Your magnesium intake might not be on the forefront of your priorities these days, but getting an adequate amount of this essential mineral from foods like leafy greens [1] or in a supplement can be a game changer when it comes to your health. If you suffer from terrible period cramps, poor sleep, or lingering depression, magnesium can help.

Combat period pain: If you suffer from major cramps, amping up your magnesium intake may offer relief. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 360 milligrams daily for the three days [2] leading up to your period. And while there's little scientific research, I know a few women who swear that massaging their abdomen with a little magnesium oil [3] mixed with moisturizer helps big time with bad cramps.

Sleep better tonight: Insomnia sufferers or those who wake up lethargic morning after morning may benefit from supplementing their diets with magnesium. In one study, adults who took magnesium for eight weeks experienced a significant increase in sleep time and sleep efficiency [4]. Anyone who is tired of reaching for an antihistamine or prescription sleeping pill night after night should give magnesium a shot.

Fight depression: According to one study, magnesium is one of the most underutilized remedies for major depression [5] and "related mental health illnesses, IQ loss, and addictions." The findings in this research are pretty astonishing — nearly every person studied had a significant mental health shift with magnesium.