How to Know If You’re Lacking This Essential Mineral

Magnesium is one of those nutrients that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it plays a huge role in keeping your body healthy. You might have heard about it from time to time, but did you know that many people don’t get enough of it? That’s right—magnesium is so important, and yet, most of us don’t think twice about it until we start feeling a little off.

So how do you know if you need more magnesium in your diet? There are certain signs to look for, and in this post, we’re going to walk through 7 of the most common ones. It’s time to listen to your body—and maybe, just maybe, magnesium is the missing piece!

1. You’re Always Feeling Tired

Let’s start with one of the most obvious signs—you’re tired all the time. If you’re sleeping well but still find yourself yawning through the day, magnesium could be part of the problem. Magnesium is involved in energy production in your body, and when you're low on it, your energy levels can take a big hit.

I’ll tell you a quick story. A few months ago, I had a friend named Sarah who was always exhausted, no matter how much sleep she got. She’d wake up feeling just as tired as she did when she went to bed. After chatting with her about her diet and habits, she realized she wasn’t getting enough magnesium. After a few weeks of making sure she got more magnesium-rich foods (like spinach, almonds, and avocados), she told me that her energy levels improved, and she didn’t feel so sluggish anymore!

If you’re feeling drained and like you just can’t keep up with your day, magnesium might help you feel more energized.

2. Your Muscles Keep Cramping or Twitching

If your muscles are constantly cramping up, twitching, or even feeling tight, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough magnesium. Magnesium is essential for muscle function and helps to keep your muscles relaxed and working properly.

I know, this can be pretty uncomfortable. Think about the last time you woke up with a painful leg cramp or had a twitch in your eyelid that just wouldn’t stop. If this happens regularly, it might be time to take a closer look at your magnesium intake.

Eating more magnesium-rich foods like bananas, beans, and leafy greens may help prevent those annoying cramps. You can also try a magnesium supplement if you need a little extra boost. Just make sure to talk to a doctor before starting any new supplements!

3. You’re Stressed Out All the Time

Life gets stressful, we all know that. But if you find yourself feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed all the time, magnesium could be the answer to calming your nerves. Magnesium plays a role in regulating your body’s stress response by supporting your nervous system.

In fact, magnesium is known for its calming properties. Many people use magnesium to help them relax before bed or to reduce feelings of anxiety. It’s even been linked to a better night’s sleep (more on that in a minute!).

If stress is taking over your life, try adding more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium-rich foods, like dark chocolate (yes, chocolate!), pumpkin seeds, and quinoa, are not only delicious but can help balance your body’s stress response. I personally love a good square of dark chocolate after a long day—it’s a win-win for my nerves and my taste buds!

4. You’re Not Sleeping Well

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health. But if you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, magnesium might be able to help. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that send messages to your brain, telling your body to relax and get ready for sleep.

A few years ago, I was having trouble sleeping. I tried everything—no screen time before bed, a warm bath, even reading a book. But nothing seemed to work. When I started taking magnesium supplements, I noticed that I was falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed.

Magnesium can help relax your muscles, calm your mind, and prepare your body for deep, restful sleep. So, if you’re tossing and turning at night, magnesium could be the missing link.

5. You Have Trouble Focusing

Are you finding it hard to concentrate lately? Does your mind feel foggy or scattered, even when you’re trying your hardest to focus? This could be another sign that you’re low on magnesium. Magnesium supports brain function and is necessary for proper cognitive function, including memory and focus.

I once had a client named Tom who was struggling to focus at work. He couldn’t seem to stay on task, and he was frustrated with his lack of concentration. After talking about his diet and lifestyle, he realized that he wasn’t eating enough magnesium-rich foods. Once he made some changes and started adding more magnesium to his diet, his focus and productivity went through the roof!

If you find that your attention span is shrinking or your mind is constantly wandering, magnesium might help sharpen your focus and improve mental clarity.

6. You Get Headaches or Migraines

Do you often suffer from headaches or migraines? If so, you’re not alone—many people experience these painful episodes regularly. What you might not know is that magnesium deficiency is linked to headaches and migraines.

Magnesium helps to relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which can prevent the pain and discomfort that comes with headaches. Some studies have shown that people who suffer from migraines often have lower magnesium levels than those who don’t.

So, if you’re prone to headaches or migraines, it might be worth looking into your magnesium intake. Adding more magnesium to your diet or using magnesium supplements may help reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches. I’ve heard from several people who’ve noticed a big difference after making this simple change.

7. Your Bones Don’t Feel as Strong as They Used To

Magnesium isn’t just important for your muscles and nerves—it also plays a crucial role in bone health. In fact, magnesium is needed for your body to properly use calcium, which is essential for strong bones.

If you’re experiencing joint pain, back pain, or feeling like your bones aren’t as strong as they once were, magnesium could help. It helps to maintain bone density and supports the overall structure of your bones.

I once worked with a woman named Lisa who had been dealing with knee pain for a while. After learning more about magnesium and its impact on bone health, she started eating more magnesium-rich foods and noticed a decrease in her joint discomfort. It wasn’t an overnight change, but over time, she felt stronger and more active.

So, How Do You Get More Magnesium?

If you think you might be missing out on magnesium, the good news is that it’s easy to get more into your diet. Here are a few simple ways to boost your magnesium intake:

• Eat more leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.

• Snack on nuts and seeds, especially almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.

• Add more whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats to your meals.

• Enjoy legumes like black beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

• Don’t forget about dark chocolate! It’s a tasty and magnesium-packed treat.

If you’re not able to get enough magnesium through food alone, you can also consider magnesium supplements - my favorite is Magnesium Breakthrough because it contains all seven types of magnesium.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium is a powerful mineral that plays a vital role in many aspects of our health. If you’ve been feeling tired, stressed, or experiencing muscle cramps, it might be time to take a closer look at your magnesium levels. By adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet, you could start to feel better and more energized. And remember, you’re not alone—lots of people are deficient in magnesium without even realizing it. So, listen to your body and give magnesium a chance to help you feel your best!