The last couple nights, I have had the worst and I mean worst leg spasms or "charlie horses" that woke me out of a dead sleep.
A few things have changed in the last week in my life, including becoming more active on my legs. I figured that since I have become more active, maybe I was burning more calories or 'something' that caused me to have these horrible late night pains.
So I did some soul searching on the Internet and wanted to share some fabulous information that I found about how to combat that night time terror.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-leg-cramps/AN00499
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Runners will eat bananas during or after a long run more for the sugars and water content than the potassium, and that's why they didn't make the list of foods. Bananas are about 75% water and are a quick source of carbs, but not the best source of potassium.
A balance of sodium, potassium and magnesium help maintain a healthy level of electrolytes in your system that aids runners in combating muscle fatigue and leg cramps. Non-runners can also benefit from such a balance of minerals.
Your increased activity may indicate that there's a bit of an imbalance n your nutrition. I hope you can figure out what's hapening and get relief son.
August 19, 2008 - 4:49pmThis Comment
Good advice!
I just read the article on leg cramps, and it says to help prevent night leg cramps, to: drink plenty of fluids during the day, stretch muscles before bed and get adequate potassium in your diet!
In fact, a Runner's World article said that potassium is the best mineral for aiding in recovery and keeps you hydrated. Here are good sources of potassium (bananas, surprising, did not make the list?!):
Apricots
August 19, 2008 - 2:58pmAvocados
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Kiwi
Lima beans
Milk
Oranges
Prunes
Spinach
Tomatoes
Meats, poultry, fish
This Comment
Have you tried eating bananas? The potassium in them is supposed to be good for leg cramps. That trick has helped me out on several occasions.
August 19, 2008 - 9:28amThis Comment