Should you take a Magnesium Supplement?

Suddenly, magnesium is having a moment, and everyone is asking the same questions: What does it actually do? Are all the claims true? And for the love of all things holy, should I be taking a supplement?

If you’re nodding along, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been an herbalist for 25 years, so I’ve seen a lot of these “new” trends come and go, but this one has some serious legs. Let’s dig in.

What’s So Special About Magnesium?
Think of magnesium as the ultimate multi-tasker. It’s a mineral that’s essential for over 300 chemical reactions in your body. It helps keep your nerves and muscles happy, your blood sugar and blood pressure in check, and even helps build healthy bones. You could say it’s the hot glue gun of your body’s cellular structure—it holds everything together.

But here’s the kicker: with so many people eating processed foods and not enough whole foods, magnesium deficiency is more common than you’d think. While a good, balanced diet is usually all you need, certain health conditions can make it even harder to hold onto this crucial mineral.

How Do You Know If You’re Running Low?
If you’re feeling perpetually wiped out, nauseous, or just generally “off,” it could be a sign of low magnesium. When things get really out of whack, you might experience muscle cramps or that weird numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. I’ve seen some of these symptoms pop up in clients who are dealing with chronic stress or have GI issues that make it hard for their bodies to absorb nutrients.

However – most people have perfectly fine magnesium levels. A simple blood test can give you a pretty good idea of where you stand. The good news is your body is good at regulating itself. If your levels dip, your kidneys and bones work together to hold onto every last bit. But what if you’re dealing with issues like high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety, or insomnia.

Food First!
I always say food first. It’s just a more holistic and complete way to nourish your body. Magnesium is a total superstar in things like dark, leafy greens (hello, spinach!), beans, nuts, and whole grains. You can also find it in bananas, pumpkin seeds, and even a little bit of dark chocolate.

This is a fun fact for you: one of the reasons I include banana peel in my Sleep tea and my Pause That Flash formula (which helps with perimenopause and menopause symptoms) is because banana peels are TOP natural sources of magnesium. Who knew, right? It just goes to show you that some of the best remedies are right under our noses, or in this case, on the outside of a banana.

To Supplement or Not to Supplement? That Is the Question.
This is where it gets tricky. If you have a serious medical condition, like preeclampsia or Crohn’s disease, a doctor might recommend a supplement. But for the rest of us, get it from your food or a tea. If you’re struggling with something like insomnia or a case of the anxious jitters, a bit of fresh spinach on a salad might be worth a try.

If you do decide to go the supplement route, you’ll see a bunch of different options on the shelves. Magnesium glycinate is great for sleep and anxiety, while magnesium citrate is a good go-to for gut health and constipation. Either way, start low and go slow. Most people find that a daily dose under 350 mg is safe, but it’s always best to have a chat with a professional who knows your unique health picture.

The bottom line? A healthy diet is your best friend when it comes to magnesium. But if you’re still feeling like you need a little help, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Need a helping hand with your wellness journey?
Sometimes a generalized approach isn’t enough. If you’re facing a specific health challenge and want a private consult to figure out a plan tailored just for you, please contact me at cara@flowerpotholistic.com. Let’s get you feeling your best.