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Electrolytes and the leg cramp cure

Reference #: 2,858
Submit Date: 29 Aug 2009
Browse Category: cramps
Author: none
Email Address: none
Treatment used: electrolytes
You can buy this remedy at: drug store
Remedy will cost you: unknown
Country of Remedy: USA
Remedy Source: "Ask the Doctor", Dr. Peter Gott, Newspaper Columnist, Aug 27, 2009
More Links about this Remedy: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/lifestyles/gott/1735725,4_6_GOTT_S1-090827.article
# Comments posted to this remedy: 0
Complaints Reported: 0
# of times remedy read: 10,233


Dosage Info:
Typical Dosage: unknown
Dosage should be related to weight: unknown
 
Dosages used in clinical trials are significant: unknown
Maximum dosages in relation to side effects and serious side effects: unknown
Other foods/nutrients/medications that can affect absorption or utilization: unknown
Foods that provide the nutrient recommended as a remedy (or reference giving same): unknown



Ratings:
Total # reviewers: 0
Average Rating: 0.00
 
Effectiveness: 0.00
No Side Effects: 0.00
Ease of Use: 0.00
Effective after long term use: 0.00
Cost Effectiveness: 0.00


Browse: cramps

Remedy Description

Source:



"Ask the Doctor", Dr. Peter Gott, Newspaper Columnist, Aug 27, 2009



http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/lifestyles/gott/1735725,4_6_GOTT_S1-090827.article



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Q: I have been reading your column for years and have been helped numerous times by your

advice and the advice of your readers. I have some input into the nightly leg cramps

experienced by lots of people. I have been suffering from these for at least 56 years.



I used quinine for many years, but it was taken off the market. I tried drinking tonic

water because of the quinine content, but couldn't stand the taste of it. A few years ago,

I had colon surgery, and while in the hospital, my legs were in an apparatus that came on

every few minutes. It felt like a giant blood-pressure cuff, and I was told it would aid

my circulation and prevent clots, since I wasn't able to get up and move around. It also

had the added benefit of keeping away the cramps.



When I came home, the cramps returned, so one of my daughters bought me some Pedialyte. It

worked immediately. I buy the individual-serving-size bottles (it comes in a four-pack) so

that it doesn't get wasted since I don't get cramps every night. They usually occur in the

middle of the night, so I keep it in my bedroom closet so it is handy.



I have noticed that I get cramps only when I have lost a lot of fluid, such as from

sweating or using diuretics because of occasional edema.







********************

Dr. Gott: Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution used to replace minerals and fluids in

children who have lost them due to vomiting or diarrhea. There are also store brands

available that are cheaper and achieve the same results.



This product may work for you because your cramps are triggered by fluid loss, which means

you are also losing electrolytes. This is common in those who exercise strenuously or do

hard labor. The drink simply replaces what has been lost, thus stopping the cramps. Other

solutions to nightly leg cramps include pickle juice and sports drinks, such as Gatorade

or Powerade.



My soap-under-the-bed-sheets trick may be beneficial as a preventive measure. For those

who have more frequent leg cramps at night or when resting, I recommend examination by a

physician to check for the possibility of Restless Legs Syndrome. This condition may not

respond to typical leg-cramp treatments and may require the use of prescription medication

This remedy can also be used for:



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