Schachter Center for Complementary Medicine, I learned that a Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. Specifically, the central nervous system is markedly affected. In regards to behavioral health, Magnesium deficiency symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and irritability.

Hmmm, interesting.

Another source of data I used is a copy of The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook. A lot of my own behavioral symptoms coincide with symptoms presented in the Autism and/or ADHD spectrum, so this resource proved helpful. The handbookexplains the effects of Magnesium deficiency in more depth: ” A person deficient in Magnesium may experience neuromuscular excitability, which can lead to:

• Hyperactivity, inattention, Impulsivity
• Mood dysregulation, including depression
• Poor self-regulation
• Irritability
• Emotional Overreactions
• Sleep disruption

There is no coincidence that my anxiety, depression, mood swings, impulsivity, irritability were entirely unmanageable during the height of my magnesium deficiency and related malnourishment.

That is not to say that my struggles with mental illness would no longer be an issue upon Magnesium level improvement. Magnesium supplementation is more likely going to help with symptom management more than anything else.

Since hospital discharge, I have been taking Magnesium supplements and consuming Magnesium-rich foods.

“The best way of ensuring enough magnesium is to eat a variety of whole foods, including whole grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables, preferably food grown on naturally composted soil. The green color of green vegetables is due to chlorophyll, which is a molecule that contains magnesium.”- The Importance of Magnesium to Human Nutrition, by Michael B. Schachter M.D., F.A.C.A.M.

After six weeks, I am happy to report the following results:

1. Magnesium Levels in Blood within the appropriate range
2. Improved mood regulation
3. Decreased Impulsivity
4. Significant Weight gain (a result of improved nutrition, in general)

Of course, the improvements to my health and general well-being can be attributed to a combination of factors including improved eating habits and the administration of appropriate psychotropic medication, but I do feel strongly that there must be a positive correlation between my behavioral health and Magnesium levels.

With that being said, I am certainly motivated by these results to explore more nutrition-based symptom management solutions such as dietary changes and adding supplements.

Sources:

www.mbschachter.com/importance_of_magnesium_to_human.htm, The Importance of Magnesium to Human Nutrition, by Michael B. Schachter M.D., F.A.C.A.M.

Godbout Laake, Dana R.D.H., M.S., L.D.N., and Pamela J. Compart, M.D.The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook, Quarto Publishing Group USA, 2013.