Signs you may have a magnesium imbalance

Magnesium — the “calm mineral” your body quietly depends on every single day.

Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, magnesium supports energy production, muscle function, nerve health, hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, mood stability, and restful sleep. It’s one of the most essential — yet commonly depleted — nutrients, especially in times of stress, physical exertion, pregnancy, postpartum, or hormonal shifts.

Modern lifestyles often challenge our magnesium stores. Chronic stress, processed diets, high caffeine or alcohol intake, certain medications, and gut health issues can all contribute to gradual depletion. And while many people reach for magnesium supplements, balance is key — both deficiency and excess can create imbalances.

Food-first strategies remain a foundational way to support your magnesium levels. Leafy greens, pepitas, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate, legumes, and whole grains provide a daily source of this essential mineral. However, in times of greater demand or when dietary intake falls short, targeted supplementation may provide additional support — especially for those navigating menstrual irregularities, perimenopause, pregnancy, anxiety, muscle tension, or fatigue.

Prioritising magnesium isn’t just about correcting a deficiency — it’s about supporting your whole system: your nervous system, hormones, sleep, and daily resilience. Sometimes the smallest shifts — like adding magnesium-rich foods or mindful supplementation — create the biggest ripple effects for your long-term wellbeing.

When you nourish your minerals, you nourish your calm.

Look out for these signs of deficiency.

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Decreased appetite

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Muscle contractions

  • Muscle cramps

  • Personality changes

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Tremors

  • Seizures

  • Symmetrical dry scaly dermatitis

Look out for these signs of excess.

Acute:

  • Hypotension

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Facial flushing

  • Retention of urine

  • Depression

  • Lethargy

Chronic:

  • Muscle weakness

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Extreme hypotension

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Cardiac arrest

Increase or limit these foods.

  • Dark leafy greens

  • Walnuts

  • Dark chocolate

  • Pumpkin seeds

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Spinach

  • Bananas

  • Potatoes

  • Whole-grains

  • Legumes

Previous
Previous

Nutrients important for postpartum

Next
Next

How to nutritionally support lactation