Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is surprisingly common. Iron deficiency, magnesium deficiency, side effects of medications, and/or electrolyte imbalances are thought to be contributing factors to RLS but, western medicine is not certain of the cause. In Chinese Medicine, a common diagnosis for the condition is "Liver & Kidney Blood & Yin Deficiency" and treatment is aimed at boosting the strength of the "blood-building organs" and "tonifying yin" Although it can be treated with pharmaceutical medications, results vary and side-effects are common. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, & Nutrition are natural ways to strengthen the health of your body to decrease the symptoms and possibly reverse the condition. Making the below changes can help your or your loved ones who may be suffering from RLS:
Decrease sugar consumption
Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water
Low iron levels exaggerate symptoms; Include:
Beets,
Red meat
Pork
Chicken
Seafood
Beans
Dark leafy greens
Include Vitamin C (to increase absorption of iron)
Broccoli,
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Melon
Oranges
Peppers
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Folic Acid/Folate/B9 are important vitamins/minerals in managing Restless Leg Syndrome. Get these from:
Organ meats, especially organic liver
Spinach
Peas/Beans
Foods to “Tonify Yin”
Barley
Millet
Artichoke
Kelp (flakes over meals) & other seaweeds
Mung Beans, Kidney Beans
Yam
Bananas, Avocado, apple, apricot, pineapple, watermelon
Walnuts, sesame seeds, black sesame seeds
Beef
Eggs (with the yolk)
Honey
Avoid/Moderate Stimulants, which “Deplete Yin”
Caffeine
Alcohol
Sugar
Strongly heating, pungent spices