7 Signs That Your Body Is Lacking Magnesium
Magnesium is one of those minerals that often flies under the radar, but it’s incredibly important for keeping your body running smoothly. From helping your muscles relax to keeping your heart beating steadily, magnesium is involved in many of your body’s essential functions, according to the National Institutes of Health. But here’s the thing: many of us might not be getting enough of it. And when your body is short on magnesium, it doesn’t always shout about it—it sends out subtle signals.
Here are some of these signs so you can see if you might need more magnesium in your life.
You’re Getting Muscle Cramps Or Spasms Out Of Nowhere
Have you ever been jolted awake by a sudden leg cramp in the middle of the night? Or maybe you’re sitting at your desk, and out of nowhere, your muscle tightens up painfully. These cramps and spasms can be a sign that your body is running low on magnesium. This mineral helps your muscles relax, so when you don’t have enough of it, they can start to act up. If you’re dealing with this more often than usual, it could be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need more magnesium!”
You’re Always Tired, Even After A Full Night’s Sleep
We all have those days where we feel like we could use an extra hour (or three) of sleep. But if you’re constantly tired, even after a solid night’s rest, it might be more than just needing a few more Z’s. Magnesium plays a massive role in energy production, so when your levels are low, your energy can take a hit, too. This kind of fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it’s that dragging, never-ending exhaustion.
You Feel Numbness Or Tingling, Especially In Your Hands Or Feet
Ever get that weird tingling sensation in your hands or feet that doesn’t seem to have an explanation? Or maybe you’ve felt a bit numb in certain areas. These sensations can be more than just a temporary annoyance—they might be an indication that your magnesium levels are low. Magnesium is crucial for keeping your nerves working properly. Thus, when you’re not getting enough, it can mess with your nervous system, leading to these odd feelings. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth looking into your magnesium intake.
You’re Feeling More Stressed Or Anxious Than Usual
Life can be stressful, no doubt about it. But if you’ve noticed that you’re feeling more anxious or stressed out than usual, low magnesium could be part of the problem. Magnesium has a calming effect on the body, helping to regulate the stress hormones that get released when you’re feeling under pressure. Without enough magnesium, your body might struggle to keep those stress levels in check, leaving you feeling on edge more often than you’d like.
Your Heartbeat Feels A Little Off
Your heart is pretty good at doing its thing without you having to think about it. But if you’ve started to notice that your heartbeat feels irregular—like it’s fluttering or skipping a beat—it could be a sign that your magnesium levels are low. Magnesium helps keep your heart rhythm steady, so when you’re deficient, your heart can start to act up. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to talk to your doctor, as it could be related to your magnesium intake.
You’re Struggling To Sleep Or Stay Asleep
Tossing and turning all night? Or maybe you fall asleep just fine, but you keep waking up and can’t get back to sleep. Poor sleep can be connected to a lot of things, and one of them is low magnesium. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters that affect sleep, like serotonin and melatonin. Therefore, if you’re low on magnesium, your sleep might suffer. If getting a good night’s rest is becoming more of a challenge, it might be time to look at your magnesium levels.
Headaches And Migraines Are Becoming More Frequent
If you’ve been dealing with headaches or migraines more often, low magnesium might be a contributing factor. Magnesium is generally involved in regulating blood pressure and nerve function, and when your levels are low, it can trigger headaches. If you’re noticing an uptick in these painful episodes, adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet could help bring some relief.
Magnesium might not always get the attention it deserves, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to keeping your body healthy. If any of these signs are ringing a bell for you, it might be worth thinking about how much magnesium you’re getting. Leafy greens, avocados, bananas, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and whole grains are all great sources of magnesium, so try to incorporate more of these into your meals. And if you’re really concerned, a visit to your doctor can help you figure out what’s actually going on.
