5 Critical Signs Your Body Is Desperately Low on Magnesium

Do you ever feel like you’re missing some vitamins or minerals in your body, but you can’t quite figure out which one? It’s easy to overlook the nutrients that keep us feeling our best. One mineral that often flies under the radar is magnesium, yet according to the National Institutes of Health, it plays a massive role in many of your body’s essential functions. If your body is low on magnesium, it might be trying to send you some subtle (or not-so-subtle) signals. Read through to learn five indications that your body is begging for more magnesium and what you can do about it.

1. Constant Fatigue and Low Energy

If you’re feeling tired all the time, no matter how much sleep you get, your body might be running low on magnesium. Magnesium helps convert the food you eat into energy. When you don’t have enough magnesium, this process slows down, and you end up feeling drained. You might find yourself struggling to get through the day, needing extra coffee, or feeling like you’re always in need of a nap. If this sounds like you, it could be your body’s way of waving a red flag for more magnesium.

Eating more magnesium-rich foods, like spinach, almonds, and dark chocolate, can help give you a natural energy boost. You might also consider a magnesium supplement, but it’s always best to talk to your doctor before using any supplement.

2. Muscle Cramps and Spasms

Ever been jolted awake by a painful leg cramp in the middle of the night? Or maybe you’ve noticed your muscles twitching for no reason. These could be signs that your body actually needs more magnesium. Magnesium helps your muscles relax, so when you’re low on it, your muscles can start to cramp up or spasm.

To ease the cramps and spasms, try stretching your muscles regularly and staying hydrated. Foods like bananas, avocados, and yogurt are also great for keeping your magnesium levels in check. Some people find that taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, which contain magnesium, helps to relax their muscles and prevent cramps.

3. Trouble Sleeping

Are you tossing and turning at night, unable to get a good night’s sleep? Magnesium could be the missing link. This mineral helps your body relax and wind down, which is essential for falling and staying asleep. Without enough magnesium, you might find it hard to drift off, and even if you do, you might not get the deep, restful sleep you need. That is why Sleep Expect usually recommends magnesium supplementation for individuals dealing with insomnia.

To help improve your sleep, consider adding magnesium-rich foods to your dinner, like fish, leafy greens, and nuts. You could also try a magnesium supplement or even a magnesium oil spray that you rub on your skin before bed.

4. Anxiety and Mood Swings

Feeling anxious for no apparent reason? Magnesium might be the answer. This mineral plays a big role in your brain’s function and mood regulation, according to the National Institutes of Health. When you don’t get enough magnesium, it can throw your mood out of balance, leading to feelings of anxiety, irritability, or even depression.

To keep your mood in check, focus on eating foods that are high in magnesium, like seeds, beans, and whole grains. Some people also find that magnesium supplements, particularly magnesium glycinate, are helpful for reducing anxiety and improving their overall mood.

5. Irregular Heartbeat

Your heart is a muscle, and therefore like all muscles, it needs magnesium to function properly. If you’re experiencing an irregular heartbeat or palpitations, it could be an indication that your magnesium levels are low. Magnesium helps regulate your heart’s rhythm, and without enough of it, your heartbeat might become erratic.

To support your heart, make sure you’re getting enough magnesium through your diet. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. If your irregular heartbeat continues, it’s important to see a doctor, as this could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Magnesium might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re feeling off, but as you can see, it plays a vital role in keeping your body running smoothly. Whether it’s boosting your energy, calming your nerves, or helping you get a good night’s sleep, making sure you get enough magnesium is essential for your overall health.