The Link Between Magnesium and Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes the overwhelming urge to move your legs. Symptoms often increase when your inactive and the conditions are accompanied by pain, throbbing, or other unpleasant sensations.
Magnesium is a natural mineral that our bodies need to function correctly. A magnesium deficiency can cause problems with nerve impulse conduction, muscle contractions and muscle cramps. Here’s what we know at MyPinsOnline about the link between Magnesium Restless Leg Syndrome:
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an element found throughout the body in blood, bones and soft tissues. Magnesium works with over 300 enzymes that regulate protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose and blood pressure. It plays an important role in hydration, muscle relaxation, energy production, and, most importantly, adrenaline’s deactivation. You should always consult your doctor before taking Magnesium as Magnesium can slow blood clotting and increase bleeding risk. However, Magnesium is considered safe for most people to take when in oral supplement form and Magnesium that’s obtained through food.
Magnesium and Restless Leg Syndrome
Research suggests that a magnesium deficiency may cause certain causes of Restless Leg Syndrome and that magnesium supplements can reduce symptoms of the condition. Magnesium is sometimes used as a natural or alternative remedy of Restless Leg Syndrome especially when the deficiency is thought to contribute to the condition. One study found that Magnesium improved insomnia caused by Restless Leg Syndrome; magnesium treatments provided relief as an alternative therapy.
How Can Magnesium Help?
Because of its muscle relaxing properties, Magnesium is highly regarded as an effective treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome. Especially in contrast to the calcium in the body, Magnesium is a valuable supplement to take while treating Restless Leg Syndrome. Without the balance of Magnesium, larger amounts of calcium can make nerves overactive and increase muscle contraction, twitching and spasms.
Where can I find Magnesium in food?
Magnesium is able to be stored well within the body with one of the highest concentrations found in bones than muscles as well as soft tissues and body fluids. Here is a list of some good food sources packed with Magnesium:
- Almonds, cashews, brazil, pecan nuts
- Buckwheat
- Cocoa
- Wheat bran
- Brown rice
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Sunflower seeds
- Potatoes with skin
- Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and silverbeet.
Other Health Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for energy production and cardiovascular health. It can be critical to those already with cardio issues or metabolic issues such as diabetes. Magnesium helps with neurotransmitter function so helps with sleep support and can combat insomnia of Restless Leg Syndrome. Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation such as cramps, tight muscles after a workout and symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome.
There’s strong evidence that magnesium deficiencies can contribute to Restless Leg Syndrome. Taking a daily magnesium supplement that may help to reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality.
At MyPinsOnline, we recommend talking to a doctor or a medical professional to discuss alternative medications or home remedies that may benefit you.
