Why do I experience cramps at night?

People who experience cramping often lack magnesium-rich foods in their diet, do not exercise regularly, sit around a lot and eat an excess of foods which reduce their calcium levels, such as grains, fizzy drinks, animal foods, caffeinated beverages, processed foods high in phosphates and refined sugars.

Muscle cramps can also be due to many other influences, and if the cramping becomes severe, all of these possibilities need to be eliminated:

• Deficiencies in magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin E and/or folic acid
• Low thyroid function
• Past injury
• Dietary imbalances
• Food allergies
• Excessive coffee consumption
• Poor posture
• Spinal problems
• Uncomfortable footwear
• Heart problems
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• General fatigue

Another influence is that diuretic medication tends to exacerbate cramps and spasms as they deplete the body of essential minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Muscle cramps, particularly in the calf muscles, can also occur because of a lack of sodium in the body. To prevent this, take a half a teaspoon of organic sea salt or Celtic salt in a glass of water once a day. If you have quite high blood pressure, then rather take an electrolyte mixture. Rosemary, lavender, marjoram, chamomile, or clary sage essential oil massaged into the affected area can provide rapid relief of most muscle cramping.

What can you do?

Diet: Concentrate on an organic, whole food diet high in magnesium and calcium-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits (particularly apricots), millet, raw nuts and seeds, organic yogurt (unless very sensitive to dairy products), and raw organic honey. Reduce your intake of citrus fruits, meats, and grains (don’t stop them, eat less of them) and eliminate coffee and other caffeine drinks. Make sure you drink plenty of pure distilled water throughout the day.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients are very helpful in the relief and preventing muscle cramps:

• Calcium with magnesium
• Potassium
• Silica
• Trace minerals
• Multi-mineral supplement
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Folic acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Chlorophyll

Juice Therapy: Carrot, beet, celery, and cucumber juice can provide your body with vital nutrients to minimize your risk of cramping.

Topical Treatment: Massage cramping muscles with a mixture of grated ginger juice and equal parts olive or sesame oil. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

Image source=The Hindu
Keyword=n_d