Restless Legs Syndrome: Natural Solutions

At the last Becoming Ageless™ workshop a question was raised about restless legs.  This is a common condition for menopausal women so I decided to post it on our website.  Restless legs may not mean you have the syndrome but the information can be used for both.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition characterized by unpleasant feelings or sensations in the legs combined with a strong urge to move your legs.  This need can be so overwhelming it keeps you awake at night wiggling your legs.  Some of the words used to describe the feelings are creepy-crawly, itchy, pulling, crawling and tugging.  There may be pain involved.  When the individual is active there is usually no problem or uncomfortable sensation but when resting by sitting or lying down the need to move returns.  Unfortunately, for some individuals the sensations get worse the longer they rest causing insomnia and fatigue.

What causes RLS?

No one cause for Restless Legs Syndrome has been found however, there are common factors.

• RLS can run in families.
• Children and adults with RLS have a higher incidence of also having ADD.
• Deficiencies in key nutrients may be a factor.  These nutrients are iron, folic acid, B vitamins and magnesium.  Some individuals find rapid relief by supplementing with these nutrients.  Contact your naturopathic physician for proper dosage.
• It is common in individuals with renal failure.
• Pregnant women may develop some of the symptoms.
• Damage to nerves in the hands and feet can lead to RLS.

Alternative Treatments for RLS

As we transition, unwise lifestyle choices from our past may manifest in the present as nutrient deficiencies.  For instance, drinking alcohol or smoking depletes the body of certain vitamins and minerals, if you quit several years ago your body may not have had the chance to catch up yet.  If you're still consuming alcohol or smoking, I suggest you see your health care practitioner about these nutrient deficiencies.   Here are some suggestions: 

• Taking a calcium/magnesium supplement at night helps sooth the muscles and nerves. 
• Add extra Vitamin E and magnesium to your diet.  In a recent study the two most deficient nutrients in our country were these two nutrients.  Both have been studied and used successfully to treat restless legs. 
• Iron is another nutrient that you may want to check out.  It can be toxic however, so ensure you check with your doctor first before taking this nutrient.
• Chronic stress can rob your body of B vitamins as can dietary and lifestyle choices.  Stress keeps our body on high alert ready to take flight or fight.  B vitamins feed the nerves and help your body relax.  Find a multi vitamin/mineral that has a good supply of these nutrients.  Avoid taking B vitamins at night however, take them in the morning and noon or up to late afternoon.  Why?  They can give you a hit of energy and keep you awake, defeating the purpose completely!
• Folic acid is another nutrient naturopathic physician use effectively to treat RLS.  It feeds the nerves and has been used successfully to treat several neurological disorders like RLS. 

More Suggestions for treating RLS

Lifestyle and dietary choices can impact your ability to relax and fall asleep so keep the following in mind when finding a solution to your RLS.

• Avoid caffeine, period! That includes chocolate ladies.  At least for a certain period of time to see if, in combination with the above nutrients, it makes a difference.
• Cut back on refined salt intake and focus on whole salt like Celtic, Himalayan or Antarctic Salt.  The taste is not quite as strong and it has all the nutrients intact.  Refined table and sea salt have over 60 key nutrients removed. Read labels.  I am in the process of writing an E-book on Healing with Whole Foods and Ancient Traditions.  It will have a section on using salt for healing!  I will keep you posted, but only if you sign up for the free Quickzine newsletter!
• Add Epsom salts and/or whole sea salt to your bath.  Epsom salts are a form of magnesium and can help sooth the muscles. Sea salt has healing qualities science is only just beginning to explore.
• Developing regular sleep patterns has also been shown affective. This means creating regular routines around bedtime, like a regular time to get to bed, listening to soothing music, etc.  Some people find their symptoms improve in the morning so they change their sleeping times to accommodate.