Restless Leg Syndrome - A Natural Approach

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

The women in my group have been discussing this same topic. Here's

some info I rounded up for them, and thought I would pass it on here

too.

 

Michelle

http://www.holisticmenopause.com

 

The sensations by restless legs result in a strong urge to move the

legs, massage them, or walk around, all of which alleviate the

discomfort. Complementary therapies for restless legs syndrome

include exercise, elimination of caffeine, and some dietary

supplements such as iron, calcium, and folic acid.

 

Nutritional Therapy

 

Iron

 

Research studies showed that iron deficiency in the blood can

contribute to restless legs syndrome, especially in the elderly. A

blood test that measures levels of a protein called ferritin reveals

this iron shortage. The level of ferritin indicates the level of

stored iron. Treatment with iron supplements can produce good

results.

 

In a study conducted at the Department of Geriatric Medicine of the

Royal Lierpool University in Liverpool, U.K., levels of ferritin in

the blood were found to be lower in the eighteen patients who had

restless-legs syndrome than in the eighteen control subjects.

Ferritin levels were inversely correlated with the severity of

restless-legs syndrome symptoms. In other words, the lower the

ferritin level, the more severe the restless legs.

 

Blood levels of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and hemoglobin did

not differ between the two groups. Fifteen of the patients who had

restless-legs syndrome were treated with iron (ferrous sulfate) at a

dosage of 200 mg three times daily for two months, with excellent

results. The researchers concluded that " Iron deficiency, with or

without anemia, is an important contributor to the development of

restless legs syndrome in elderly patients, and iron supplements can

produce a significant reduction in symptoms. "

 

5-HTP

 

If your iron levels are normal, then 5-HTP supplementation may

significantly improve, or even eliminate, restless legs and

myoclonus. Take 100 to 200 mg of 5-HTP about twenty minutes before

retiring. Don't take 5-HTP for restless legs until you have had your

iron levels checked, since 5-HTP will not supply you with iron your

blood and your muscles need.

 

Folic Acid

 

If there is a family history of restless-legs syndrome (about one-

third of all patients with this syndrome have a family history),

high- dosage folic acid (35 to 60 mg daily) therapy can be helpful.

Dosages in this range will require a prescription. In cases of

familial restless-legs syndrome, there appears to be a higher need

for folic acid.

 

Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E supplements of 400 IU two or three times a day are

extremely effective in alleviating RLS.

 

In one study concerning vitamin E and restless leg syndrome, a

seventy- eight-year-old female with a history of restless

and " jumpy " legs found that after two months of 300 IU daily, she

was completely cured. In another study, a thirty-seven-year old

female with a ten-year history of severe nightly " restless legs " was

placed on 300 IU daily for six weeks and 200 IU daily for the

following four weeks with complete relief.

[Guest guest]

Many thanks Michelle, that was VERY informative.

 

Juliet

 

 

[Guest guest]

You are most welcome Juliet. I'm happy to know it was helpful.

It's been surprising to me how many people suffer from RLS. There

seems to be an association with Fibromyalgia in many cases too.

 

All the best,

Michelle