Daily TribuneA muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary and sometimes painful but short — lived contraction. It gives one a sense of paralysis — like immobility.
Muscle cramp.
Water.
Excessive sweating.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
Coconut water.
It can happen suddenly. You have just awakened when you notice that your foot is starting to cramp. That helpless feeling overcomes you in a wave of frustration and bewilderment.
What can be done at that precise moment?
A muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary and sometimes painful but short — lived contraction. It gives one a sense of paralysis — like immobility.
Sometimes called a charley horse, the unexpected tightening of one or more muscles can be very irritating.
The good news is muscle cramps are not usually harmful. But they happen sometimes foe a minute or two. But the experience can leave the cramped area sore for a few days.
Causes:
•Over—worked muscles
•Lack of electrolytes
•Holding a position for too long a time
•Poor circulation
•Compression of a nerve ( ie: tight shoes)
•Lack of minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium
•Age — loss of muscle mass can lead to easily stressed muscles
•Lack of physical activity
•Excessive sweating ( especially for athletes)
•Over weight — Being heavy can increase the risk
•Dehydration
•Hydrate as needed eigth to 10 glasses of water daily
•Add a pinch of sea salt on your tongue before drinking water ( Unless your doctor says to control your sodium)
•Stretch your muscles daily — Try a light stretch before bedtime.
•Nutritious meals — ensure that your food intake is healthy and balanced
•Coconut water — After a workout, take a sports drink or fresh coconut water.
•Bananas — One banana a day keeps your potassium levels normal.
•Dates — Sundried, unsugared dates can provide some of your daily dietary fiber and potassium intake.
•Comfortable shoes — Do not sacrifice comfort for fashion. Choose footwear that provides your feet adequate comfort and arch support.
When you feel a foot cramp coming on:
1. Don’t fight it.
2. Massage the area gently. The worst reaction you should have is panic.
3. Relax. Know that it will go away soon.
4. Stand up. Allow the circulation to flow.
5. Drink coconut water, milk, banana smoothie or sports drink.
6. Take a glass of fruit juice.
7. Make sure you take a mineral supplement.
Mix in a blender, a half cup of coconut water, one to two bananas, a slice of ginger, add lemon wedge, a slice of orange . Add one teaspoon of raw honey plus a dash of turmeric powder.
Drink up.
Affirmation: “I decree and declare that my projects are coming into fruition.”
Love and Light.
Stretch your feet. Be patient.
