Leg cramps can be brought on by potassium deficiencies. Potassium is a mineral that helps to maintain the acid water balance in the tissue, blood, and cells of the body. In addition, potassium also helps to build muscle and improve cell communication by stimulating electrical signals between nerves and cells. Potassium is found in many foods such as bananas, almonds, beans, carrots, and avocados.
Identification
A potassium deficiency is when your body is lacking the potassium needed to perform certain functions. The body needs vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients in order to maintain health and improve how tissue and organs work in the body. Just as a car without oil will not run, the body cannot do its job effectively when it's lacking something. Leg cramps can stem from a potassium deficiency, because the muscles in the legs rely on potassium to function properly.
Effects
Leg cramps can range from mild to severe. Most people describe legs cramps as annoying because they interfere with daily living. A leg cramp causes a person to stop what they are doing and pay attention to the pain. Also called a "charley horse," when a leg cramp strikes, the muscles tighten up and squeeze nerves, muscle fibers, and tendons, causing spasms that usually last for several minutes.
Prevention/Solution
You can prevent leg cramps and by eating foods rich in potassium or by taking supplements. You can also take additional vitamins and minerals to increase potassium absorption. Eating one banana per day is a great way to get your daily intake of potassium. If you want to prevent leg cramps, you'll need to consistently eating the right foods. Other potassium-rich foods include raisins, wheat germ, tomatoes, figs, bran flakes, currants, and sunflower seeds.
Time Frame
If your body has been for a long time, it can take one to two months to regain enough potassium to prevent leg cramps. To get the best results, eat two to three potassium-rich foods daily, in addition to taking a whole food multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that contains potassium. Whole food vitamins are made from food rather than created in a lab like synthetic vitamins. The body is better able to absorb vitamins that come from food.
Expert Insight
Dr. Jacqueline Jacques is a Naturopathic doctor specializing in pain management in Portland, Ore. She says that one of the first causes of muscle cramps and pain is from a mineral imbalance. She advices it's better to take potassium gradually on a daily basis rather than trying to take too much at one time. It takes time to correct the imbalance, and other minerals are needed as well.
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