| Most common muscle cramps occur at night and affect
the legs, especially the calf muscles, and the feet. These kinds of cramps
occur more frequently in elderly people. Children may experience a type of
muscle and leg pain often called "growing pains." Muscle
cramping is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the levels of calcium
and magnesium in the body and/ or a deficiency of vitamin E. Anemia, the
use of to- bacco - smoking, inactivity, fibromyalgia,
arthritis, and even arteriosclerosis
can also result in cramping, as can dehydration, heat stroke, hypothyroidism,
or varicose veins, or, more rarely, the
early stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's
disease). The use of diuretic drugs for high
blood pressure or heart disorders may lead to electrolyte imbalances,
causing muscle cramps. Poor circulation also contributes to leg cramps.
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Calcium |
10 |
people with leg cramping are often
deficient in this mineral especially if the cramping is at night |
| Magnesium |
10 |
works with calcium |
| Vitamin E |
10 |
vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that provides healing
and promote good circulation. If you get leg cramps while standing or
walking then you may have a vitamin E deficiency. |
| Potassium |
9 |
is needed to help absorb both calcium and
magnesium and its helps in relieving muscle cramps. |
| Aloe Vera |
8 |
herb that helps heal and also aides in lowering stress. |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium,
potaasium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and multi
enzyme, all serve to help people with muscle cramping. The nutrients
contained in a daily supplement are needed for good general health and
well being. |
| Vitamin B |
9 |
vitamin B complex is needed for breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates as well
as good digestion. |
| Thiamine |
9 |
vitamin B1 helps circulation and can aid
with keeping good muscle tone |
| Niacin |
9 |
vitamin B3 increases circulation |
| Vitamin C |
8 |
vitamin C helps boost the immune system and
it promotes healing of mucous membranes. It is also good for
circulation. |
| Gingko
biloba |
8 |
herb that is good for blood
circulation |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
