You Probably Need More Magnesium. Here's How To Tell

When was the last time you thought about your magnesium levels? Turns out, nearly 75% of all Americans aren't getting enough magnesium (via Healthline). Known as the calm-down mineral, magnesium supports our body in multiple vital processes. With symptoms like depression, muscle spasms, arrhythmias, and digestive issues, magnesium deficiency can affect your life in more ways than one (via Bulletproof).

Since it's vital in so many natural processes, magnesium deficiency can hide in different areas. If you suffer from migraines, PMS symptoms, mood swings, muscle twitches, or heart irregularities, the underlying cause can be a lack of this mineral. According to Amy Shapiro, M.D., "People who abuse alcohol, have poor diet, gastrointestinal problems, or vitamin D deficiency also have a higher risk of magnesium deficiencies" (via Women's Health). 

If you're feeling fatigued, have been experiencing muscle irregularities like cramps or twitches, or mental health issues like an inability to relax, it may be time to up your intake. 

The good news is that magnesium is relatively bio-available and ready to eat. Plus, you can get it from other sources like supplements and even magnesium flakes. Since you can absorb the mineral through your skin, adding soluble flakes to your bath can help balance out your vitals as well (via Better You). 

If you think you may be chronically deficient, head to your doctor to get a blood test. According to Women's Health, women should be getting between 310-320 mg of magnesium per day, and that number grows if you're pregnant. Foods like dark chocolate, avocado, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, bananas, and more all contain high levels of magnesium. 

Since magnesium protects your vital organs, helps produce energy, and maintain the body's normal anti-inflammatory responses, getting your daily dose will make a difference in the way you feel (via Mindbodygreen). If you think that you're not getting enough of this mineral, you can also talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. There are a variety of supplements that come in various forms like magnesium glycinate, chloride, citrate, and more. Generally, magnesium glycinate is the most common because taking it is less likely to cause side effects like bloating.

Instead of chalking up your fatigue, anxiety, and muscle pains to stress alone, it could be your body asking for more magnesium.