Do you constantly have an urge to move your legs? You may have restless legs syndrome. It comes with pain, throbbing, or other uncomfortable feelings. Also, it is very difficult to sleep with this condition. So you might be looking for one solution to all these problems. But is magnesium a simple solution for restless legs? Can magnesium deliver on its claim to help with restless legs sleep disorders? Let us take a deeper look.

In this article, we will discuss how magnesium help with restless legs syndrome. In the end, we recommend some other treatment options for restless legs.

  Studies suggest that the condition of restless legs can occur by a lack of magnesium. Taking magnesium supplements can help to lessen its symptoms. When a deficit is suspected to have a role in the illness, this mineral is occasionally utilized as a treatment for restless legs.

Further studies show that magnesium helps to promote relaxation. It helps the calcium to block their reaction with the nerves. When a body has low levels of magnesium it is unable to block calcium hence causing muscle spasms and twitching. Also, research suggests that it helps with sleep regulation as well.

Therefore, increasing magnesium intake is a highly effective treatment for restless legs when its deficit is the cause.

It is a natural mineral. This mineral controls the body’s chemicals that affect how muscles and nerves work. It supports sugar level regulation, heart function, and protein synthesis. A human body requires a total of 25 grams of magnesium to operate properly. This involves immune system health as well as normal neuron and muscle tone. Magnesium deficiency can cause cramping, muscle pain, and problems with the transport of nerve signals.

Deficiency of Magnesium

A urinary or blood sample or saliva test can be used to determine the blood magnesium level. Following are the reasons for magnesium deficiency:

• If you suffer from long-term health issues such as diabetes, kidney, heart, or digestive issues.
• Whenever you take medication.
• If your diet is poor.
• If you are pregnant.
• When you are of advanced age, renal problems may be the reason for your loss of magnesium.
• If you drink too much alcohol.

It is important to notice that several health issues such as heart problems or diabetes are linked with sleep difficulties and are increased by low magnesium levels.

It is available in different forms such as by mouth or by injection and in different doses. Magnesium is most commonly used in the form of oral tablets to help with restless legs. You can take up to 270 to 350 mg, which is safe to use daily by adults. To find out the right dose for you, consult a qualified doctor.

Caution

However, when you take magnesium for your restless legs, you should always take it with the advice of a doctor. Its high dose can cause the following side effects:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Low pulse rate
• Low blood pressure
• Or slow breathing etc.

If you notice any of the signs immediately report them to your doctor.

Besides supplements, it is always a good idea to maintain a healthy diet. You can increase your intake of foods high in magnesium. Such as

• Eat green leafy vegetables such as kale or spinach etc.
• Eat nuts and seeds such as almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.
• Meat such as fish has high amounts of magnesium.
• Add a good quantity of beans and lentils to your diet as well.
• Eat fruits rich in magnesium such as banana, dried figs, avocado, papaya, berries,etc.
• The use of dairy is also a good source.

It is generally safe to use in oral supplements and diet. However, if you have any other health issues such as a bleeding problem then you should not take this. Most importantly consult every health matter with your doctor before taking it. As it can slow the clotting of blood and pose a risk for excessive bleeding and blood loss. In addition, if you have any kidney problems, avoid taking magnesium as it poses a risk for kidney failure.

Moreover, nursing or pregnant females should not take magnesium in injection form. As it can react with the medicines or supplements they might be taking for the condition.

Numerous natural and other treatments, in addition to magnesium, can provide help with restless legs. Here are some of the treatments that may help you.

• Take a warm bath to relax your muscles. The temperature compresses to relieve the tingling sensation to help with your restless legs.
• Give your muscles a massage. Improper blood flow is linked to restless legs. While massage promotes healthy blood flow. So it will help to relieve some of your uneasiness.
• Exercise is good for toning muscles.
• Avoid taking too much caffeine as it slows down magnesium absorption. While also it makes the body more alert and difficult to relax.
• Use relaxation exercises to relax your body, mind, and soul such as meditation or yoga. It will help to alleviate symptoms of restless legs as well as relax your mind and release your stress.
• Finally, maintain a healthy sleep routine. As it is most disturbing during your sleep time but not sleeping increases the symptoms of unease. Try to sleep in a quiet and peaceful place. Switch off lights and stop using any digital screen (e.g. mobile or tv etc.) before an hour to have a good night’s sleep.

You can read “Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) – Jumpy Feet” under the section on body and aches at Epsychonline. To help learn about this condition, its causes, and how to manage it.

Further, you can enroll in the “Chronic Pain” course on our website. Research has shown that restless legs syndrome can be caused due to chronic diseases such as arthritis, kidney problem, etc. Moreover, magnesium deficiency causes increase chronic pain and restless legs. The course for chronic pain will help you to cope with your pain and manage the other effects also.

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