Source: Family Doctor Online
Calcium supplementation has long been recognized as an effective way to prevent and treat leg cramps. When the body is deficient in calcium, muscles are prone to abnormal contractions and twitches.
Uncle Li has been suffering from leg cramps in the middle of the night lately, and he complained to Uncle Zhang about this problem. Uncle Zhang directly told him that it was because of calcium deficiency and suggested that he take calcium tablets to supplement calcium. So Uncle Li started to take calcium tablets as recommended, but strangely, he found that the symptoms of leg cramps did not improve, but instead had the problem of urinary stones.
This made Uncle Li feel very troubled, and he didn't understand why calcium supplementation would lead to new problems?
Study: Blind calcium supplementation may increase the risk of multiple vascular lesions
In 2020, scientists at the University of Auckland in New Zealand found that blindly taking calcium supplements increases the risk of attacks of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers randomly gave 1,472 women over the age of 55 either a calcium supplement or a placebo and measured calcium in their foods. During the 5-year follow-up period, participants were examined semi-annually and adverse events were recorded.
The results showed that 31 women in the calcium supplement group had a heart attack and 21 women in the placebo group had a heart attack.
This study suggests that calcium supplements may have a negative impact on heart health. The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries can lead to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels, restricting the normal flow of blood.
Therefore, if calcium supplementation is needed, follow your doctor's instructions.
Frequent cramps at night can also be 4 diseases
1. Arteriosclerosis occlusive disease of the lower extremities: This is a vascular disease characterized by the stiffness and narrowing of the walls of blood vessels in the arteries of the lower extremities, resulting in poor blood flow. This condition of stenosis or occlusion leads to an inadequate blood supply, especially during exercise or rest, where demand increases but supply is limited.
2. Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: refers to the bulging or herniation of the intervertebral disc between the lumbar vertebrae, resulting in compression of peripheral nerves. When pressure occurs, discomfort such as pain, numbness, tingling, etc., may occur. Especially at night, the onset of leg cramps may be exacerbated by the fact that the muscles are at rest and the effects of nerve compression are more pronounced.
3. Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by reduced dopamine production in the brain, which leads to problems with motor control. This condition can affect the muscles of the legs, causing them to contract abnormally and become stiff.
4. Diabetic gangrene: The blood sugar level of diabetic patients can cause damage to blood vessels, leading to hardening of the arteries, making the walls of blood vessels stiff and narrow, thus restricting blood flow. To prevent and reduce the onset of leg cramps at night, diabetics need to strengthen blood sugar control and take steps to prevent the further development of arteriosclerosis.
What can be done to prevent leg cramps?
1. Pay attention to calcium supplementation: middle-aged and elderly people, adolescents, pregnant, lactating and menopausal women should pay attention to appropriate calcium supplementation. Eat a nutritious diet rich in calcium, such as milk, soy products and meat. In addition, pay attention to sun exposure and supplement with vitamin D, which helps in calcium absorption.
2. Preparation before exercise: Before exercising, it is necessary to carry out sufficient warm-up activities, especially for people who usually lack exercise. In addition to proper stretching exercises, the amount of exercise should not be too large, and aerobic exercise should be the mainstay.
3. Keep Proper Warmth: Especially in winter, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is large. If you wear too little to go out, it will cause the muscles to get cold, causing the blood vessels in the lower limbs to constrict sharply, which will cause muscle spasms in the legs. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to proper warmth and avoid cold. Soaking your feet in warm water before going to bed is also an effective way to prevent cramps caused by cold and can improve blood circulation.
It is important to note that warm foot soaking is not for everyone. Therefore, it is best to consult the advice of a doctor or professional before taking this method to ensure safety and effectiveness. They can provide advice and guidance tailored to your individual circumstances and health conditions.