Muscle cramping is often caused by an imbalance in the body’s levels of electrolytes, and minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Ordinarily, a muscle contracts when it’s used, then it relaxes when the motion is completed; however, if a muscle contracts with great intensity without stretching out again, you feel the pain of a muscle cramp.
Another common cause can be physical overuse, sitting, standing or laying for a long time. Some medications can also cause muscle cramping as a side effect due to electrolyte imbalance. Regardless of the cause, muscle cramping is painful, and it is like some sort of horrible torture but the good news is that we can get rid of the cramps naturally.
Some things that you can do to get rid of muscle cramps are:
Add calcium and magnesium to your diet: Calcium and Magnesium work together in your body as calcium contracts and magnesium relaxes. Deficiencies are most often the cause of cramping in the legs and feet especially at night. Good sources are: nuts, leafy greens and many herbs such as nettle, watercress, parsley and seaweed.
If you are using supplements, look for chelate or citrate forms.[1]
Eat Alfalfa and plenty of dark leafy greens: Alfalfa is used whenever inflammation is present, and helps prevent cramps. Alfalfa and dark leafy greens are very low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals.
Drink plenty of water and don’t forget to stretch: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and to flush out toxins stored in the muscles.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you are experiencing muscle cramps, avoid overworking your muscles and give your body the nutrients that it needs.
[1] Prescription for Nutritional Healin. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Photo: Sporteluxe
