12 signs you need more magnesium

The National Institutes of Health reports that teenage girls and men over the age of 70 are the most likely to suffer from a magnesium deficiency; if you’re not in either of those categories, you still should consider getting your magnesium level checked if you suffer the following 12 symptoms.

1. Low energy. “Magnesium is involved in at least 300 different chemical reactions in our body, and a lot have to do with energy production,” functional medicine nutritionist Alison Boden told Reader’s Digest. “A sign of low magnesium can be low energy.”

2. Twitching or cramping. Because magnesium plays an important role in muscle relaxation, insufficient intake can result in unintended muscle movement. “Without magnesium, our muscles would be in a constant state of contraction,” says Ancient Minerals.

3. Frequent headaches. Magnesium deficiency lowers serotonin levels, causes blood vessels to constrict and affects neurotransmitter function, all related to headaches — especially migraines. MigraineAgain estimates that 50% of migraine sufferers have a magnesium deficiency.

4. Insomnia. If you’re having a hard time falling or staying asleep, it may be due to low levels of magnesium, particularly if you are experiencing a lot of stress. Stress hormones increase blood pressure and heart rate; this is partly accomplished by depleting the body of its magnesium, explains Dr. Ronald Hoffman. If there isn’t enough magnesium available for the body to replenish itself, sleeping becomes a problem.