Signs of Low Magnesium & How to Fix It

Signs of Low Magnesium & How to Fix It


Ever feel tired even after a full night's sleep? Or get muscle cramps that show up out of nowhere? Maybe your mood’s been off lately and stress feels a little harder to handle than usual. If you’ve checked everything else and still feel “off,” it might be time to look into something that doesn’t usually get much attention—magnesium. 

Magnesium is one of those minerals that quietly does hundreds of important jobs in the body, literally over 300. It helps with everything from muscle function and sleep to mood balance, bone strength, and energy production. But despite its importance, many of us aren’t getting enough of it. Let’s explore the signs of low magnesium, how to spot it early, and how you can get your levels back on track—naturally and effectively.

 

Common Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms 

A magnesium deficiency can be sneaky. The signs can feel vague or get confused with other health concerns. But when you start paying closer attention, they make more sense. Here are some of the most common magnesium deficiency symptoms to look out for: 

1. Constant Fatigue

Feeling exhausted even after sleeping well could be a sign. Magnesium plays a key role in how your body makes and uses energy. [NIH] Without enough of it, you might feel drained and sluggish. 

2. Muscle Cramps & Twitching

Random muscle cramps, spasms, or twitches, especially in the legs can often point to low magnesium levels. This mineral helps muscles relax after contracting. [NIH] A lack of it may keep them stuck in that tight, crampy state. 

3. Sleep Troubles

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, your magnesium levels might be worth checking. [ScienceDirect] 

4. Anxiety, Irritability, or Mood Swings

Low magnesium may also impact how your brain manages mood. It’s involved in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate stress and emotion. If you’ve been feeling unusually anxious or irritable, magnesium might be part of the puzzle. [NIH] 

5. Headaches or Migraines

Some people notice more frequent headaches or even migraines when they’re low on magnesium. This could be due to the mineral’s effect on nerve function and blood flow. [NIH] 

6. High Blood Pressure or Irregular Heartbeat

Magnesium helps relax blood vessels and supports healthy blood pressure. [NIH] If you’ve noticed your blood pressure creeping up or experiencing heart palpitations, magnesium could be a missing link. 

7. Poor Digestion or Constipation

Magnesium helps regulate muscle function in the digestive tract. Without it, things may slow down, causing constipation or bloating. [NIH] 

 

Why You Might Be Deficient 

There are a few reasons magnesium deficiency is so common: 

  • Poor dietary choices – Highly processed diets often lack magnesium-rich foods. 

  • Stress – Chronic stress can deplete magnesium faster. 

  • Excess caffeine or alcohol – Both can interfere with magnesium absorption. 

  • Certain medications – Diuretics, antibiotics, and some heart or reflux drugs may affect how your body handles magnesium. 

  • Digestive issues – Conditions like Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or celiac can limit absorption of nutrients, including magnesium. 

 

How to Boost Magnesium Levels Naturally 

The first step to fixing a deficiency is making sure your diet includes plenty of magnesium-rich foods. Here are some simple additions you can make: 

Magnesium-Rich Foods to Include 

  • Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, and swiss chard are excellent sources. 

  • Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and cashews pack a magnesium punch. 

  • Whole Grains – Brown rice, oats, and quinoa are great sources. 

  • Legumes – Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans offer fiber and magnesium. 

  • Dark Chocolate – A small piece of high-cocoa dark chocolate is a tasty and beneficial treat. 

  • Bananas and Avocados – These fruits are not only delicious but also rich in magnesium and potassium. 

Making these foods a regular part of your meals can help support your body’s natural magnesium levels. But sometimes, diet alone isn’t enough, especially if your body’s not absorbing nutrients well or your lifestyle increases your needs. 

Choosing the Right Magnesium Supplement 

When food alone isn’t cutting it, or your lifestyle places higher demands on your body—magnesium supplements can offer meaningful support. The key is choosing one that your body can actually absorb and use effectively. 

Magnesium tablets are a common choice, but many basic versions don’t absorb well or might only contain one type of magnesium. Instead, it helps to look for formulas that offer multiple, bioavailable forms of magnesium. Two such formulas that Wellbeing Nutrition offers are: 

This is a thoughtfully formulated blend that includes: 

  • Magnesium Bisglycinate – known for its calming and muscle-supporting benefits 

  • Aquamin® Magnesium Citrate – a natural source derived from Irish seawater, highly bioavailable and gentle on the stomach 

  • Magnesium Threonate – specifically beneficial for brain function and cognitive clarity 

Together, these ingredients work synergistically to support muscle and nerve function, promote deeper sleep, and help you feel more relaxed and mentally at ease. It’s ideal for those dealing with physical fatigue, sleep disturbances, or stress-induced tension. 

2. Ultra Strength Magnesium+

This one goes a step further. It includes: 

  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate) to support magnesium absorption. 

  • Lipoza® Liposomal Magnesium for improved cellular delivery. 

  • Aquamin® Magnesium Citrate – a marine-based source high in bioavailability. 

  • Magnesium Bisglycinate, Gluconate, Threonate, Aspartate, Malate, and Taurate – different forms that target brain, muscle, nerve, and metabolic functions. 

  • Manganese to support bone health and enzymatic functions. 

Together, this blend supports energy production, cognitive health, digestion, mood regulation, and sleep, all the areas most affected by low magnesium levels. 

When to Consider Magnesium Supplements 

If you’re experiencing several magnesium deficiency symptoms, or you’re someone who: 

  • Lives a high-stress lifestyle 

  • Works out frequently 

  • Has digestive issues 

  • Follows a restrictive or highly processed diet 

  • Struggles with sleep or mood stability 

  • Looking for complete health support 

...then adding a quality magnesium supplement to your routine could make a noticeable difference. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Low magnesium is more common than most people realize—and it often flies under the radar. The good news? It’s usually easy to fix once you know what to look for and how to respond. From eating more of whole, magnesium-rich foods to using targeted magnesium supplements like the Triple Magnesium Complex or Slow Ultra Strength Magnesium+, there are plenty of ways to support your body. 

So if you’ve been feeling off and nothing else seems to explain it, consider checking in on your magnesium levels. Sometimes, small changes can lead to big improvements in how you feel, sleep, move, and think. 

 

Elizabeth Bangera
Seema

Armed with an MSc. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Elizabeth wears many hats and is skilled in everything from weight loss to diabetes and cardiac care management.


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