A big positive upgrade I’ve made to my own health and energy levels over the last couple of years is being far more intentional about magnesium intake.
Magnesium is one of the most underappreciated nutrients in modern health.
• It acts as a cofactor in 500+ enzymatic reactions
• Essential for muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and normal heart rhythm
• Plays a key role in blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and stress response
Yet research consistently suggests that over half of adults are magnesium deficient.
Why this happens:
• Highly processed diets
• Mineral-depleted soils
• Chronic stress, which increases magnesium loss
Magnesium-rich foods include:
• Leafy greens (spinach, chard)
• Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds, almonds)
• Beans and legumes (black beans, lentils, chickpeas)— a great source of both magnesium, fiber and plant-based protein; which supports metabolic health. This is one of my favorites!
• Avocados
• High-quality dark chocolate (one of my favorite desserts, in moderation)
These foods absolutely help—but for many people, they’re still not enough on their own, especially with stress, exercise, or metabolic issues.
For that reason, many people benefit from supplementation. Magnesium glycinate is well absorbed, gentle on the gut, and particularly effective for sleep quality, relaxation, and recovery.
In terms of intake:
• The RDA is ~400–420 mg/day for men and 310–320 mg/day for women
• Typical supplements provide 100–200 mg per dose, often taken once or twice daily
It’s a core part of my personal health arsenal, and I take additional magnesium supplementation most days.
However you choose to get it—through food, supplements, or both— make sure you’re getting enough!