Has anyone heard if potassium will help RLS? I've recently read online that RLS could be from a depletion of potassium, magnesium or iron. Any thoughts?
2007-04-21 14:24:37 · 4 answers · asked by calliko 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I've suffered from RLS for many years. My chiropractor had me try a product called "Natural Calm" (I got it from him, but you can order it over the net). It's a magensium supplement that's in powder form, you mix it with water before bedtime. Magnesium is also a natural sedative, so while it helps calm your legs down, it also helps you become naturally drowsy without the side effects that drugs can cause. Just don't take more than the recommended dosage (1 tsp in about 8 oz of water) as it can cause diarrhea.
The more tired and dehydrated you are, the worse your symptoms can become. Stress also seems to play a big role in how badly your legs can spasm. I use aromatherapy, music therapy (especially beta wave), and drink plenty of water.
If you haven't done so already, a visit to your primary care physician is in order to rule out any other possible illnesses that could be the cause of your symptoms. Unfortunately, RLS is diagnosed by a proceess of elimination. Don't begin a supplement plan without first discussing it with your doctor and having a complete blood workup done to make sure that your electrolytes (which is what potassium and magnesium are) are in balance and too much iron can cause problems as well if your iron level is within normal limits. In the meantime, unless you have cardiac or kidney problems, try drinking extra fluids and perhaps using some alternative therapies (such as the aroma therapy or beta wave therapy) to see if they work.
Peace and good luck to you!
Beki
Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation: www.rls.org
Natural Calm: www.naturalcalm.net
2007-04-21 14:50:24 · answer #1 · answered by Tat2dNrse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had RLS when I was on dialysis. My diet prevented me from eating alot of foods with potassium, magnesium, or iron. I always had vitamin deficiencies and I was anemic. So yes, I'm assuming that there is a correlation between the depletion of those vitamins/minerals and RLS because now I'm healthy. I can eat whatever I want and I take vitamins and the RLS is gone. Just be careful with the potassium. If you consume too much it can cause serious health problems.
2007-04-21 14:37:59 · answer #2 · answered by hmasson28 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read it was Zinc?
2007-04-21 14:37:48 · answer #3 · answered by gillianprowe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT'S FAKE, THERE IS NO SUCH THING!
I'M NOT KIDDING!
2007-04-22 07:36:36 · answer #4 · answered by Birdie 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋