The Side Effect Of A Magnesium Deficiency You Never Expected

Affecting many aspects of your mind and body, magnesium plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. This mineral is responsible for many functions throughout your system including how your muscles move, the creation of DNA and protein, balancing your nervous system, and helping your body turn food into energy (via Healthline).

Not only does magnesium play an essential role in basic bodily functions, it significantly impacts your mental and physical health as well. When it comes to your mental health, your magnesium levels may affect your mood. A 2017 study published in PLoS One found that participants who took magnesium supplements for six weeks reported an improvement in their depression and anxiety levels.

Having a balanced amount of magnesium in your body has also been shown to help your blood pressure, bone strength, blood sugar, and sleep quality, per Healthline. It has also been known to help keep migraines at bay and stave off symptoms associated with PMS.

As important as magnesium is for your mind and body, Healthline reports that about half of adults in the United States are not getting enough of this essential mineral. While magnesium deficiencies can affect your blood pressure, mood, and sleep, it also impacts your body in a way you might not expect.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine doctor, a lack of magnesium can make your entire system feel tense (via MindBodyGreen). He explained, "Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral.⁣ You must have magnesium for your cells to make energy, for many different chemical pumps to work, to stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax" (via MindBodyGreen). Without a proper amount of magnesium, Dr. Hyman explained that you may experience an overall sense of tension in both your mind and body.

According to Healthline, men should be getting up to 420 milligrams of magnesium per day and women should aim for up 320 milligrams. There are plenty of foods that have magnesium such as avocado, peanut butter, salmon, spinach, and black beans, per Healthline. You can also get your magnesium fix through almonds, brown rice, shrimp, and garlic (via MindBodyGreen). Magnesium supplements are widely available as well but it's always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider first as they can recommend what would be best for your individual needs.