Smelly feet, restless legs, poor sleep, muscle cramps?
Let’s talk about feet. Yes—feet. 👣 Foot odor is usually blamed on sweat and bacteria, and that’s true. But there’s another layer that often gets missed: mineral balance, especially magnesium. Sugar's Role in Magnesium Loss - High sugar intake increases magnesium loss through urine - Insulin spikes increase the body’s demand for magnesium - Processed diets tend to be low in magnesium to begin with Put those together, and it helps explain why magnesium deficiency is extremely common, especially in modern diets. Magnesium plays a quiet but critical role in: - nerve signaling - muscle relaxation - sweat regulation - energy production When magnesium is low, the nervous system can run a little hotter. More stress signalling can lead to increased sweating, creating a more favourable environment for odour-causing bacteria. So while foot odour isn’t a diagnostic sign of magnesium deficiency, it can show up alongside other signs like muscle cramps, restless legs, poor sleep, or feeling “wired but tired.” The good news? Magnesium is very forgiving. Some people do well with food sources, some with supplements (magnesium glycinate, malate or L-Threonate), and some prefer topical magnesium (like magnesium oil or gel). Applying it to the legs or feet can be especially appealing at night, when relaxation is the goal. I love a good foot massage! Evidence for skin absorption is still emerging, but many people report subjective benefits such as calmer legs and better sleep. Ultimately, calm bodies smell less dramatic anyway. 😉