FLOWERDUDE's Journal, 23 June 2010

Did these cramps just start?  

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. 

Try adding some calcium supplements also, along with vitamin D. I would recommend Calcium Citrate as it is absorbed more easily. ANd make sure you are getting enough water and salt. As you know already, this heat is really hard on our bodies as we get dehydrated very rapidly, and that can also lead to leg cramps. You may also want to double up the potassium dosage. I checked my "old" Atkins books, and this is what Dr. Atkins recommended. 

FD, I would also recommend a pair of the Sketchers Shape Up shoes if you can afford them). They helped with my foot, leg, and back issues immensely. They have great padding and support! 

And meant to tell you the reason for the Vitamin D is that it helps your body absorb the calcium more easily! And all these suggestions are in the old book, not just the potassium. 

Thx...no. didn't just start...have had issues in the past. I stand ALOT 6-8 hrs a day on concrete...so I am sure that is an issue.. But lately they seem more frequent. I have been pushing the water... but have been LOSING ALOT of water today.. Thanks for the tips. I will totally try the dble dose...I am a big fella (but getting smaller all the time. :) 

Maybe try PowerAde Zero if you're spending a lot of time outside sweating. It will replace the electrolytes that water alone cannot.  

Remember your broth, Dude. A cup of chicken or beef bullion can work wonders. I use the beef because, for whatever reason, the chicken has 1 gram of carbohydrate. Go figure. The other advise is sound. If you're a coffee drinker, coffee has some potassium in it. It's all the excuse I need to drink 2 or 3 or 5 cups a day. lol 

I wholeheartedly agree with the calcium suggestion. Cramping has been an issue for me. A physical therapist told me about taking calcium and it really works for me.