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Nutrition & Medical Advocacy · 4 minutes

Magnesium: The Mineral 80% of Us Are Low In

Sleep, cramps, anxiety, constipation — start here

Conditions: Insomnia, Anxiety, Constipation, Muscle Cramps

Magnesium is a quiet workhorse. It helps you sleep, calms your nervous system, keeps you regular, prevents muscle cramps, supports blood sugar, and helps your heart beat steadily. And most American women, especially over 50, are not getting enough.

Why we are low

Modern soil has less magnesium, processed food has almost none, and conditions like diabetes, alcohol use, certain blood pressure meds, and acid reducers all deplete it further.

Signs of low magnesium

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Restless legs at night
  • Constipation
  • Muscle cramps and twitching eyelids
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Heart palpitations

Food sources

Pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, almonds, dark chocolate (yes), avocado, edamame, and salmon. Aim for 320mg a day from food.

Supplements: which form

  • Magnesium glycinate — best for sleep and anxiety
  • Magnesium citrate — best for constipation
  • Magnesium L-threonate — best for brain fog and focus
  • Magnesium oxide — cheap but poorly absorbed; mostly skip

Start with 200–400mg at night. Increase slowly. Loose stool = too much, back off.

Coco says

If you only add one supplement this month, this is the one most women feel within a week.

For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Want this personalized to your body?

Coco reads your medical history and speaks to your specific conditions — not generic advice.

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Safety & Support Resources

If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out. You are not alone.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 — or text START to 88788
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Therapy for Black Girls Directory: therapyforblackgirls.com
  • 211 — Financial & social services: Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
BrownGirl Well™ · Wellness guidance, not medical advice.