If you are experiencing frequent muscle pains or spasms you may not need any medication -- it could be your diet. When certain nutrients are not present in your body it stops functioning properly and that can lead to muscle pain and spasms. Learning the daily recommended amount of the nutrients that affects your muscles is a great way to be sure that you are getting the nutrition that you need in your diet. If you are deficient in any of the nutrients supplements may be able to solve your problem.
Magnesium
A magnesium deficiency in your body can lead to an increased level of muscle cramps and pain. Magnesium helps balance calcium levels in the muscles and tissues and when there is not enough magnesium present the calcium can harden the muscles. The excess hardening of the muscles can lead to spasms more often. Good sources of magnesium include legumes, green vegetables, watermelon, blackberries, bananas, tuna and shrimp. Men should consume 400 mg of magnesium a day and women should have 300 mg to avoid a deficiency.
Ginko Biloba
Muscle cramps are often caused by an lack of oxygen to the muscles. Oxygen cannot get to the muscles fast enough because the blood is not flowing properly. Ginko biloba can help reduce the pain caused by muscle cramps and even alleviate them altogether. Ginko biloba reduces the stickiness of blood platelets allowing more blood to flow throughout the body. It also opens up constricted blood vessels giving blood a larger path to flow through. After the blood flow has been improved oxygen levels in your muscle are restored to normal and pain goes away.
Potassium
Potassium is in control of skeletal muscle contractions and when it is not present in the proper amount the contractions can become erratic. Instead of contracting when they're supposed to, your muscles may begin cramping on their own causing a very painful sensation. About 4.7 grams of potassium should be consumed every day, and it can be found in many different fruits and vegetables. Some of the best sources of potassium are bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, lima beans and artichokes but there are a wide variety of other foods that have potassium in them.
Sodium
While most Americans have a high sodium diet, a sodium deficiency is still a possibility for those who exercise enough. A sodium deficiency can cause muscle cramps. Sodium works with potassium to allow muscles to carry out contractions. Drink liquids that contain sodium while working out instead of plain water to avoid muscle cramps caused by a lack of sodium. Sodium is lost in great amounts when you sweat and the only way to replenish that supply is to consume it again.
