Muscle cramps can develop as a result of overuse of the muscle, dehydration, strain or simply from holding a position for too long. Whatever the cause, they can be painful!

What causes it and what can we do about it? Can we eat things that will help? What we eat is important as the body gets the nutrition it needs from our food. We have a smoothie recipe at the end of the post that may help.

What causes cramp?

A staff writer at the MayoClinic tells us that …

Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to your legs (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while you’re exercising. These cramps usually go away soon after you stop exercising.

Nerve compression. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) also can produce cramp-like pain in your legs. The pain usually worsens the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly flexed position — such as you would use when pushing a shopping cart ahead of you — may improve or delay the onset of your symptoms.

Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

 

So what can we do about it?

 

Please click the ‘Next Page’ button below for some suggestions …

 

 

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