Do You Get Leg Cramps?

Most people experience leg cramps at some point in their life. This may be due to a diet lacking in certain vitamins or minerals. Even a slight lack in a vitamin or mineral can have noticeable impact on your well being. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for your cells to function properly. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are particularly important for muscle functioning, and inadequate dietary intake of these minerals can lead to leg cramps. Vitamin B-12 and D are also very important for preventing leg cramps. Leg cramp relief for those who are cramping due to lack of vitamins can easily remedy the problem by taking a multi-vitamin daily and eating a balanced diet. Some individuals may require something from a doctor. Certain medical conditions can cause poor absorption of vitamins – which can lead to leg cramps that we all have experienced and learned to loathe. Along with consuming enough vitamins, leg cramp sufferers can be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Vitamins need water to do their job, so always drink at least the minimum requirement of water so that your body can be at its optimum. Tips for Leg Cramp Relief: Be sure you get plenty of water and stay hydrated. This is key if you are vitamin deficient. Many diabetic individuals and those with thyroid disorder experience leg cramps because of improper vitamin use by the body. Always take a multi-vitamin and stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Exercise regularly to keep your muscles strong and less likely to cramp. Please know that individuals with more muscle mass are likely to experience leg cramps more often. However, people that are strong and healthy do not experience them as often. If you have any of the vitamin deficiency symptoms, such as changes in stool and urine, and brittle nails, see a doctor. They can help you recover so that you no longer experience leg cramps. Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps? Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing cramps is unknown. Low blood calcium, magnesium: Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true cramps experienced by many older adults, as well as for those that are commonly noted during pregnancy. Low levels of calcium and magnesium are common in pregnant women unless these minerals are supplemented in the diet. Cramps are seen in any circumstance that decreases the availability of calcium or magnesium in body fluids, such as taking diuretics, hyperventilation (overbreathing), excessive vomiting, inadequate calcium and/or magnesium in the diet, inadequate calcium absorption due to vitamin D deficiency, poor function of the parathyroid glands (tiny glands in the neck that regulate calcium balance), and other conditions. Low potassium: Low potassium levels occasionally cause muscle cramps, although it is more common for low potassium to be associated with muscle weakness. Vitamin B-12 is a water soluble vitamin that is involved in a number of body processes. Researchers at Tapei Medical College in Taiwan found that vitamin B-12 was effective in treating leg cramps in 86 percent of people. Since vitamin B-12 is water soluble, the body is unable to store extensive amounts. A regular supply from the diet is thus essential. Meat, eggs, dairy products and fortified cereals are good sources of vitamin B-12. Calcium and magnesium have a special complementary relationship in the body. Specifically with muscles, calcium causes muscles to contract and magnesium causes them to relax. Maintaining adequate calcium and magnesium in the body is essential for both of these functions. For example, without sufficient magnesium, your muscles will cramp and be unable to relax. According to current research, current diets are getting adequate calcium but are low in magnesium. According to the recent book, "The Magnesium Miracle," on average, men only get about 80 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake of magnesium and women only get about 70 percent. Adding whole grains, seeds, nuts, leafy greens and beans to your diet will ensure you are getting enough magnesium. Potassium is an essential mineral for cell functioning. It has many roles in the body including allowing your muscles to function properly and grow. Inadequate intake of dietary potassium results in hypokalemia. Muscle weakness and cramping are one of the main symptoms of hypokalemia. Although calf cramps are the most common, cramping may occur in other muscles, as well. To ensure you are getting enough potassium in your diet, make sure to include potassium-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, nuts, raisins, bananas, sweet potatoes and peas. The American Cancer Society notes that a deficiency in vitamin B complex can cause muscle cramps. Taking the full range of B vitamins, such as B1, B2, folic acid and others, will boost muscle repair, resulting in less pain. Because muscle pain is caused by micro tears in the muscle tissue, the quickest way to repair this is through metabolism of protein which rebuilds the muscle tissue, so increasing vitamin B complex intake can help your body break down protein to repair muscles and relieve pain. Vitamin A According to Life Clinic, vitamin A deficiency has been linked to deterioration of the joints, which is a leading factor in muscle aches. Vitamin A can help to repair muscle tissue and make muscles stronger. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that helps prevent pathological muscle weakness. This is what I take to prevent muscle cramps & keep my body functioning well:
Omnitrition's Liquid Vitamin®- Full of Vitamins & Minerals Liquid so your Body can Absorb it Best.	Omnitrition's Charge®- Full of B Vitamins & More to Give You More Energy.	OmniTrim Extra Enhancer®- has Calcium, Magnesium, Chromium, & Potassium.  Joanna Smith from Stuart, FL takes it to Relieve her Leg Cramps & Stop her Food Cravings.