A muscle cramp is a painful contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, and commonly occur in your legs and feet; however, muscle cramps can occur in any area of your body. Intense exercise, medications and physical labor can contribute to this condition. Certain vitamins and herbs may help reduce the severity and frequency of muscle cramps.
Check with your physician before taking any vitamin or herb to treat muscle cramps.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin -- your body stores it in fat tissues. It may offer antioxidant benefits, preventing the oxidation of lipids that can attack muscle, bone, connective tissue and organ cells. It is also necessary for proper blood circulation. Vitamin E may help prevent claudication, which is cramping of your muscles caused by poor blood supply to muscle tissues, according to Harford Community College. Boost your intake of vitamin E by consuming avocados, vegetable oils, eggs, wheat germ and whole-grain cereals.
B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are made up of eight water-soluble vitamins, meaning that your body does not readily store them. These vitamins include niacin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin and pyridoxine. Adding B-complex vitamins to your diet may help prevent muscle cramps, according to MayoClinic.com. Cobalamin, also called vitamin B-12, may be particularly important for managing muscle cramp pain. It aids in the production of fats that coat nerves and protects them from toxic damage, states certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Cobalamin is found in eggs, milk, cheese and meat.
Thyme
Thyme is more widely known as a culinary herb than a medicinal plant. However, it has been used in herbal medicine since the 17th century, when German herbalists began using it as an antiseptic, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Thymol, the active chemical compound in thyme leaves, may also help relax muscles, which may decrease the severity and frequency of muscle cramps. Consult your physician before treating or preventing muscle cramps with thyme. In rare cases, it may cause headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Ginger
Ginger adds a spicy flavor and sweet aroma to Asian stir-fry dishes and soups, as well as Indian dals and curries. It has also been used in herbal medicine since about 3000 BC, according to Castleman. Ancient Chinese herbal texts identified ginger as a remedy for fever, cold symptoms and leprosy. Like thyme, ginger may soothe and relax muscles, particularly the smooth muscles that line your digestive tract. Check with your doctor if you plan to use ginger to treat muscle cramps. Although side effects are uncommon, ginger may contribute to heartburn.
References
- Harford Community College: Fat Soluble Vitamins
- MayoClinic.com: Muscle Cramp; July 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
