leg aches/cramps ...

sjkcwatson
sjkcwatson Posts: 61 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So I am happily where I want to be weight wise. I'm balancing +/- (usually a little plus) on my calories and still trying to find the right balance of calories for maintaining. The last week has been really crazy so I haven't done as good a job as I should (school starting, etc) - so if you look at my food go back a week ..

but - my question is that my legs ache and I keep getting leg cramps mostly at night. Looking at my diet I am consistantly low on potassium so I'm suspect that is the cause? I've recently started taking the Herbalife multi vitamin - it seems to work better since it is 3 lower doses instead of 1 big one so the iron doesn't make me sick. Even it doesn't come close to the MFP recommended potassium guidelines.

Any suggestions on ways to get more potassium - other than just eat bananas. I'm not a huge fan to start with, but I've been trying to incorporate them into my diet. Could it be something besids the potassium.

I walk for exercise - usually 3-6 miles 4-5 times a week. I wear good walking shoes. I drink tons of water.

Thanks!

Replies

  • nena49659
    nena49659 Posts: 260 Member
    You've covered all of the things that I've heard can cause leg cramps but, one. When my stepsister was a teen, they told her that she was getting too much calcium and to cut down her dairy.

    Something to look into?
  • Witchdoctor58
    Witchdoctor58 Posts: 226 Member
    Could be electrolytes (sodium, potassium), low calcium, low magnesium...make sure you get enough of these, and see your MD if symptoms continue.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    eat sweet potatoes (potatoes have more potassium than bananas, and sweet more so than white) and make certain you are drinking sufficient water.
  • shellimus
    shellimus Posts: 158 Member
    I thought it was from low calcium.
  • skinnymalinkyscot
    skinnymalinkyscot Posts: 174 Member
    also mention to your doctor next time you pop in as leg cramps can be a feature sometimes of vascular/blood flow to the lower leg and some distrophies/sclerosis/neuropathys begin with cramps too, Im sure thats not the case btw as youre fit and healthy but it can apply to people who drink and smoke
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    I was having a lot of problems with leg cramps while swimming, I was thinking all the same things everyone is suggesting - sodium, potassium,etc. I was visiting some family and was asking my nephew-in-law about it - he's got a PhD in sports nutrition and does research for the US Army in core body heat and exercise. His answer: fatigue. His suggestion was just to drink lots of water and warm up sufficiently.
  • Witchdoctor58
    Witchdoctor58 Posts: 226 Member
    Even those of us who are MDs can't diagnose you over the internet. Please be wary of asking for medical advice on the boards. Potassium is very easy to overdose on, and you can harm yourself if you randomly try things. See your MD, get tested, and limit self- treatment to massage and warm soaks.
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    Personally, usually what I trace cramps back to is a lack of hydration for that day. Are you getting enough water? Check that out before you go on a potassium or calcium rat race.
  • sjkcwatson
    sjkcwatson Posts: 61 Member
    Thanks. Don't worry. As much as I appreciate input, I would never take advice from strangers over true medical advice. I am mainly looking for suggestions to see what I can do to try and manage it first before i pay my hogh dedictibld for a medical visit. If it doesn't go away I will certainly see my Dr for some bloodwork and advice. I do know my milk/dairy/potatoes has gone way down with my new eating habits. So I'll see if I can fit more if those back in and add some extra stretching. I do drink tons of water. Thanks for the feedback everyone!

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