4 signs you have magnesium deficiency that shouldn’t be ignored, says nutritionist

Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for your body and mind as it involves several enzymatic processes. Sadly, a large chunk of the American population suffers from its deficiency.

Magnesium is essential for healthy muscles, the nervous system, and bones, to regulate blood pressure and more. The lack of the same causes different symptoms, thus interrupting your day-to-day life. A nutritionist highlights four obvious signs that you’re magnesium deficient and how it can be treated.

Wooden spoons with healthy seeds, nuts and dried fruits and word Mg arranged on wooden table

4 signs of magnesium deficiency outlined by nutritionist

Holistic nutritionist Lisa Kilgour explains that our body displays obvious signs when it craves magnesium.

The mineral is found in a list of natural foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lentils. Still, health professionals recommend magnesium supplements if you’re deficient. So, look out for the below symptoms.

Muscle stiffness

One of the big signs that you’re magnesium deficient is tension in the muscles. The mineral is effective in relaxing your muscles.

But if you’re tense all the time or are struggling to sleep peacefully because your muscles won’t relax, it’s time you got your magnesium levels checked.

Dark chocolate cravings

Another give sign of magnesium deficiency is a craving for dark chocolate. Lisa says chocolates are high in magnesium and if you often crave them, it’s your body telling you that you’re running low on it.

Watch your energy levels

As magnesium is crucial for producing energy in your body cells, tiredness could be a sign of its deficiency.

“If your energy is really low or if you’ve been through a lot of stress; stress burns through extra magnesium. Those can all be a sign of low magnesium,” says the nutritionist.

Struggling to sleep

People with low magnesium struggle to sleep. If you aren’t getting deep sleep or are living with restricted sleep due to uneasiness caused by a lack of the said mineral, the nutritionist recommends taking supplements.

Lisa recommends 500 to 700 mg of magnesium supplements a day in divided doses. Whereas, a neuroscientist says there are only two specific times you should take magnesium for it to work to its full potential.

Lisa is a registered holistic nutritionist and sought-after speaker, educator, and writer with millions of followers on social media. She specializes in helping people heal from diverse and complex health issues.