Magnesium is an absolute powerhouse and vital for our bodies to function properly.
I swear by it for sleep, relaxation and even anxiety. Since I started taking it two years ago, it’s been a staple in my bedtime routine as soon as I learnt about the benefits of magnesium.
But, why do we need it and what’s the best way to take magnesium?
Let’s take a look.
What Does Magnesium Do?
The body needs magnesium. It helps regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It also plays a part in making bone, protein, and DNA.
According to research, it may also play a part in regulating GABA. This helps promote feelings of calm to help sleep.
There are lots of ways to make sure you get your daily dose of magnesium. The NHS say the daily dose is:
Why Magnesium Matters
I know magnesium is probably doing loads of great things on a physical level. It’s building bone and protein. It’s making energy. Something I know it does for me, is it helps me sleep.
I always have the best sleep after taking magnesium.
It also seems to be easing my leg cramps. Leg cramps that creep up on me in the middle of the night!
Magnesium helps:
- Energy production
- Muscle and nerve function
- Bone health
- Sleep regulation
- Stress management
Common signs of deficiency
- Convulsions
- Tiredness
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
Shop our magnesium supplements here on our website or on our Amazon
Best way to take magnesium
I take my magnesium in a magnesium capsule. But, there are lots of ways to get your dosage.
Bath salts
Magnesium bath salts, or Epsom salts, help relax muscles. You swirl the salts into warm water. Your body then absorbs the chemicals through the skin. The combination of warm water and epsom salts is a powerhouse for relaxation and stress relief.
Capsules
I take a capsule of magnesium capsules every evening before bed. You can choose the right dose for you, depending on how much magnesium you are getting in the day through other sources.
Food
Magnesium is in loads of foods you probably eat everyday. I love these foods for a magnesium rich meal:
- Leafy greens
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
I add spinach or kale to most meals, depending on the season. I also sprinkle seeds and nuts on dinner and my breakfast. Toasted seeds are a delicious way to add a crunch to any meal. Try toasted sesame seeds on a stir fry or walnuts on a salad. Thank me later.
For a magnesium rich meal try this Ginger Peanut Warm Kale Salad by Anna Jones. Sprinkle a few extra seeds to boost your magnesium dose with this winter salad.
If you’re wondering what foods have magnesium in them, this is a great summary for you.
Liquids and gummies
Drop a dose of magnesium on to your tongue in a gummy or liquid. Gummies probably taste better than a liquid option, but both do contain magnesium. We aren’t huge fans of gummies, and not many nutritionist would recommend them. They often contain sugar, even if they say sugar free there will be a substitute.
When is the best time to take magnesium?
I take magnesium about 30 minutes before sleep. It’s part of my bedtime routine.
I take my magnesium supplement at 10. Wash my face and teeth. Read my book. I’m always fast asleep by 10:30 pm.
I’ve taken magnesium at other times in the day, too. While it does promote relaxation for me, there’s no problem with taking it in the daytime – with or without food.
Lots of people find magnesium helps with anxiety, as it is a relaxant. So if you have a big meeting coming up it might be worth taking one in the morning, or before your meeting.
What depletes magnesium levels?
Research shows that refining or processing foods can deplete magnesium content by nearly 85%. Cooking and boiling also loses high levels of magnesium in food.
So, you might be better eating that spinach raw if you want to get maximum absorption.
We think magnesium works, but if you’re wondering ‘does magnesium actually work’ we tried and tested it here.
Best way to take magnesium
The best way to take magnesium is the best way that works for you.
Like cooking? Treat yourself to a new cookbook to get some new ideas for magnesium meals.
Too busy to think about food or cook proper meals? A supplement might be a better option. Or if you want to make sure you’re getting enough, a supplement will give you a controlled dose taking out the guesswork.
Shop our magnesium supplements here on our website or on our Amazon

