Minerals

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, and bone health.

What it is

Magnesium is essential for muscle function, nerve signaling, and bone health. Low magnesium can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats, while high magnesium may cause nausea, weakness, and low blood pressure. Magnesium plays a vital role in over 300 enzymatic processes, including energy production and stress regulation. Maintaining balanced levels supports heart health, bone strength, and proper muscle and nervous system function.

What affects your levels

Low magnesium is often due to poor diet, high stress, excessive alcohol intake, or chronic conditions like diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. Certain medications, including diuretics, may also deplete magnesium. High magnesium is less common but may occur due to kidney disease or excessive supplementation. Identifying the cause of magnesium imbalances is key to preventing muscle dysfunction, heart irregularities, and neurological disturbances.

Signs and symptoms

Low magnesium may cause muscle cramps, anxiety, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. Severe deficiency can lead to numbness, tremors, and poor sleep. High magnesium, though rare, may result in weakness, nausea, and dangerously low blood pressure. Monitoring magnesium levels, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet help support proper muscle contractions, stress resilience, and overall metabolic well-being.

Foods that help

Leafy greens such as spinach and kale, along with nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are rich in magnesium. Avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, and legumes also contribute to magnesium intake. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel support magnesium absorption. Maintaining a magnesium-rich diet helps regulate nerve function, reduce stress, and prevent muscle cramping and fatigue, promoting optimal health and metabolic function.

Foods to limit

Excess caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can interfere with magnesium absorption, leading to deficiencies. High-sugar diets contribute to increased magnesium loss. Overuse of calcium supplements may also affect magnesium levels. Reducing these dietary factors while increasing magnesium-rich foods supports muscle function, cardiovascular health, and nervous system balance, ensuring optimal energy production and stress regulation.

Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every Pheno result is interpreted in context and reviewed by a physician.

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