Grit is a personality trait characterized by passion and perseverance towards achieving long-term goals. Researchers have identified connections between grit levels and specific brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. These differences in brain structure and function contribute to variations in individuals’ levels of grit. Genetic factors also play a role in shaping grit, with studies indicating that certain brain regions, like the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, are associated with traits of grit. However, environmental factors, particularly experiences of adversity, significantly impact the development of grit. Exposure to challenges can lead to neural rewiring, promoting resilience and adaptive coping strategies. Social learning is another key factor influencing grit development. Individuals learn from observing and interacting with others, acquiring skills like problem-solving and perseverance. Deliberate practice, which involves targeting weaknesses and engaging in tasks beyond one’s current skill level, is a hallmark behavior of individuals with high levels of grit. This practice leads to physiological changes in the brain, such as the production of myelin and the growth of brain regions like the hippocampus, associated with memory formation and recall. Ultimately, grit is influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental experiences, and lifestyle choices.
Heightened exposure to global events has contributed to rising anxiety levels, causing U.S. adults to report increased anxiety in 2024. Stress is a known factor in exacerbating physical health issues, particularly gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), which may be rooted in the gut’s bidirectional relationship with the brain. As of 2021, millions of men and women worldwide met the criteria for at least one FGID. With growing research on the gut-brain connection, many FGID patients turn to psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to effectively manage their symptoms. In parallel, the global market for stress relief supplements is expected to grow to approximately $900 million by 2030. One leading product in this market, Natural Vitality’s "Calm" magnesium supplement, has become the top-selling magnesium powder in North America. The company advertises the supplement as a stress-reducing product, claiming that magnesium levels are depleted during stress and that supplementation can restore those levels. This review critically examines the effectiveness of calming supplements, specifically those containing magnesium as their main ingredient, in reducing stress and alleviating related symptoms. The review also addresses the limited research on the impact of these supplements on the gut-brain axis and suggests that future studies could explore their potential effects from microbiome, muscular, and biochemical perspectives.