Natural ideas, options and diet recommendations.

Prevention is easier than cure!

• Take a calcium  and magnesium supplement.
• Take B Vitamins, and vitamin E for good circulation.
• Regular exercise routine which involves flexing your calf muscles daily and foot circles.
• Put your feet up regularly in the last weeks of pregnancy.
• Eat less meat, less dairy products and no soft drinks.
• Eat plenty of protein, fish, nuts, and other legumes
• Avoid heavy lifting, pointing toes and quick movements.

Immediate response which is very effective.

• Stand on a cold surface.
• Leg Cramps- Extend or straighten out muscles that are cramping - this usually involves sitting on the bed or the floor with the leg straight and toes flexed back towards the body.
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• Foot Cramps- Roll the foot over a bottle (a wine bottle in a suitable diameter). If your feet cramp during the night, keep the bottle under your bed for easy access.
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• All Cramps- Apply warm moist heat (eg hot wet flannel). Once cramping has subsided, massage to promote circulation.

Natural home solutions to prevent leg cramps and twitchy legs.
- Increase intake of calcium-rich foods. Nettles teas are particularly helpful as well as eating lots of dark green vegetables.
- Ensure a good level of calcium absorption by exercising regularly.
- Excessive stress can impair calcium absorption, as can a high acid diet.
- Raspberry leaf infusion contains calcium in its most absorb-able form.
- Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, rhubarb, silverbeet brewers yeast, all of which interfere with the absorption of calcium

Biochemical
- Take Mag Phos. ( buy this from a pharmacy)

Homoeopathic Remedies.
Read the description under the remedy and decide which one best describes your situation.

Chamomilla:
- Severe cramps in calves
- Much pain and indignation

Colocynth:
- Intermittent cramps in abdomen, calves, hands
- Restlessness

Rhus Tox:
- Must walk with cramps in legs every night

Sulphur
- Cramps in legs with hot flushed and faint spells

Verat Alb:
- Cramps in extremities with cold sweat
- Weak, retching with sweat

Vibernum:
- Cramp in legs and feet after walking and at night