Pages: 1
Cramps
(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: Jeanie
Lately I have been getting some really bad cramps in my feet, especially while my bike riding. Is this due to a lack of Potassium? My toes curl painlully while it happens.
Posted by: Jodi
It could be potassium. Are you taking any?
Posted by: Jeanie
Nothing other then what is in the protein shakes that I drink. Should I be supplementing?
Posted by: Jodi
Most definately. I'd suggest 2 99mg caps per day to start with then when the cramping goes away, just 1 should be enough. Do you eat sodium?
Posted by: Jeanie
Yes, but I don't add salt to stuff. Which brings up another question. I was so hungry when I went to the store and I was looking for some type of cracker made with pure wheat or rye. I saw Triscuts and wondered how bad these are for you?
Posted by: Cardinal
I think I can offer a few suggestions to help. Supplementing with electrolytes is a good first step. However, I don't think that 200mg of potassium will be even remotely enough to do anything for the cramps. You can get more potassium supplementally if you buy potassium chloride and use it as a substitute for salt. I have been using very large quantities of it lately and I believe it has helped a great deal. Also see how much potassium you are already getting in your diet and increase consumption of foods high in potassium as an even better source.
Additionally, try magnesium capsules as well. I think 400mg magnesium per capsule is a typical amount. I use NOW brand for all of the above. Most people intake nowhere near enough K+ and too much Na+.
Low carbohydrate diets are terrible about depleting the body of electrolyte stores. So I wouldn't remotely follow a low carb plan if you are having cramping problems. Instead eat over your maintenance level in calories and make sure to take in very high amounts of carbohydrates to maximize cellular hydration. Along with that, drink high amounts of fluid while training and throughout the day. As an endurance athlete you may need on the order of gallons of water to keep properly hydrated, especially if training in hot weather.
Those steps should help considerably ime.
(CLICK HERE here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Cramps
Article Archives
