Leg Cramps : General Health : Active Low-Carber Forums

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Dave A. R.

Sat, May-24-03, 08:19

I have been on the Atkins diet for about three weeks. Last night I woke up with a terrible leg cramp in my calf muscle. Any idea what I can do to prevent them in the future?

Thanks
Dave

quietone

Sat, May-24-03, 19:47

Potassium...Potassium...Potassium

Rosebud

Sun, May-25-03, 00:13

Hi Dave,

Potassium may help, but magnesium is the main "cramp fixer." I had cramps at the beginning which vanished when I added a magnesium supplement.

Magnesium is best absorbed when taken with calcium, in a 2cal:1mag mix. Adose of 1000:500mg is best. And dividing the doses is also advised, as calcium doesn't last for 24 hours.

Potassium can either be taken as tablets or by using a potassium salt such as NoSalt. The Drs Eades (who wrote Protein Power) recommend 400mg potassium daily when starting LC.
If you choose to take the tablets, do take them with food or they may irritate your tum. And don't take potassium supplements without checking with your pharmacist or doctor if you are on BP meds or diuretics.

HTH!

:rose:Rosebud:rose: