leg and feet cramps

[tracyinfo]

Hello there. I have been raw about 4 months now. About once or twice a week, I get a cramp in my lower leg (calf) or along the bottom/instep of my foot. Sometimes it wakes me at night. Other times, it occurs while I am practicing yoga. I have had cramps like this for a long time, but, I thought by going "raw" they would go away.

Me exercise level has been somewhat erratic. Up until my 30th birthday, I was very active, team sports, running, etc.. Then after children, I would walk, hike, and yoga.

Any suggestions out there?

-Tracy

[MaxMarie]

That's all I can recommend really.

I've had issues all my life. As I'm getting older they're getting worse. If I skip my yoga, I'm in deep doo doo.

Here's an article with some reasons for calf cramps:

http://www.americanrunning.org/displ...rticlenbr=1776

[tglasco4]

How long have you been raw? Are you 100% raw?

[tracyinfo]

MaxMarie, thanks for the article. I will stretch and drink more water, even on the days I am not exercising.

Tglasco4, I've been 99% raw for 4 months. The few times I was not, were about 3 dinners (at my parents home) and about 4 cups of hot tea. All at different times of course.

For now, I will also try taking some calcium supplement.

-Tracy

[tglasco4]

Tracy, I would be interested to find out if the calcium supplements helped. Please keep in touch so we can see if it does!

Peace.

Todd

[LindyLoo]

Actually, you may want to try magnesium. Calcium aids contraction and magnesium helps to relax muscles. Greeny leafy veg are very high in magnesium as magnesium is to chlorophyll as Iron is to blood. Therefore, the greener the veg the more magnesium it will contain - hope that makes sense!!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

I would get feet cramps in my martial arts class. My Sensei told me to eat bananas when this happens, and sure enough it stops the cramps :-) (I think it's the potassium in the bananas). When he goes on his long bike rides, he always takes bananas with him to prevent leg cramps.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[rawdreaming]

i've heard from somewhere that Manganese, a trace element is also very helpfull for cramps. As well as dark leafy greens, Manganese is 'abundant' in pinapple and pecans.

[tracyinfo]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will check the calcium supplement I have for the other minerals.

Also, I will have no problem adding bananas or pecans to my diet. I love them.

Thanks, Tracy

[Sharon in Colorado]

I was going to suggest the banana thing as well. It is usually a potassium deficiency. Have a banana at night or a smoothie with bananas and then stretch it our before bedtime.

[VeganVixen]

Yes bananas work for that!!

[Sweet lips]

Supplement your diet with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and/or zinc, or
eat foods rich in those nutrients. Tight muscles cannot release
without these substances in your body.

Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause muscle tension. When you
feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so drink before you feel the
need. Dehydration is common and can cause many health issues."

Asparagus, Bell peppers, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Carrots, Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, Spinach, watercress, Swiss chard, romaine, kale, Beets and mustard greens, Sweet potato, Tomato, butternut squash, and of course a bananas, oranges will also help.

[Mad Mex]

Get life into an old thread.

This morning I woke up with a massive cramp in the right lower calf.

I'm 99% raw, right now, since 5 days Green Soothie fasting, with a lot of greens, besides the GS I'm drinking 3litre of water, I do sport (cycling, running, inline-skating) regulary, I'm stretching.

Now the question, what am I missing?

In the last 5 days I haven't eaten bananas, but normally I do.

Thanks for an advise.

Saludos,

Marcel

[CathyA.]

Try putting those bananas back into your diet. That may be your missing link.

[Mad Mex]

I will, after my fasting. I cannot imagine fasting with bananas. I thought juiced greens are enough. I will take a supplement for the acute problem and increase my greens, but I thought I'm taking already a lot.

Thanks!

Saludos,

Marcel