Hello,

I just started a low carb diet about a week ago and I'm "easing" into it to avoid the carb flu that made me quit years ago. I'm at about 50g/day of carbs currently and I am constantly getting foot cramps (charlie horses) about 10 times a day (sometimes in the middle of the night). I'm wondering why this is, and if there is anything I can do to get rid of these? They're pretty annoying.

Suggestions or explanations appreciated!

Laura

You need Potassium and water (electrolytes too). Try to keep as hydrated as much as possible, especially during the beginning. It'll help with the cramping and with fighting of the flu. Chicken broth is another really good thing to add to your diet these days.

As for an explanation, you're body is going through a diuretic stage. You're losing electrolites and the cramping can be attributed to the same things that cause the low carb flu. But you can beat it by adding the right things to your diet, like water, sodium (chicken broth) and potasium. During Atkins induction (for me) I try to remember to have a big bowl of chicken broth and a whole avocado. Not sure what your plan entails and what your options are, but replenish those liquids and minerals and you'll feel better in many ways, including less cramping.

Magnesium and salt(broth) worked for the night time charley horses that would throw me out of bed at night.

I started up my multivitamin again yesterday (I had run out) and they're already 50% better and haven't had any today at all. I will try the cup of broth at night and see if they go away all together.

Thanks!

magnesium, potassium, calcium. get your minerals

Eating avocadoes and also a plain old can of tuna (with mayo of course) gives plenty of potassium too. Worked for me.

Hi there,

I haven't been posting much as I have trouble round dieting places (my elder daughter has an eating disorder and nearly became anorexic) at the moment, but I popped in for another reason and saw this.

Anyway, one of my hobbies is magnesium research and I posted this on the forum a while back:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...636#post8331636

It should give you some useful information on how to treat those cramps.

Amanda

Wow, thanks! I read up about it and saw Mg is good for an array of problems I have. Including night time jaw clenching and FM. I'm definitely going to take a mineral supplement with Mg from now on and see if it helps.