RLS is triggered by salt intake. A salty meal ups the blood pres- sure and high blood pressure dulls the nerves that signal spasms to the muscles. Drink lots of water. RLS is caused by electrolyte imbalances and over-hydration.
The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods. Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe. These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.
In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown. However, RLS often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS. RLS also may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement.
Restless legs can be a tormenting condition with the power to keep you awake all night. Epsom salt is a natural muscle relaxant that can soothe and relieve these symptoms. While soaking in a Newton Wood Epsom Salt bath, muscle tension is reduced and your whole body is supported for a healthy night's sleep.
Diet for Restless Leg Syndrome
Incorporate a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet with an emphasis on dark leafy greens. Eat a variety of iron-rich foods like lean meat. Include seeds, tree nuts, and legumes in your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and fried foods that may make you gain weight.
Make Exercise a Habit
One study found that exercise led to less leg movement and longer and deeper sleep for people with RLS. Be careful not to overdo it. Intense exercise or working out just before bedtime could make your symptoms worse.
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Most evidence to date suggests that brain dopaminergic dysfunction plays a key role in the development of restless legs syndrome (RLS), and vitamin D is essential for the function of the dopaminergic system.
Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
Sleeping Position
Along with a new mattress, how you sleep is essential to alleviating RLS symptoms. For instance, sleeping on your back is ideal because it evenly distributes your body weight and lets your back muscles relax.
Although there's no cure for restless legs syndrome, medications and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms and increase restful sleep. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco may help. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs or using a heating pad or ice pack can also relieve symptoms.
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating. Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression.
drinking more water. Dehydration may cause the urge to move the legs, so some people find drinking a glass of water stops the urges for a short while. soaking your feet in hot water just prior to going to sleep. wearing compression stockings or tights in bed.
Researchers have also suggested vitamin B12 may help relieve the symptoms of RLS (x), while others have found that vitamin B complex supplements may help to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of night-time leg cramps in older people with high blood pressure (xi).
The recommended daily amount of elemental magnesium in a supplement form is between 200 to 400 mg daily for adults. Taking it at bedtime should benefit sleep.
Did you know that research shows that ripened bananas are found to contain magnesium, potassium, and a natural form of dopamine? These substances work together and may be a significant help in relieving your restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a dopamine-dependent disorder characterized by a strong urge to move.
One of the most common causes of restless leg syndrome is low iron in the brain. This can be estimated, to a fair degree, through ferritin level testing in the blood. Low levels of ferritin indicate a state of iron deficiency and iron supplements or infusions may be needed to increase the brain iron.
Restless legs syndrome is a lifelong condition that might get worse with age. But some people go into remission and don't have symptoms for days to years. Keep your doctor updated on how you're doing. If you start to feel worse, they might suggest lifestyle changes or medications.
Gabapentinoids — Pregabalin, gabapentin, and gabapentin enacarbil are all appropriate first-line therapies for chronic persistent RLS in many patients [7,49,50].
RLS typically flares up at night. In more severe cases, the symptoms may begin earlier in the day, but they become much more intense at bedtime. Symptoms improve when you walk or move your legs. The relief continues as long as you keep moving.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful in somepeople with RLS. The medications most commonly prescribed for restless legs syndrome are dopaminergic agents and gabapentin.
Seated calf stretch: Try this exercise in bed to help relieve RLS cramping and discomfort that can keep you awake. Sitting in bed, straighten your right leg and flex your right foot toward you, clasping your hands around your toes. Pull your toes toward you and hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg.