Restless leg syndrome diet

Restless leg syndrome can be a very distressing condition, which causes tickling, burning or even pricking sensations, or an urge to kick the legs about with involuntary twitching in the muscles in the legs.

Restless leg syndrome is also know as Ekbom’s syndrome (he was the first person to use the term “restless legs” when he was studying the condition in 1945) and can be more common in pregnant and middle-age women, smokers, diabetics, people with low blood sugar and those who drink to much coffee (or nowadays caffeinated energy drinks).

Common causes could be lack of iron, vitamin E and the mineral magnesium. (see related article: Herbal Help for restless legs).

 

Restless leg syndrome diet – what to avoid?

 

As with many aliments, there are many lifestyle changes we can make to help ease the problem. The following are things in your every day diet that may help with restless leg syndrome.

  •  Cut down on your alcohol intake.
  • Cut out caffeine of any sort (tea, coffee, energy drinks even chocolate, sorry)
  • Avoid too many foods containing sugar.
  • Reduce the amount of refined pasties, cakes, mass produced pies and biscuits

 

Restless leg syndrome diet – helpful foods.

  •  Eat good quality protein in any form at least once a day. (tofu, fish, chicken, pluses etc)
  • Eat more brown rice, quinoa and couscous.
  • Eat more leafy green veggies, fruit and honey, which are rich in magnesium.
  • Essential fats are vital.
  • Drink relaxing herbal teas, like camomile and lemon balm.
  • As you need to have plenty of B vits with restless leg syndrome, so eat more porridge and low-sugar oat based cereals and oat bran.

Restless leg syndrome diet – Remedies

To see more helpful home remedies see the related article: Herbal help for Restless Legs

  •  If you are deficient in iron, take a liquid formula like spatone or floradix
  • Take a B-Complex to help can nerve endings.
  • Magnesium before bed as it is very important for relaxing muscles.

Restless leg syndrome diet – other helpful lifestyle changes.

  •  A blood test to see if your anaemic or not.
  • Plenty of exercise.
  • Massage your legs before bed (magnesium spray can be useful for this)
  • If practical go for a walk for a least 30 minutes in the evening.

Sources used:

1. New edition, 500 of the most important health tips you’ll ever need, Hazel Courteney et al, Cico books