Contraceptives, Magnesium and Serotonin

ANTICONCEPTIONALS, MAGNESIUM and SEROTONIN - what are their relationships?

IMPORTANT: The use of hormonal contraceptives (usually after about 6 months) leads to a reduction in the amount of magnesium in the body.

A lack of magnesium and vitamin B6, also due to an increase in the hormone cortisol, causes the amino acid tryptophan to be converted in greater quantities into xanthurenic acid, which combines with insulin and reduces its activity. When insulin becomes less active, blood glucose rises, which causes the pancreas to increase its insulin production. With more insulin circulating, more glucose is taken up by the adipocytes (fat cells), which will lead to greater weight gain, overweight and, in more severe cases, greater chances of obesity, general complications from excess weight and even diabetes (along with various other factors, of course).

Got it? Many people today seek a diet richer in tryptophan (or its supplementation) to increase their levels of serotonin, the so-called “pleasure hormone”, but they may be harming themselves if they don't observe the other aspects mentioned in this post!

“Things” that reduce your magnesium levels: stress, too much coffee, hormonal contraceptives, excessive exercise and sugar (simple carbohydrates).

Tryptophan in the human body, among other things, is converted into 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) which, in the presence of adequate levels of magnesium, zinc, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin C, is transformed into serotonin. This neurotransmitter is fundamental to our well-being and emotional health, combats anxiety and depression, helps control appetite and has many other functions.

At night, serotonin in the pineal gland is transformed into melatonin, a hormone that is essential for proper sleep for everyone: babies, children, adults and the elderly.