How much magnesium is needed for my body?

The average American only consumes 200 to 300 mg of magnesium per day. But it’s Dr. Berg’s opinion that a person should consume more like 500 to 600 mg per day. Certain diseases, like diabetes, can cause the need for magnesium to go way up; this is because you likely aren’t retaining magnesium if you have blood sugar problems. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also severely decrease the ability to hold magnesium.

Men need about 420 mg of magnesium per day. Women need about 320 mg of magnesium per day.

Where to get it

• Pumpkin seeds

• Avocado

• Leafy greens

• Nuts

• Spinach

• Swiss chard

• Almonds

• Dark chocolate (sugar-free)

• Fruit

• Grains

• Potato

• Beans

• Legumes

• Tofu (if you’re vegan and doing keto, some organic tofu may be fine)

• Cashews

• Chard

• You may want to avoid these versions of magnesium

• Magnesium sulfate

• Magnesium carbonate

• Magnesium oxide

• Magnesium hydroxide