Cramps - shake a Leg

Adequate levels of folic acid (as part of B-complex) may help, since the RLS (as well as leg cramps) is thought to be related to a deficiency in folate. You could also try increasing your intake of Vitamin E. There is evidence to show that doses of around 300 iu daily can be effective in treating restless legs.

To keep your energy levels high try, decreasing your intake of tea and coffee and opt instead for water and herbal teas. A varied wholefood diet will help to provide a steady flow of energy and keep your blood sugar levels even. Regular exercise can also help alleviate the condition. A warm bath, strategically applied heating pads, hot water bottles or gentle leg massage before bed, perhaps with warming sandalwood massage oil, can also ease symptoms.

References

Calcium and magnesium status in pregnant women. A comparison between treatment with calcium and vitamin C in pregnant women with leg cramps, Hammar, M, et al, Int J Vitamin Nutri Res, 1987; 57: 179-83

Clinical characteristics and frequency of the hereditary restless legs syndrome in a population of 300 patients, Winkelmann J, et al, Sleep 2000 Aug 1;23(5):597-602

Nutritional Influences on Illness, Melvyn Werbech, Los Angeles: Third Line Press, 1994

Clinical characteristics and frequency of the hereditary restless legs syndrome in a population of 300 patients, Winkelmann, J et al, Sleep, 2000; 23: 597-602

Clinical EEG, electromyogrpahic and polysomnographic studies in restless legs syndrome caused by magnesium deficiency, Popoviciu, L, et al, Rom J Neurol Psychiatry, 1993; 31: 55-61

Effect of caffeine on the recognition of and responses to hypoglycaemia in humans, Kerr, D, et al, Ann Intern Med, 1993; 119: 799-804

Endocrine regulation of calcium homeostasis during pregnancy, Pitkin, RM, Clin Perinatol, 1983; 10: 575-92

Epidemiology of restless legs symptoms in adults, Phillips, B et al, Arch Intern Med, 2000; 160: 2137-41

Iron status and restless leg syndrome in the elderly, O’Keefe, ST, et al, Age Ageing, 1994; 23: 200-3

Restless legs and caffeinism, Lutz, EG, J Clin Psychiatry, 1978; 39: 693-8

Restless legs syndrome responsive to vitamin E (tocopherol), Ayres, S and Mihan R, Calif Med, 1969; 111: 87-91

Restless legs syndrome. How to provide symptom relief with drug and nondrug therapies, Paulson, GW, Geriatrics, 2000; 55: 35-8, 43-4, 47-8