Tackling Restless Leg Syndrome with Nutrition

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