9 Warning Signs Your Body Is Begging for Magnesium

Summary

Dr. Eric Berg argues that magnesium deficiency may be overlooked because most magnesium is stored in bones and cells, while only a small amount is found in blood serum. He says that medications and several lifestyle or health factors can contribute to low magnesium.

Possible contributors he mentions

• Stress, sugar and high-carbohydrate intake, caffeine, and alcohol
• Insulin resistance, low stomach acid, low salt, and low vitamin D
• Some medications—he says more than 300 may deplete magnesium

Nine symptoms he discusses

1. Sudden anxiety or panic
2. Waking around 2 a.m.
3. Eye twitching or muscle spasms
4. A pounding heart after eating
5. Feeling mentally exhausted from thinking
6. Random chest tightness
7. Sugar or carbohydrate cravings
8. Feeling “wired but tired” and unable to sleep deeply
9. Heavy, sluggish-feeling limbs or body

He also mentions migraines, tight muscles, and restless legs as symptoms he associates with low magnesium. These symptoms can have many possible causes and are not, by themselves, proof of a deficiency. Chest tightness or a pounding heartbeat can require prompt medical assessment rather than being assumed to be magnesium-related.

Strategies and suggestions in the video

• Magnesium form: Berg favors magnesium glycinate over magnesium oxide, which he describes as poorly absorbed and more likely to cause diarrhea. He attributes calming and sleep-supporting effects to glycinate.
• Timing and use: He says he takes magnesium later in the day, often after dinner, and describes using either pills or powder mixed with water.
• Splitting doses: He says larger amounts taken at once may be excreted and suggests splitting doses. He mentions 300–400 mg several times daily for certain conditions; this is his advice, not an individualized dosing recommendation. Check with a clinician before supplementing, especially if you take medication or have kidney or heart problems.
• Other habits: He recommends reducing excess caffeine and discusses a low-carbohydrate diet as a way to address insulin resistance.
• Vitamin D and stomach acid: He says vitamin D and magnesium are interrelated and suggests that low stomach acid may affect mineral absorption. He mentions betaine hydrochloride, but this should not be started without medical advice.

Presenter and source

• Presenter: Dr. Eric Berg, DC
• Source: Video subtitles provided for “9 Warning Signs Your Body Is Begging for Magnesium”