HELP...I woke up with charlie horses in my calves...

[Luvinit]

If you don't know what charlie horses are...it is a mucsle cramp...that makes you feel like someone is twisting your leg off....I swear thsese will wake the dead!!!


I had these about 15 years ago when I was on the pill, the Dr told me to take potassium, or eat bananas every day. Neither of them help. I happened to tell my Gyno and she told me to go off the pill. They stopped.

I know what triggers them..usually from not drinking enough..but that is not the problem this time....I think I need to take potassium supplements...will this effect my "no carb" way? I am so afraid of messing with my success. If someone could recommend a supplement that has worked for them...but I need ones with NO IRON...and potassium.

I am going to look at my local health food store.

Any other preventitive measures would be helpful too.!!

Thanks
Tracy

[PAdisMOM]

There was a post about a week ago on Atkins and leg cramps. Maybe this is what you're experiencing. I am on day 3 of induction and I have been worried about this problem. I have Restless Leg Syndrome and when it flares up I can hardly sleep. But so far, I haven't had any problems.

You may want to go back to that thread. There were several suggestions.

[geetey]

Hi Tracy,
Sorry about the charlie horses. They are the PITS!! Be sure you are drinking drinking drinking water. Also, my dr and ob/gyn suggested magnesium for leg cramps. They both said a good multi-vitamin should do the trick. :)

[wovenwonder]

Since I have started doing Atkins I have terrible leg cramps. How can I alleviate them?

Atkins has a strong diuretic effect during the first week of Induction. When you lose a large amount of water as you do at the start of any weight-loss program, you also lose electrolytes, which contain the minerals potassium, magnesium and calcium, resulting in leg cramps. To replace these vitanutrients, salt your food to taste and take a mineral supplement that includes calcium, magnesium and potassium.


above from atkinscenter.com
:D

[Rhonda]

I find that when I take a Potassium and a Vitamin E before bedtime, I don't get leg cramps anymore! :)

[Luvinit]

Thanks guys....I was out of town last week...and I didn't even think of checking back to see if it had been discussed.

Thanks Again, I am going to start taking potassium supplements.

Tracy

[ahutton]

Someone already mentioned this but make absolutely sure you are drinking a ton of water if you already have problems with cramps and are doing Atkins - it can leave you very dehydrated if not careful and that will lead to huge cramps.