Cramps in Legs:

seen in the leg muscles, especially in the calves. They are painful and last usually few minutes. A leg cramp is sometimes known as “Charley horse” among public. Some people may experience it nighttime, which is called “nocturnal leg cramp”.

Potential contributing factors:

1. Strenuous exercise and muscle fatigue.
2. Dehydration.
3. Electrolyte imbalances, especially magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium.
4. Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B group.
5. Medications: statins, corticosteroids, diuretics, birth control pills, and medications for high blood pressure.
6. Abnormal anatomy of the lower extremity, for example, flat feet.
7. Alcohol abuse.
8. Kidney failure.
9. Diabetes.
10. Low function thyroid.
11. Pregnancy.
12. Diarrhea.
13. Obesity.
14. Addison`s diseases.
15. Parkinson`s disease.
16. Poor circulation of the legs.
17. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia).
18. Restless leg syndrome.
19. Multiple sclerosis.
20. Varicose veins.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Greasy foods.
2. Fried foods.
3. Too much salt.
4. Alcohol.
5. Coffee.
6. Soft drinks.

Recommended Foods:

1. Drinking plenty of water: at least 2 – 3 liters throughout the day.
2. Whole grains.
3. Legumes.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Food high in potassium: sweet potatoes, beet greens, bananas, tomatoes, yogurt, carrot juice, prune juice, raisins, and beans. Also see “Potassium” under the section of “Minerals”.
6. Foods high in magnesium: buckwheat, bulgur, oat bran, spinach, kale, wheat germ, and pumpkin seeds. Also see “Magnesium” under the section of “Minerals”.
7. Foods high in calcium: dairy products.
8. Chamomile tea.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Magnesium:200 – 400 mg a day.
2. Calcium: 1000 mg a day.
3. Potassium: 100 – 300 mg a day.
4. Co –Enzyme Q 10: 300 mg a day. This may help with muscle aches and cramps resulted from statins medications.
5. Glycine: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. This amino acid has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system.
6. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 1000 – 1500 mg a day. MSM has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic activities.
7. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
8. Multivitamin-Multiminerals: A high potency product.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Stretches.
2. Massage with lavender oil.
3. Hot compress.
4. Liver detoxification.