Leg cramps, especially during the night, are very common, and they lead to pain in the feet, calves, and thighs, and discomfort which impairs sleep and the overall health.
The main causes of leg cramps include lack of exercise during the day, dehydration, and poor blood flow in the legs. They can last from a few seconds up to a few minutes, and in the most severe cases, even up to a few days.
Yet, they can be reduced and treated with the help of some simple tricks. First of all, you should increase the magnesium intake, through the consumption of foods high in this mineral, such as yogurt, dates, bananas, dark greens, veggies, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.
These are the 15 most beneficial foods:
Bananas
Greek yogurt
Mushrooms
Cacao
Tomatoes
Quinoa
ACV
Pumpkin seeds
Dates
Sardines and salmon
Nuts
Sea salt
Green leafy veggies
Molasses
Avocado
However, the following magnesium oil can be of great help as well. You should rub it on the legs at bedtime and leave it to act during the night.
This is how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
½ cup magnesium chloride flakes
½ cup distilled water
Instructions:
Boil the water and add the flakes while stirring. When they are dissolved, remove them from heat and let them cool. Then, pour the oil in a spray bottle.
Use:
You should spray 5-10 sprays on each leg at bedtime.
Despite this, we will also suggest the following tips:
Do stretches
Stretching prevents leg cramps, as it boosts blood flow, and thus helps the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells. The easiest way is with a ledge and resting a ball of the foot while the heel is on the floor.
Next, shift the weight on the ledge, hold for 2 seconds and rest 10. Make 6-8 repetitions with each leg. In this way, you will relax the calves.
More vitamin D
This vitamin is extremely important for the absorption of calcium, which is an electrolyte and balances the body fluids. The best way to boost the levels of this vitamin in the body is through the exposure to sun, as well as the consumption of seafood and mushrooms.
Imbalance in electrolytes
Proper hydration of the body prevents cramps. If this does not work, the electrolytes might be imbalanced in the body, and the following drink will be extremely beneficial:
Electrolyte Drink- Recipe:
You should mix half a teaspoon of unionized salt, 1-quart water, 6 teaspoons of sugar. You might substitute the sugar with honey, and in this case, reduce salt by 1/2.wo limes and lemon juice, and drink this beverage daily.
If you suffer from leg cramps, you should:
walk with slow pace anytime you can, to improve the blood flow
massage the caves with circular movements
extend the cramping leg and flex ankles, place the toes pointed upward and in the direction of the knees, and then tug the feet, and stretch.
Sources: healthyfoodhouse.com