What You Need to Know About Magnesium: The Simple Guide

By Bec McInnes

Let’s talk about magnesium: the mineral your body uses all day, every day, while you’re busy doing approximately one million things.

As an Osteopath, Naturopath, and mum, I see it all the time. Tired bodies. Tight shoulders. Busy brains. Poor sleep. Legs that feel like they have done a full workout, even though the workout was mostly school drop-off, groceries, laundry, and carrying everyone’s emotional load.

Your body is doing a lot.

And magnesium is one of the key minerals helping behind the scenes.

What Does Magnesium Actually Do?

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 processes in the body. Very casual. Very overachiever.

It supports:

  • Normal muscle function
  • Nervous system function
  • Energy production
  • Bone health
  • Normal heart rhythm
  • Blood glucose regulation
  • DNA and cell function

In normal-person language: magnesium helps your body function properly.

It is not just for sleep. It is not just for sore muscles. It is an everyday mineral your body relies on for a whole lot of important jobs.

Different Types of Magnesium

Not all magnesium is the same. Different forms are used for different reasons, and some are better tolerated than others.

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is often used for general magnesium support because it is usually gentle on the gut and well tolerated.

  • Commonly used for general magnesium support
  • Often gentle on digestion
  • Popular for evening use

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is commonly used when digestive regularity is also part of the conversation. It can be more bowel-moving for some people, which may be helpful or very much not the goal, depending on your situation.

  • Often used for digestive support
  • May loosen stools in some people
  • Not always ideal if your gut is sensitive

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide contains a high amount of elemental magnesium, but it is not always as easily absorbed as some other forms. It is often used in digestive products.

  • Common in some pharmacy magnesium products
  • Often used for digestive support
  • May not be the best choice for everyone

Magnesium Malate

Magnesium malate is often discussed for energy support because malate is involved in energy production pathways.

  • Often used for daytime support
  • May suit people focused on energy
  • Can be a useful option depending on your needs

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is the form we use in our topical magnesium range. It is applied directly to the skin and is a simple option for tired bodies, tight muscles, and everyday body support.

  • Used in topical sprays, creams, and soaks
  • Easy to apply to tight or tired areas
  • Simple to use in real life

Signs You Might Need More Magnesium Support

Your body has ways of letting you know it needs attention. Subtle? Not always. Helpful? Eventually.

Some signs your body may need more magnesium support include:

  • Feeling tired more often than usual
  • Muscle cramps or twitches
  • Tight shoulders, legs, or feet
  • Restless legs
  • Trouble switching off at night
  • Feeling wired but exhausted

These symptoms can have lots of causes, so if they are ongoing, severe, or unusual for you, please speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider.

Your body deserves support, not guesswork.

Why Modern Life Can Make Magnesium Support More Important

Modern life is not exactly gentle on the nervous system.

Stress, poor sleep, processed foods, high caffeine intake, intense exercise, pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain medications, and busy seasons of life can all increase the need for extra support.

And let’s be honest, “busy season” for mums can sometimes mean the entire calendar year.

Magnesium-Rich Foods

Food is a great place to start. Magnesium-rich foods include:

  • Leafy greens
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Almonds and cashews
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Dark chocolate, thankfully

Do what you can. Add the seeds. Eat the greens. Enjoy the chocolate. We are not here to make dinner harder.

Why Choose Topical Magnesium?

Topical magnesium is applied directly to the skin, making it simple to fit into normal life.

No tablets. No complicated steps. No wellness theatre.

Just apply it where your body feels tight, tired, or tense and get on with your day.

  • Easy to use
  • Great for targeted areas
  • Perfect after exercise, showering, or before bed
  • Simple enough for busy households

The Salt + Earth Magnesium Range

Our magnesium products are made for real bodies doing real life: tight shoulders, tired legs, busy brains, post-workout soreness, and end-of-day tension.

Shop Magnesium Support

Simple topical magnesium support for tight muscles, tired bodies, and everyday tension.

Your Simple Magnesium Plan

Start small. Make it easy.

  1. Use Magnesium Spray after showering, exercise, or a long day.
  2. Massage Magnesium Cream into tight shoulders, legs, feet, or back before bed.
  3. Add Magnesium Sea Soak to a warm bath when your body feels cooked.

You do not need to do all of it. You just need something simple enough to actually use.

The Bottom Line

Magnesium is one of those minerals your body uses constantly, but you might only notice it when your body starts feeling tired, tight, wired, or a little bit over it.

It supports muscles, nerves, energy, bones, and everyday body function.

So if your body has been asking for support, magnesium might be worth paying attention to.

Salty love,
Dr. Bec


Dr. Bec, founder of Salt + Earth Co.

By Dr. Bec

Dr. Bec is an Osteopath, Naturopath, mum of two, and founder of Salt + Earth Co. She writes about tired bodies, busy brains, nervous systems doing the most, and simple support that fits into real life. No wellness theatre. No miracle claims. Just practical help for women who are holding a lot.

Please note: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice from a registered doctor, pharmacist, or qualified health professional. Always speak with your healthcare provider if you have ongoing symptoms, take medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or are considering magnesium supplements.

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