I'm on extended induction (Atkins 72) and while I have more energy than ever before and am losing weight, the leg cramps I'm getting are severe. They occur most often when I'm trying to sleep and keep/wake me up nearly every night. I drink zero cal/carb propel, have chicken broth every day, add as much salt as is palatble to my food, and have begun taking daily vitamins which include magnesium and potassium. The most prevalent vegetable in my diet is spinach, which I understand also has a significant amount of potassium. I drink plenty of water, approx. 100+ oz a day. Alas, the cramps are a near daily occurrence and really have me feeling discouraged. My legs are sore all the time. It also makes it difficult to exercise. Any suggestions??

Welcome to the board, Penelope! This is a common occurrence. In addition to Potassium, you need more Sodium & Magnesium. Check out this thread:
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=445775

Thanks for responding. I've read that previously, as well as countless other thread and article on this subject. I have taken all the suggested steps (listed in my post) to alleviate the cramps and nothing has worked. Suppose maybe I should see a doctor. Ugh.

do you drink coffee?

I do drink coffee, usually 2 cups a day, rarely more than that.

Try stopping for a week

Just curious, is there some science behind your suggestion? Or anecdotal evidences? I only ask because I've never seen it mentioned and I am loathe to give up my coffee if it is for naught!!

The only science or evidence I can offer is my own experience. Often it is good to give up things we love or those things that we consider "mine". By doing so it can show how mind works. Will giving up your coffee for a week eliminate your cramps? You'll have to let us know

I wish you well and relief from the pain of leg cramps at night.

I bought magnesium today that is 125% daily value as opposed to the 25% in my multivitamin. If that does not help, I will consider giving up coffee. I see your point but I have no desire to do it to see how my mind works. Since I began atkins, I have exercised more self control than ever before. And now don't even miss the food I used to eat, for the most part. But since from everything I've read, two cups a day of coffee is not detrimental to my health and in some ways, beneficial, I will opt to keep it, for now. Like i said though, if all else fails, I will absolutely give it a try! Anyway, apologies, I tend to ramble. Thank you for the advice and for your kind words! 😊

How much magnesium do you take?

Jean

Well, I had assumed that the multivitamin I bought had 100% DV but I checked and it's only 25%. So I purchased extra strength magnesium today (125%) and I'm hoping that will help!

Penelope - There are many different forms of magnesium. Magnesium oxide is the cheapest form and the most common type found. It can also have a very strong laxative effect and is not as well absorbed as other forms. If that is what you are taking and it has that effect on you or does not appear to be helping you can try another form. I take 600 mg a day of magnesium glycinate. Magnesium oxide is a strong laxative for me. There is also magnesium malate, magnesium theonate, magnesium citrate. Assume nothing, research everything.

Jean

Man oh man. I think the bottle i purchased a couple days ago just says "magnesium" and nothing else but I can't be certain. I took one that night and two yesterday (one in morning & one at night) and my cramps weren't as severe. I'll take two again today and see how it goes. I wonder if it will take a few days to make a significant difference.

I believe you'll be fine, but as Jean mentioned, some forms have a laxative effect. You'll know. Just take enough to provide necessary magnesium and cut back should you need to temper the laxative properties.

Hi and welcome. I've struggled with this too, for a long time, mainly because I really don't like salty food.

I've had it bad for the last 5-6 weeks now that our non-AC house is hot and I'm sweating a lot; and what really seems to have helped for the last few weeks is a calcium/magnesium supplement that I actually bought by accident. Calcium is an electrolyte, too. Ever since I switched to the cal/mag, I've only had a few mild twitches, no full-on hit-the-ceiling cramps.

Also notable - I don't drink coffee once the house gets hot (so no cream, either) and I gave up cheese because my pants were getting too tight. I'm also not a big fan of the "veggie" sources of calcium. Hmmm.

On the subject of coffee, Thud might have been concerned about the diuretic effect of caffeine. IMO, though, 2 cups a day is something your body adapts to and it's not like you're massively dehydrating yourself. If you're concerned, you could always switch to decaf. Besides, coffee is actually a pretty decent source of potassium - over 300 mg in 20 fl oz.