Home Remedies for Magnesium Deficiency

Home care can support mild magnesium shortfall from low intake. It does not replace testing and treatment of a medical cause.

Check first

If you have symptoms such as cramps, tremor, palpitations or tingling, see a doctor for a blood test. Low magnesium often comes with other problems.

Improve your diet

• Add magnesium-rich foods to each meal, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains
• Choose whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, ragi and oats over refined grains
• Include pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, chickpeas, rajma and dal

Look after the cause

• Reduce or stop alcohol
• Treat diarrhoea with fluids and see a doctor if it lasts more than 2 days
• Follow medicines as prescribed and ask your doctor before stopping any
• Keep diabetes under control

For cramps

• Gentle stretching and a warm compress
• Keep well hydrated
• Do not rely on home measures if cramps are frequent or severe

Supplements

Do not start high-dose supplements on your own. Ask a doctor, especially if you have kidney disease, a heart condition or take other medicines.

What to avoid

• Large amounts of magnesium-based antacids or laxatives, which can cause diarrhoea and in kidney disease can cause harmful levels
• Heavy alcohol use
• Herbal powders of unknown content
• Waiting at home with palpitations, fainting or seizures

Key point

Eat magnesium-rich foods and treat the cause, but confirm the problem with a blood test first.

Before your appointment

Note your symptoms, when they began, and what makes them better or worse. Mention alcohol use, diarrhoea, vomiting, diabetes, kidney disease, bowel conditions and any recent illness. List all medicines, especially diuretics, acid-reducing medicines, antibiotics, supplements and herbal products. Write down your usual diet and any antacids or laxatives you take. Ask about blood tests for magnesium, potassium and calcium, and whether an ECG is needed. Call 112 for seizures, fainting, severe weakness or a very irregular heartbeat.