Mineral Depletion & Depression

Though stress and environmental circumstances are often responsible for triggering depression, the source of the problem may lie with a chemical imbalance in the brain. A lack of vital minerals in the body can wreak havoc on the way the body's organs--including the brain--function.

Common Reasons for Mineral Depletion

• Mineral deficiency is quite common in the United States, in part because of modern-day living. Our soil has been depleted of minerals, resulting in fewer mineral-rich types of produce on supermarket shelves. People in this country also eat a great deal of processed food--and that doesn't just mean fast food. Frozen and pre-packaged meals with high amounts of sodium and little nutritional value are partly to blame.

Other Reasons for Mineral Deficiencies

• In some circumstances, a mineral deficiency is caused by an underlying health problem. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, stomach and bowel disorders, chronic diarrhea, laxative abuse, eating disorders, malnutrition, diabetes and renal disorders can cause mineral deficiency.

Most Common Minerals Needed for Good Mental Health

• Magnesium is a vitally important mineral to good mental health. The lack is also one of the most common physical causes of depression. The lack of magnesium is also responsible for anxiety, agitation and even hallucinations. The other most well-known and important minerals needed to prevent (and sometimes treat) depression include calcium, zinc, iron, manganese and potassium. Each mineral has its own purpose.

  Magnesium supports bone mineralization, protein building, muscular contractions, nerve impulses, and boosts immunity.

  Calcium is responsible for the growth and health of bones and teeth and aids in blood clotting.

  Zinc produces genetic material and protein, transports vitamin A throughout the body, and is responsible for taste perception, wound healing, sperm production and normal fetal development.

  Iron is a part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen through the body's cells.

  Manganese facilitates cell responses, though it is the mineral scientists know the least about. It works with enzymes and is essential for many body functions, but how it is done remains somewhat misunderstood.

  Lastly, potassium maintains the body's fluid and electrolyte balance and helps with muscle contractions, cell health and nerve impulses.

Other Symptoms of Mineral Depletion

• In order to determine whether or not a mineral deficiency is to blame for depression, it is important to know the other symptoms that come with it. All of these minerals can affect mood.

  Magnesium deficiency can cause such symptoms as irritability and nervousness, irregular heartbeat, digestion problems, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and seizures.

  Calcium depletion can cause muscle cramping and digestive disorders, osteoporosis and bone loss (particularly in older women), brittle nails, insomnia and high blood pressure.

  A lack of zinc can cause acne, recurrent and ongoing colds and flu, lack of sexual maturity, slow growth, and loss of night vision and the sense of smell.

  Without iron, individuals may experience fatigue and weakness, fragile bones, brittle hair and nails, hair loss, oddly shaped fingernails, nervousness or a lag in mental responses.

  Manganese deficiency is considered rare, but people with manganese deficiency tend to develop a red, scaly rash.

  Potassium and sodium depletion combined can result in irregular heartbeat and shock. Potassium depletion alone can affect nerve function.

Treating and Preventing Mineral Depletion

• Mineral depletion can usually be treated and prevented through diet or supplements, except when it is caused by a disease; in which case, the disease itself must be treated. In extreme cases of deficiency, the individual may need to be treated intravenously to restore the body's mineral balance more quickly.