Excruciating night leg cramps page

[Rosemary 231]

I am experiencing severe leg cramps at night. I started taking Magnesium a few years ago and the cramps mostly stopped. I've been Primal for about 14 months and have lost around 80 lbs. The leg cramps came back about a month ago beginning just in my feet and, last night, a bad one in my calf. I eat very low carbs, below 50 grams I'm almost certain, but I haven't kept track of how low in grams or how many calories since I've always been obsessive about "figures" and I liked the freedom of the Primal way. I am beginning to wonder if leg cramps can be caused by too little carbs. If that is the case, how could I add some carbs and still lose weight?

[iniQuity]

I'm not sure about the carb question, but did you stop taking mag? I'm assuming no, but if you did then starting again should help.

Experiment though, up your carbs a little, keep them primal, they're really not the enemy, ease off the fat just a little. Do it for two weeks or so and remember MODERATION. Too many people here freak out when they hear others say "up the carbs" because they think we're advising people to eat NOTHING BUT CARBS in MASSIVE QUANTITIES and never have fat again. That's not the case, obviously... but self experimentation can go a long way.

[js290]

I am experiencing severe leg cramps at night. I started taking Magnesium a few years ago and the cramps mostly stopped. I've been Primal for about 14 months and have lost around 80 lbs. The leg cramps came back about a month ago beginning just in my feet and, last night, a bad one in my calf. I eat very low carbs, below 50 grams I'm almost certain, but I haven't kept track of how low in grams or how many calories since I've always been obsessive about "figures" and I liked the freedom of the Primal way. I am beginning to wonder if leg cramps can be caused by too little carbs. If that is the case, how could I add some carbs and still lose weight?

Potassium deficiency?

[trekfan]

Potassium deficiency?

Second this. I know that when I got cramps in the early goings of Primal it was because I wasn't getting enough potassium. Hurt like hell and the solution is quite simple-eat a banana or some other potassium rich thing. One of those and everything's all good.

[Rosemary 231]

I'm not sure about the carb question, but did you stop taking mag? I'm assuming no, but if you did then starting again should help.

Experiment though, up your carbs a little, keep them primal, they're really not the enemy, ease off the fat just a little. Do it for two weeks or so and remember MODERATION. Too many people here freak out when they hear others say "up the carbs" because they think we're advising people to eat NOTHING BUT CARBS in MASSIVE QUANTITIES and never have fat again. That's not the case, obviously... but self experimentation can go a long way.

No, I kept the magnesium. I figured if it made a difference I should continue. Could you suggest some safe, primal carbs to add? I've just managed, not long ago, to get out of a wheelchair after having a broken leg. My weight loss made a huge difference. I'd like to continue losing the remainder of the weight but adding just a few primal carbs shouldn't make that stop, should it? Thanks.

[KatieCHI]

Agree with the potassium suggestion, I had them for a while until I started adding a banana a week. Banana Monday I call it.

[Rosemary 231]

Potassium deficiency?

I also take 3 - 99 mg of postassium gelcaps daily with the magnesium.

[Knifegill]

All these magnesium and potassium suggestions are cute, but the only thing that works for me is 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda stirred in a cup water with a glop of molasses. Take after a workout or anytime you feel cramps lurking. And if it works for me, it'll work for you. Nobody has cramps like me.

[tradawg]

If you eat a banana and maybe some crystalized ginger, you'll get potassium and more carbs.

[TorMag]

Hydration is a common reason for leg cramps. Drink water...