Research has shown that people with an inadequate intake of magnesium have less serotonin in their brain. Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter that helps promote feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Studies have shown that some prescription antidepressant medications actually raise the level of magnesium in the brain. A 2008 study found that magnesium supplementation was as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating depression in people with diabetes. Diabetics are typically lacking magnesium, and this can have detrimental effects on mood and emotional health. In addition to relieving depression, magnesium is wonderful for reducing anxiety and tension, and for these reasons I call magnesium The Great Relaxer. Magnesium is very helpful for improving sleep quality and helping insomnia. It is difficult to obtain enough magnesium through diet alone, because the soils in many parts of the world are depleted in this vital nutrient. Many factors deplete your body of magnesium too, such as stress, alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Increasing your magnesium intake is a safe and simple way to reduce the effects of stress in your life. References Eby GA, Eby KL. Magnesium for treatment-resistant depression: a review and hypothesis. Med Hypothesis. 2010; 74(4):649-60. Eby GA, Eby KL. Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment.Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(2):362-70.