Muscle cramping is an issue that involves sudden and severe pain particularly in the leg muscles and it affects millions of people around the world. If you are one of those people, keep reading to find out how to prevent muscle cramps.
Causes of leg cramps: Leg cramps can happen due to numerous internal factors, for example malnutrition or dehydration. However, they can even indicate serious health conditions such as kidney infection.
Easy fix: People who exercise often usually experience muscle cramps because of dehydration. This can be prevented by drinking warm water. Experts claim that drinking warm water works because it hydrates the muscles faster and more efficiently because its temperature is similar to the blood temperature.
If you experience muscle cramps very often you should consider taking electrolyte supplements. Electrolyte supplements promote the electrolyte balance and they hydrate the body properly which results in less or no cramps at all.
How to prevent leg cramps?
Magnesium is a mineral that is very important for proper body function as well as for preventing muscle cramps. The body metabolizes magnesium very fast so the recommended daily dose of magnesium is 250-300 mg a day. You can get more magnesium through foods such as spinach, fish, pumpkin seeds, nuts, quinoa, dark chocolate, molasses, potatoes and lentils.
Potassium is another beneficial mineral for preventing muscle cramps. To regulate the fluid balance in your body you should take potassium in combination with sodium. The muscle cramps that occur as a result of dehydration are usually caused by high sodium levels or potassium deficiency.
The potassium works by directing the fluids from the body to the affected area thus relieves the cramps. So, anytime you experience leg cramps consume foods that are rich in potassium.