Feeling tired all the time? Struggling with muscle cramps, restless sleep, or constant sugar cravings? These may be your body’s way of signaling a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in hundreds of bodily functions, from regulating nerves and muscles to supporting energy production. When levels drop too low, the effects can show up in surprising ways.

Many people today are deficient without even realizing it. The symptoms can be subtle at first—fatigue, irritability, or trouble focusing—but over time, low magnesium can affect sleep quality, digestion, and even heart health.

So why is this deficiency so widespread? In the past, getting enough magnesium was easy. Our ancestors consumed nutrient-rich foods that supplied steady amounts of the mineral. Today, things have changed.

Modern farming practices have depleted magnesium in the soil, leaving fruits and vegetables less nutrient-dense than they were decades ago. Even when we eat produce, it often contains far less of this essential mineral.

At the same time, processed foods have taken over much of the modern diet. Highly refined ingredients dominate meals, pushing aside magnesium-rich options like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Stress, medications, and certain health conditions can make matters worse by depleting magnesium levels even further. The result is that millions may be running low without understanding why they feel constantly drained.

The good news is magnesium levels can be restored with mindful food choices and, if needed, supplements. Paying attention to your body’s signals is the first step toward feeling stronger, calmer, and more energized.