If too much salt is lost, the level of fluid in the blood will drop. Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below the normal range of 135–145 mEq/L. In severe cases, low sodium levels in the body can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Sodium is vital to regulate fluid balance in the body, and this is especially important for athletes because without it, leg or muscle cramps can occur. Salt can indeed stop cramps. Maintaining sodium levels is important for athletes and endurance workers to function at their highest level.
As many as 60% of Americans report having nocturnal leg cramps. Usually no cause is identified, but electrolyte abnormalities — usually too-low blood levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium or phosphate — can predispose a person to developing cramps.
Salty Solutions
For those who are prone to severe muscle cramps or who are salty sweaters, that may not be enough. Players with extreme heat cramping need even more sodium, which they can get on-field by adding ¼ teaspoon of table salt to a 16 to 20-oz beverage.
Before sodium levels drop into ranges that can be called hyponatremia, muscle cramps and twitches may occur. To avoid these types of cramps, you may need to consume more sodium surrounding workouts. Sodium, along with other electrolytes, controls muscle contractions by triggering nerve impulses.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Since magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission and muscle contraction, it has been hypothesised that magnesium deficiency may predispose to muscle cramps. Thus magnesium supplements are often recommended to prevent cramps.
Vitamin D and Calcium Deficiency are the prime reasons to cause muscle cramps and joint pains. It is important for each of us to know our vitamin levels in the body so that accordingly we can take supplements, and special nutrients to our diet and most importantly if required, seek medical help.
It appears that 325 milligrams of quinine taken by mouth at bedtime typically relieves nocturnal leg cramps, but lower starting doses are appropriate for senior citizens and individuals with impaired renal function. In general, quinine in any form should be avoided by pregnant women and people with hepatic failure.
Symptoms of hyponatremia can include nausea and vomiting, loss of energy and confusion. Serious hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death. Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medicines or have medical problems that put them at risk of the disorder.
Bananas: A Time-Tested Treatment
You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. But they'll also give you magnesium and calcium. That's three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel.
Hyponatremia occurs when your blood sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. When the sodium level in your blood is too low, extra water goes into your cells and makes them swell. This swelling can be dangerous especially in the brain, since the brain cannot expand past the skull.
But if your symptoms persist even after at-home remedies, it could be more than just leg pain—it could be your heart. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that is marked by limited blood flow to the limbs, particularly your legs, as a result of plaque buildup in your arteries.
You may increase your risk of leg cramps at night if you: Sit for long periods, especially with poor posture. Stand for long periods, particularly on concrete floors. Overuse the muscles.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and affect muscle activity. A well-hydrated body functions better in many ways, including muscle health. If you frequently experience leg cramps at night, it could mean you need to drink more fluids before going to bed.
If you only get leg cramps occasionally, it is not a cause for concern and a medical diagnosis is not required. A visit to your GP will only be necessary if you get leg cramps frequently, or if they are so painful they disrupt your sleep and you are unable to function normally the next day.