Leg Cramps!

[EveWasFramed]

I did a lot of physical work today (moving, yuck!) that involved a lot of going up and staircases and all of the activity has caused some serious leg cramps to set in. I remember having some nasty leg cramps when I did Atkins back in 2003 and I remember then it was recommended by someone on a bulletin board to use Lite Salt because of the potassium content. I'm not sure if that is correct, so I was hoping someone could give me some advice. I know spinach is rich in potassium, but I'm not sure how much potassium I need to eat to keep these leg cramps at bay! Help?

Thank you!

[Babs]

Sorry, I am not sure of the amount of calcium you need to add, but I found that only calcium did not help me much. When I added magnesium the leg cramps stopped. Also, taking deep breaths when they start bring oxygen to the legs also help stop them. I hope this helps since I know how awful they can be.

[crash]

Yeah i remember wayyy back when i did induction for the very first time, i had a problem with cramps. I believe you lose too much electrolytes and minerals from losing the water weight during induction. I wouldn't suggest simply putting extra salt in your food as taht could raise your BP and that's never a good thing. I think my solution during the time was taking supplements that had calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Also I drank a lot of green tea. I read somewhere that tea was the best drink after vigorous activity such as sports (i used to play football back then), as it replenishes your sodium/potassium/electrolytes. So give all that a try.

[EveWasFramed]

Crash - Lite Salt is a blend of salt and potassium chloride and has 50% less sodium than regular table salt. It tastes the same (to me, anyway) and you just use it in place of regular salt. I wouldn't be adding extra salt beyond what I normally sprinkle on my meals, which isn't a whole lot to begin with. I'm just not sure if Lite Salt is really useful in battling the leg cramps...

[crash]

Oh okay. Well it's basically the potassium that is supposed to help with the cramps. So yes it would help a little bit, but if your getting cramps regularly then a supplement would be the most direct method. Also make sure your lite salt doesnt' contain dextrose or any other unwanted ingredients and then it'll be fine to use.

[chinadoll]

The potassium from the lite salt would help but you may also need magnesium too.

[kellyf48]

I drink vitamin water and everyday and they have stopped.

[Jenileigh]

Are you taking a multi vitamin?

[Revived Warrior]

Use Morton's salt substitute.

It has no sodium and 610mg of potassium per 1/4 tsp. Not the best tasting stuff, but it is nearly impossible to get the 4,000 some mg of potassium you need everyday when you eat low carb. Especially when you are in induction and your body is dumping water as well as your electrolytes.

[EveWasFramed]

Thank you for the advice everyone! I appreciate it!