Health & Nutrition Health and Nutrition - February 2018.edcoan.ir | Page 88

Foods High in Potassium
Muscle cramps
may sometimes be
associated with low
levels of potassium
in the body. Low
potassium levels
can be associated
with poor nutrition,
loss of fluids due to
chronic diarrhea or
vomiting, and other
conditions.
Avocado
Spinach
other testing. You may be
referred to a specialist in
neuromuscular diseases.
What You Can Do
Below are several preventive
steps you can take to curb or
avoid muscle cramps:
X Drink fluids to avoid
dehydration – rehydrating
with sport drinks is
advisable with sustained
Low Potassium
Muscle cramps may sometimes be associated with low levels of
potassium in the body. Potassium, which is key to normal cellular
function, may be reduced for a number of reasons.
l The most common reason is the use of diuretics. These medications are
often prescribed to control high blood pressure (hypertension) and
heart failure. But because diuretics help rid the body of excess fluids,
you’re more prone to dehydration and the loss of potassium.
l If you’re taking a diuretic medication and are bothered by muscle
cramping, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may check your
potassium and, if it’s low, may recommend taking a potassium
supplement or changing your drug regimen.
l If your potassium is low, work closely with your doctor to make sure it
gets back into the normal range and that you are receiving appropriate
follow-up care.
l Low potassium levels can be associated with poor nutrition, loss of
fluids due to chronic diarrhoea or vomiting, and other conditions.
88 February 2018 HEALTH & NUTRITION
Banana Potatoes
Beans Citrus juices
heavy exercise
and sweating.
X Warm up before more
intense exercise. Cool down
and stretch after.
X Avoid over-working
muscles.
X Before bed, gently stretch
muscles that tend to cramp
at night.
If you do get a leg or foot
cramp, gently stretch the
contracted muscle for relief.
You may find it helps to
compress or massage the
affected muscle. Sometimes a
heating pad or hot bath may
offer relief.
If your muscle cramps don’t
respond to these preventive
measures, your doctor may
suggest taking medication,
such as quinine, to help
relieve cramping. However,
quinine is known to cause
potentially serious blood
reactions in some people.
Discuss with your doctor the
pros and cons of its use as
well as what other medication
options might be suitable.