How often do we feel tired right after waking up? The reason may be a lack of sleep, intense training, or chronic stress. Everything in our body is interconnected, and fatigue, sleep problems, and lack of concentration during the day can have various causes. However, most often, they manifest as a result of certain imbalances and deficiencies in essential nutrients within the body. How are stress, fatigue, and deficiencies in certain minerals related to each other?
No substance in the organism acts in isolation; instead, they work together in physiological processes, influencing each other or enabling the activation of other substances. Even the slightest deficit of a trace element can disrupt the entire process.
Physically and mentally demanding situations deplete vital minerals
Zinc and magnesium are essential minerals involved in numerous functions in the body, including the production of energy, which enables muscle, brain, and overall physiological processes to function. Increased demands place pressure on the organism to operate at higher speeds. Emotional stress, prolonged exposure to stressful situations, or physical exertion require more energy, thus necessitating a greater supply of minerals and trace substances to ensure metabolic processes function effectively.
Every cell in the body requires magnesium or zinc to function. However, the body lacks a storage reservoir from which it can draw these minerals in times of increased need and deficiency. Therefore, we rely on a consistent supply from external sources. If these substances are depleted from our system over an extended period without being adequately replenished through our diet, it disrupts homeostasis and slows down certain bodily processes. One could say the body operates on credit. Eventually, this imbalance will manifest itself, either as a lack of energy or fatigue. Prolonged deficiency could lead to various chronic problems.
Zinc and magnesium deficiencies are common. Several population surveys have found that we often fall short of even the recommended minimum daily intake. Specifically, it is estimated that Czechs consume roughly 20% less magnesium than the recommended daily dose. If we cannot meet the basic needs of our organism, how can we satisfy the increased demands caused by activities such as sports, work strain, or stress? Notably, stress is one of the primary factors depleting mineral substances and has become a common aspect of modern hectic lifestyles.
Even when we prioritize a healthy diet, our bodies can still lack essential nutrients. The documented mineral content in food may not always reflect reality. Additionally, the absorption of both magnesium and zinc can be hindered by other substances in the diet or by the poor functioning of the digestive system
The relationship between zinc and magnesium deficiency and stress
Magnesium and zinc can minimize the impact of stressful situations on the organism and play a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance. Both minerals increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a naturally occurring amino acid in the brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter, facilitating communication between brain cells. By reducing the activity of neurons in the brain and central nervous system, it helps bring the body and mind into a calmer and more balanced state, relieving pain and stress.
Numerous drugs, such as anesthetics or antidepressants, interact with GABA and its receptors in the brain, altering their function to achieve effects like relaxation, pain relief, or reduction of stress and anxiety. Zinc and magnesium are natural supplements that operate on a similar principle and can significantly contribute to the mental and physical equilibrium of the body. Additionally, magnesium has a relaxing effect on our muscles, constricted blood vessels, and intestinal walls, further aiding in reducing the adverse effects of stressful situations on the body.