The human body can be quite strong, as can be seen from the way athletes perform on the field or endure 4-5 hours of rigorous tennis on the court playing a 5-setter. However, the very same players can suffer sudden cramps in their legs and feel absolutely weak and helpless. Cramps in the leg can happen to anyone and many times without any warning, even as you are taking a walk or jogging. In medical terms, the condition is described as tightening of the muscles and that too involuntarily. The most common form of leg cramps occurs in the calf muscles and the condition can be extremely painful. There are different forms of cramps as seen from the medical practitioners’ perspective. Cramps are believed to occur due to weakness in the muscles and the nerves connecting them.
While a visit to the doctor can take care of the immediate pain and some form of relaxation can be experienced, only regular consumption of supplements for leg cramps can bring you long-term benefits. So you should know what are the kind of supplements you should have and how to go about consuming them so as to avoid such cramps in your legs in future.
Some recommended minerals to boost muscle strength
The best way to address any condition in the body is to attack the root cause directly. In that sense, the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals is considered to be the immediate cause of the weakening of the muscles and this is where you should start from. The most common minerals you need are calcium and magnesium. There are also certain vitamins which can be discussed in a little more detail here. The supplements for leg cramps must contain at least some of the foods mentioned under each head.
Lack of Magnesium
Magnesium is identified as an effective electrolyte that provides the right balance to the fluids in the human body. Any imbalance in the fluids can cause various issues. Cramps in the legs are also caused due to the non-availability of inadequate magnesium levels. To bridge this gap, your dietician might advise you to consume greens like spinach and also take beans in sufficient quantities in your regular diet. Almonds and cashews can also be consumed in small quantities to boost the levels of magnesium. If you choose to have supplements for leg cramps, ensure the ingredients disclosed on the label do mention the quantities as well. Once you can do this, it will also take care of the cells which require potassium and calcium; Magnesium does the role of adjusting the levels of these essential minerals also.
Foods that provide potassium and calcium
As mentioned above, there is a need for the presence of both these minerals Potassium and Calcium in the body to ensure proper functioning of the muscles and nerves. You can gain Potassium and Calcium through the consumption of dairy foods like milk and yogurt, which are Calcium-rich and fruits like bananas which give abundant Potassium. Cheese, tomatoes, and potatoes are also rich in these minerals and as long as you include them in your daily intake of food, you should be able to obtain the required quantities of Potassium and Calcium. A yummy banana milkshake with almonds could turn out to be one of the best supplements for leg cramps.
Look for Supplements Rich in Vitamins
Vitamins, particularly B and D, play a crucial role in developing healthy muscles in the body. In fact, it has been established that without adequate Vitamin B or B complex, leg cramps can be precipitated. This was established through a study in which people consuming a B complex supplement had reduced chances of leg cramps and this was found in over 85% of the patients studied. So, supplements for leg cramps must include a liberal dose of vitamin B. Meat and eggs can provide this. For vegans, green vegetables, whole grains and the like will do the job.
Vitamin D is the other vitamin recommended to stay away from cramps in the legs. If you go for a regular walk when the morning sun is out, your body cells should be able to absorb the required quantity of vitamin D. Most people manage with this and they can avoid getting cramps. However, the vitamin can be obtained by eating foods like fish or drinking milk regularly as well. When the doctor is examining you, and finds the deficiency of vitamin D, then some special supplements for leg cramps which help with the provision of vitamin D to the body can also be recommended.
Choose the right kind of supplements for leg cramps, but don’t reduce your diet or regular workouts. A combination of all these only can keep you healthy and happy.
