Magnesium for Panic & Anxiety Disorder

A panic attack is a symptom of an anxiety disorder. The attack results in a sudden feeling of terror or fear for no known reason. A person can feel physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, feelings of choking, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and trembling. The attack causes a sense of fear, or danger, for a person, even if it is not a real threat; the person will perceive it as real. They occur without warning.

Significance

• For some people, fear takes over their lives. They may stay home, avoid crowds, become fearful of the outside, and seclude themselves in their home.

Function

• Magnesium is a critical mineral that is involved in more than 300 of the human body's biochemical reactions. Certain stress hormones can deplete the body's magnesium stores.

  Magnesium deficiency can result in an increase in anxiety and panic attacks.

Considerations

• The U.S. RDA for magnesium is 400 milligrams per day for non breastfeeding, pregnant adults.

  Magnesium can easily be found in your diet. Natural sources of magnesium include: chicken, nuts, seeds, spinach, whole grains, peanut butter, and dark green leafy vegetables.

Prevention/Solution

• Increasing magnesium in the diet through natural sources or supplements may reduce the symptoms of anxiety for some people.

Warning

• Magnesium supplements alone should not be the sole treatment for individuals with panic attacks. Please be sure to seek professional medical treatment as well.