Leg cramps every morning!

[GrammaJo]

We are on our first week of "Whole60". Husband lost 15lb and I lost 13lb in 30 days with some very nice body changes, and also have far less inflammatory pain and I'm out of the fog I was in. Our problem: I've been getting bad leg cramps for at least 3 weeks, and my husband had them this morning. I tried CALM Magnesium and got yucky dreams and cramps, and tried CALM Calcium and Magnesium with very slight improvement. Blood work is fine. Any ideas?? This isn't a fun way to wake up!

[Brewer5]

Sodium.  

Are you getting plenty?

When your body dumps a lot of "water weight", as it will do when cutting out grains & sugar, you lose a lot of sodium along with that water.  

This imbalance can cause that brain fog feeling, fatigue, heart palpitations, and yes -- muscle cramps.  

[GrammaJo]

Thanks for your reply. We are both drinking a considerable amount of water, and for a long time I stayed off sodium, because of Edema, however I don't have to watch it like I was because it doesn't seem to be affecting edema now. My ankles are staying thin. I have been salting things, but perhaps I need to add more. Any other ideas?

[Brewer5]

Yes.  If your sodium is off, your potassium could be low, as well.  These can both cause muscle cramps.  As can magnesium, which you already know.  Electrolyte imbalances can just make you not feel right in a variety of ways, and once you get them corrected, it is SO much better.  

So I would start googling best foods for these & focus there.  Avocados are higher in potassium than even bananas, I believe -- but I haven't looked that one up for awhile.  

There is an electrolyte solution you can add to water, which has no sweeteners.  It's called Lyteshow.  Maybe check out the reviews on Amazon & see what you think.  We've used it off and on for years.  

[GrammaJo]

Thank you so much! All ideas are welcome. We already eat several of the foods high in these minerals, including avocados, but I'm going to look at the list again and really up that. I do like the idea of fixing the problem with real food if possible but it is unpleasant enough that I'm open to anything. Blessings!

[praxisproject]

Some people also need more than what your local food may provide, or different ratios as electrolytes need to be balanced.

Blood tests can sometimes be confusing as they test to a standard range and electrolytes fluctuate a lot through the day as we use them, if you have health conditions you may use more of one or more of them.

For me I find no grains drops my level of inflammation quite a lot, so salt isn't something for me to avoid anymore for fluid retention.

Some people find magnesium works best before bed, especially if cramping occurs first thing in the morning, you may have run out by that time, since your last intake. If it's not lasting through the night it would be good to check with your doctor.

If you have any medical edema issues, always discuss with your doctor as they can be really complicated.

[GrammaJo]

Thank you so much for your reply. It is full of good information. I didn't realize what had reduced my edema so that I didn't have to watch out for salt after I got on The Whole30, but you pointed out grains so maybe that's it. I don't have any trouble with it now. We both took the calcium and magnesium combination from CALM tonight so l we will see what the morning brings. When I used the Magnesium only by the same brand, I had several nights with bad dreams, and I read where that can be a side effect, so I'm kind of afraid to take it anymore! Again, thank you for trying to help.

[gross067]

I use a topical magnesium oil before bed and notice a STRIKING difference in my sleep.  I haven't started whole 30 yet, but I've been having bad leg cramps for some time.  I just realized i didn't get them last night after dosing myself with magnesium oil, but it could be coincidence. Something to consider!