Treating Restless Leg Syndrome
If you're reading this article, chances are you know the nagging effects of restless leg syndrome (RLS). You know about the uncomfortable itchy or prickly feeling in your leg or maybe for you it is a twitching, or a burning sensation. Whatever way you feel it, you can definitely relate to the feeling of needing to get up and move around, move your legs before you go crazy!
Are There Ways to Help Deal with this Syndrome?
There are drugs, but they are pretty heavy hitters, not something that should be your first choice.
Thankfully, there are also some non-drug, alternative remedies for treating restless leg syndrome, ones that you can try in your own home, without even taking the time, energy, and expense to see your doctor.
Sounds great, doesn't it?
Let's take a look at the easy, alternative remedies for treating restless leg syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes You Can Explore
Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clipart
- Of course, the first suggestion is to improve your diet. This is the most natural remedy for restless legs syndrome. Be sure you eat a varied, healthy, diet.
- Cut out all forms of caffeine from food and drinks. Caffeine may give temporary relief but will cause rebound symptoms when stopped
- Avoid alcohol -- many people find this to be helpful.
- Some of the vitamins and minerals that are linked to restless leg syndrome are: Vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
- It makes sense to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement, as well as think of ways to improve your nutrition.
- Take Calcium and Magnesium at bedtime -- these minerals help calm the nerves.
- Stop smoking, as smoking interferes the blood flowing to the leg muscles.
- Remember that stress can exacerbate your RLS symptoms -- do something that may help relieve your stress. Try meditation, get a massage, walk on the beach, music therapy, etc.
- Cut out all forms of caffeine from food and drinks. Caffeine may give temporary relief but will cause rebound symptoms when stopped
- Regular exercise is another alternative remedy" for treating restless leg syndrome -- this was reported to help reduce the symptoms. Be careful to not overdo the exercise, though -- too much exercise ? or exercising too late in the day ? can lead to more symptoms rather than less.
- Getting into good sleep habits is another good option. If your body is tired, your symptoms may get worse. Specifically, try to have a cool, quiet place to sleep, go to bed at the same time each night, and get up about the same time. Try to get enough sleep. Sometimes, the sleep cycle works well if you go to bed later and get up later, but you can try that for your own body and see if it helps.
Call your doctor for a complete check up if none of the above home remedies helps. Your RLS could be a sign of other health problems, such as thyroid disorder, kidney problem, arthritis, and diabetes.
Beneficial Herbs
Herbs that are found beneficial when making the transition off conventional medicines include California poppy with corydalis, Kava-kava, Passionflower, Rooibos, Schisandra, and Valerian. However, the use of these herbs should be approved and monitored by your health care provider.
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Please Note
All the Information within this site is for reference only with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements about the products efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!
