If you have RLS, there are also foods that you will want to avoid because they can exacerbate the condition and make your symptoms worse. The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods.
What is your body lacking when you have restless legs?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS, Willis-Ekbom disease) has no primary cause. It can be genetic (runs in families) or due to brain dysfunction. Sometimes restless legs are caused by low levels of iron in the blood (iron deficiency anemia).
Does drinking water help restless legs?
Absolutely. Drinking water can help with restless legs as it helps prevent dehydration. Avoid stimulants like nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or sugary drinks before bed. Being dehydrated can trigger RLS, so staying hydrated, and drinking water consistently can help curb the body's temptations to move.Mar 8, 2021
What deficiency causes restless legs?
Iron deficiency is thought to be one of the main causes of RLS. Several studies have shown that iron supplements can help ease RLS symptoms ( 1 , 3 ).
What foods are good 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.
What is the main cause of restless leg syndrome?
Often, there's no known cause for RLS . Researchers suspect the condition may be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement.
What are you lacking when you have restless leg syndrome?
The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes).
What aggravates restless leg syndrome?
certain medications that may aggravate RLS symptoms, such as antinausea drugs (e.g. prochlorperazine or metoclopramide), antipsychotic drugs (e.g., haloperidol or phenothiazine derivatives), antidepressants that increase serotonin (e.g., fluoxetine or sertraline), and some cold and allergy medications that contain
What makes restless leg syndrome act up?
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
What calms restless legs at night?
- Try baths and massages. Soaking in a warm bath and massaging your legs can relax your muscles.
- Apply warm or cool packs.
- Establish good sleep hygiene.
- Exercise.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Consider using a foot wrap.