“….greater daytime drowsiness, and changes in light-dark cycles can also affect when your body releases melatonin making you feel tired earlier or later than usual,” added Dr. Dean. “Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form and is essential for the metabolism of vitamin D. Magnesium regulates melatonin production. All the enzymes that metabolize vitamin D require magnesium.”
In addition to combating drowsiness, “Magnesium is known as the anti-stress, anti-anxiety mineral and is a natural way to boost your mood and cope with seasonal sleep pattern changes,” revealed Dr. Dean. “Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in boosting mood, lowering anxiety, depression and reducing stress levels as well as helping with deeper more restful sleep.”
Believe it or not, “most Americans are magnesium deficient because this mineral has been depleted from our soils and foods.” In fact, “over 75% of Americans do not get their recommended daily allowance of this mineral which is a co-factor in 700-800 enzyme reactions in the body,” said Dr. Dean.
How may a magnesium deficiency further impact your life? According to Dr. Dean, it “can magnify stress and anxiety. Serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that is boosted artificially by some medications, depends on magnesium for its production and function. Not all forms of magnesium are easily absorbed by the body. Magnesium citrate powder is a highly absorbable form that can be mixed with hot or cold water and sipped at work or at home throughout the day.”
Get your daily dose by reaching for the following foods:
- Almonds
- Bananas
- Tofu
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat bread
- Broccoli
- Edamame
- Black beans
- Peanut butter
- Strawberries
Try eating more of these foods in the darker, colder months to feed your mood and sleep for the better.