leg cramps

[pattierpm]

Help
I had the worst nifht of my life. Had such terrible leg cramps in both legs. The back calves, front shins and even the feet. Was in tears. Rubbed with linament and took hot baths. Finally took some 800 motrin and they eased up a bit. Happened all night and felt better this morning but they just sarted about 10 minutes ago. I am drinking my water and urinating quite a bit. Do yu think it might be a potassium loss? If so what do you suggest for a potassium doisage per day. I am in such pain.

BTW I am down to 170 so everything else seems to be fine. I was in a stall and all the suggestions about adding veggies and cutting out the shakes and carb free commercial snacks seem to have helped a lot. Thank you.

It was a good feeling knowing I could ask for help. This board is great and has really been my savior. Turn on the computer and then make my coffe.

You can send my reply to pattierpm~aol.com so I will get it sooner.

Thank you again.

[Natrushka]

Pattie, sorry to hear about the cramps. Are you taking any supplements? Cramping, in particular night cramps, are something that often occurr when LCing w/o sufficient calcium/magnesium supplementation. I experienced them when I first started out and I get them occasionally when I don't take enough cal/mag.

General guidelines for cal/mag are as follows:

1200-1500 mg calcium, in chelate form and 300-450mg of magnesium, also in chelated form. It's often possible to get the two combined in one pill in a ratio of 2:1 (333mg cal and 167 mg of magnesium). Taking the pills throughout the day, with a meal, is also recommended. Save one pill for about an hour before bed - magnesium has a very soothing effect and can help improve the quality of your sleep. Be sure you do not get calcium carbonate from oyster shells - it's harder on the tummy and it's absorption rate is much poorer than the chelates (malate, citrate).

While potassium is a supplement that LCers should be taking, it functions more to help ward off fatigue and diziness, not cramping. The Eades (protein power) recommend 400mg during fat loss. I use a salt substitute (NoSalt) on my foods to ensure I get enough every day. With potassium supplementation it's important to be well hydrated.

Cheers,
Nat

[lowcarbjo]

Hi There... I too suffered from wicked leg cramps at night. I upped my magnesium dose ( 500mg total per day) and the cramps have totally disappeared!! Good Luck! ;)