Tag: anxiety

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Magnesium: The Natural Mood Stabiliser and Stress Reliever

Magnesium

If there is one supplement that we should all consider adding to our health regime it would be magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that is found in each and every cell (the most important and basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms) of the body.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 internal reactions that help us to function at our best. This is one heck of a mineral! It supports the nervous system and brain functioning by regulating hormones known as neurotransmitters (messengers AKA our happy hormones). But as you will soon read, there are many other important roles that magnesium plays in the body.

A Depleted Society

Australian Health Surveys have found that many Aussies consume below the recommended daily intake of magnesium in their diet. This can be attributed to more than just poor dietary intake. The foods that we consume which, in their most pure form should be high in magnesium, are often stripped of their mineral content in processing. For example, grains should contain an abundance of magnesium, however, in the milling process of white rice, pastas and breads this magnesium is removed, along with fibre and other minerals. Therefore, without the inclusion of wholegrain foods in the diet we are depriving ourselves of important nutrients.

Other dietary and lifestyle factors can reduce our absorption and deplete our body’s magnesium levels. High levels of calcium, sodium or salt, caffeine (black tea, coffee, energy drinks and pre-workout/caffeine supplements), alcohol and loss of minerals through sweating can all impact how much magnesium our body obtains.

Did You Know?

Stress that lasts for long periods of time or frequent stressors, can also play a role in the depletion of magnesium. Stress accelerates the release of our fight-or-flight hormones cortisol, adrenalin and noradrenaline. This process alone can lead to rapid magnesium depletion, with the result being increased transportation of intracellular magnesium out of the cell to be removed from the body.

Glutamate Is Not Your Mate

Another neurotransmitter glutamate is known to be excitatory. Magnesium plays a role in reducing the release of glutamate, therefore reducing hyperexcitability of neurons (the basic working unit of the brain that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells) allowing us to relax and remain calm. When our friend magnesium is introduced, it enhances the conversion of glutamate to GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which works to calm a hypersensitive nervous system, such as anxiety presentation.

When we experience magnesium deficiency, the above mentioned processes can not take place and there becomes no reprieve for the excitation leaving us exhausted.

Depression & Magnesium

It is thought that magnesium may help improve depression severity by the reduction of excitatory and fight or flight hormones cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone. This incredible mineral has even demonstrated the ability to act on the blood brain barrier (the barrier that protects our brain) and reduce stress hormones from accessing the brain.

Other benefits of magnesium

Magnesium has shown promise in:

  • regulating blood glucose 
  • protein synthesis
  • enhanced muscle and nerve function and recovery
  • increasing energy production
  • maintaining electrolyte balance
  • reducing oxidative damage
  • prevention of osteoporosis
  • regulating blood pressure
  • and more…

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Body fatigue
  • PMS/Menopausal symptoms
  • Poor sleep
  • Anxiety/ Inability to cope with stress/ Depression
  • Brain fog/confusion
  • Irritability
  • Cramping/Muscle twitches
  • Restlessness
  • Osteoporosis

Speak with your Nutritionist or Health Practitioner to see if magnesium may benefit you. Contact Danielle at Beta Me Nutrition

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Saffron: A Herbal Treasure

Saffron

Saffron has ancient status in herbal medicine, recently it has become a more mainstream herbal remedy, popping up in my healthfood stores and pharmacies across several well-known brands. This is thanks to more research that has been conducted into Saffron’s therapeutic uses with fantastic results.

Historically, Saffron was used for ailments such as skin, digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, mood disorders and eye health.  With links to traditional uses all over the world including much of Europe and the Middle East, China and India, saffron is a world recognised herb with a variety of health benefits.

Modern day research has backed many of the traditional uses of saffron which include:

–          Antidepressant

–          Neurodegenerative reduction

–          Respiratory complaints

–          Cardioprotective

ANTIDEPRESSANT

One of the most recognised and useful functions of Saffron is as an antidepressant or mood stabiliser. The herb contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, all indicated in depression and mood disorders. Research has demonstrated positive effects in the reduction of anxiety, stress, sleep quality and mood enhancement. Better yet, there are little side effects to the use of Saffron.

NEURODEGENERATIVE REDUCTION

Inflammation and oxidation have a large role to play in neurodegenerative diseases. As previously mentioned, Saffron boasts a substantial amount of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial in the potential prevention and management of diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

RESPIRATORY COMPLAINTS

A lesser known action of Saffron is its role as a bronchodilator. Asthmatics experience moderate to severe levels of bronchoconstriction, causing difficulty in breathing. Saffron has demonstrated potential in opening airways and enhancing circulation to the lungs. This may help to reducing the wheezing and shortness of breath that accompanies asthma. 

CARDIOPROTECTIVE

Saffron has shown promise in reducing atherosclerotic risk by reducing the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, lipid (fat) absorption and plaque adhesion to arteries, preventing blockages and therefore, cardiovascular events.

Saffron, a herb that rarely enters our pantry cupboard due to its high price tag, yet lives up to its value with exceptional health benefits is often overlooked for other herbs, supplements and medications.

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Pyrrole Disorder – What is it?

Pyrrole

What I am about to explain to you may seem a difficult concept to grasp, but pyrrole is very real for many people and is often misidentified or unidentified.

Pyrrole disorder is also known as Pyroluria. It is an abnormality of biochemical nature that results in the production of high levels of pyrroles. These ‘things’ known as pyrroles are metabolites (broken down parts) of the proteins in our red blood cells called haemoglobin. These metabolites contribute to the binding of B6 and Zinc. When pyrroles are eliminated from the body they take these final nutrients with them. Under normal conditions this may not be a problem. But in circumstances of high stress or genetic predisposition, deficiencies in B6 and Zinc can present, leaving behind some unpleasant and life altering effects.

What do B6 and Zinc do for us?

Neurotransmitters (the messengers in our body that conduct hormones and help us to feel good) rely heavily on B6 and Zinc for production and function. Many of us have heard of serotonin, dopamine and to a lesser extent GABA. Well, these are neurotransmitters (happy hormones) that rely on B6 for production. Zinc is, well, important for every function in the body but particularly, sexual hormone production, gut and immune system function, all which have a profound impact on how our brain functions.

So what causes pyrrole disorder?

  • Stress
  • Growth spurts
  • Various medical conditions that stress the body
  • Genetics
  • Oxidative stress (toxins in the body)
  • Ineffective detoxification processes

Pyrrole disorder may also play a role in worsening, or be the result of the following conditions:

  • Bipolar
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Depression
  • Criminal activity
  • Generalized behaviour issues
  • Learning disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Alcoholism
  • Anxiety disorders
  •  PTSD
  • Alzheimer’s

What symptoms may present in pyrrole disorder?

  • Social anxiety, excessive shyness
  • Anxiety in crowds and avoidance of crowded situations
  • Inability to control stress and avoidance of stressful circumstances
  • Internal tension
  • Anxiety over the unknown
  • Anxiety with meeting new people
  • Sensitive to loud noises, sunlight, odours, textures
  • Irritable
  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Negative thoughts
  • Poor dream recalls
  • Night owl
  • Poor memory
  • Learning difficulties
  • Underachievement
  • Desires spicy and/or salty food
  • Nausea in the morning with reduced appetite
  • Skipping breakfast
  • Delayed puberty
  • Dysmenorrhea/amenorrhea
  • Growth abnormalities
  • Skin conditions
  • Stretch marks
  • Poor wound healing
  • Acne
  • White spots on nails
  • Poor muscle development and abnormal fat distribution
  • Joint pain
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Frequent infections, cold, flu
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Many sisters/females in the family

How do I find out if I have pyrrole disorder?

A qualified health practitioner who is familiar with pyrrole disorder should take your full case history. A urine test is conducted to determine the level of kryptopyrroles. An individualized treatment that will normally include zinc and B6 along with other dietary and nutritional supports is generally created following a positive history and urine test. Other referrals may also be made to support the symptoms of Pyroluria, which may include, where necessary psychological support, lifestyle and exercise advice. 

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms or know someone who may present with one or more of the symptoms contact Danielle at Beta Me Nutrition for a consultation.

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