Muscles are what make movement possible, but when a cramp strikes or becomes chronic, moving becomes downright painful and nearly impossible. Muscle cramps are fairly common, many people experience them every day, but some like leg cramps can be easily avoided and treated with simple, home-based remedies.
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
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.
