Cramps- a hidden cause
You may be aware that dehydration and electrolyte loss can cause muscle cramps but there are other very important causes that you may not know about. Here they are.
So you are doing a workout and once again you get that nasty calf cramp. You are doing your best to remain hydrated because you know that dehydration is a major cause of muscle cramps but still you cramp up. You are aware that dehydration reduces the fluid between your tissues and that makes the nerve to muscle connections hypersensitive leading to misfiring which in turn gives you muscle twitching and cramps but still you cramp up. You drink your electrolyte drinks to increase your salts and electrolyte levels but to no avail.You have heard that bananas are good for cramps because they are full of potassium and you eat more bananas than a family of chimpanzees but still you cramp! You were told that cramps can also be caused by not enough training which over fatigues the muscles so you get in better shape doing interval training but still no luck! You have had your muscle imbalances seen to in order to make sure that your cramps are not due to overload and heck you have even cut out red meats, caffeine and sodas because your hairdresser told you that the high phosphorous levels in these deplete calcium and magnesium but still no joy. Well, have you ever looked at your medications?
There are certain medications that can dehydrate you and cause misfiring of your neuro- muscular system. You may like to look at the side effects of the drugs you are taking as cramps may be one of them. Drugs that commonly have these side effects are:
- · Diuretics
- · Prescription drugs for asthma
- · Medications for high blood pressure
- · Medications for high cholesterol
- · Parkinson’s disease
- · Alzheimer’s disease
- · Osteoporosis
There are more drugs that can affect the muscles so check out the side effects if you are still suffering.
But for now,
Rest assured I am watching your back