cronic leg cramps

[urbangoddess]

Before I knew that leg-cramping was a side-effect of this diet, I developed severe leg/foot cramps that I sought medical attention for. They said that I might have mild arthritis, but none of the testing confirmed the severe pain I was having. After stumbling upon some info on the internet relating Atkins and leg-cramps, I started to understand the problem better.
I upped my pottassium by adding both Lite Salt and Electrolyte mix (from the health store) to my diet, but they only lessened the severity of the cramping.
I'm also taking calcium, but I find it's difficult for me to get enough. I'm also adding magnesium, because I read that depending on which leg cramps up most often (it's my right ankle mostly) it can be either potassium or magnesium defficency.

When I went off of this WOE, my problems vanished. Now that I'm back on it, they are re-emerging. I don't want this to become something that ultimately sabotages my success on Atkins, but as I said, the pain at time can be severe. Is there anyone who can help me get to the bottom of this and develop some strategies to conquer this cronic problem?

[not2late]

Re: cronic leg cramps

Make sure you are taking the supplements. Also make sure you are eating a variety of vegetables so you get those nutrients from your diet as well.

The last time you did Atkins, did you move into OWL or did you stick it out on Induction? If you stayed in Induction the last time, consider moving to OWL after your 14 days this time around. OWL offers a wider variety of foods, which means you have more nutrient-dense foods to choose from for your general health. The majority of us can eat more than 20 net carbs and still lose weight. So that means you'll be able to not only have a greater source of nutrients, you'll be able to get enough from your foods.

From my own experience, I know that the addition of 5 net carbs of vegetables allowed me to nix the fiber supplements to avoid constipation.

[urbangoddess]

Re: cronic leg cramps

I was on Atkins longterm, and did move into OWL. I do take supplements, but I'm still having the problems. I noticed that it gets really bad if I have alcohol, so I generally avoid it. I'm just trying to understand the body-chemistry involved here so that I can solve this problem.

[not2late]

Re: cronic leg cramps

I was on Atkins longterm, and did move into OWL. I do take supplements, but I'm still having the problems. I noticed that it gets really bad if I have alcohol, so I generally avoid it. I'm just trying to understand the body-chemistry involved here so that I can solve this problem.

Lots of things can be the cause of muscle cramps. Dehydration is one of them. Fatigue (from exercising) is another. So if the supplements aren't helping, you might have to see if the other causes are also contributing to your cramps.

Links about muscle cramps:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003193.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

[urbangoddess]

Re: cronic leg cramps

Thanks for those valuable links, Megs. I'm convinced that it is deficency related, since the symptoms disappear when I go off of this WOE. I'm going to increase my calcium and magnesium and check my Vitamin D. It might be a malabsortion problem. Maybe switch to a better supplement that is more readily metabolized by the body.
And getting enough water HAS been a challenge for me, so I'll try to be more vigilant about it.

[kkat55]

Re: cronic leg cramps

Here's a link I found for you that talks about another supplement to add. Might be worth a try.

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ghlight=cramps

[Analog6]

Re: cronic leg cramps

Thanks for those valuable links, Megs. I'm convinced that it is deficency related, since the symptoms disappear when I go off of this WOE. I'm going to increase my calcium and magnesium and check my Vitamin D. It might be a malabsortion problem. Maybe switch to a better supplement that is more readily metabolized by the body.
And getting enough water HAS been a challenge for me, so I'll try to be more vigilant about it.

Perhaps looking at what foods you add when you go off it might give a clue as to what your body needs. Do an experiment and introduce other foods one at a time (I know this means you'll be off plan a bit, but it may help). If the cramps lessen or disappear, have a look at that food's ingredients and see if you can identify what it is that is helping. Then maybe you can find a legal Atkins food or an appropriate supplement to provide it in your diet.

[kkat55]

Re: cronic leg cramps

How are those leg cramps?