I had the same problem and I solved it by taking some Magnesium chelate.

It is Magnesium bound to amino acids for easy assimilation and utilization. I do NOT recommend you take Magnesium Oxide. Magnesium citrate works but you will soon get a huge increase in your toliet paper bill if you take even a normal amount of this form.

I know Magnesium chelate works for other things also because when the ambulance took me to the hospital and parked me in front of the operating room while they did some required quick blood work, I heard my surgeon say "we will not need a magnesium drip for this guy" as he read the results. It helps stop arterial spasms which is not wanted when they operate on the heart.

jackD

It is rather cheap stuff.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/e...jsp?id=SR-2028

Thanks, Jack for the link. I gotta get some of that stuff.

Thanks, Jack. Sal, I found an interesting little explanation of magnesium's role in the body, here is a short excerpt that I found very intriguing:

"The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are irritability, tantrums, seizures, insomnia, muscle cramps/twitching, hyperactivity and poor digestion among others. Magnesium is needed for proper electrolyte function, over 300 enzyme functions, and calcium absorbtion.

I also found it very interested to read that one of the primary sources of dietary magnesium is whole grains and cereals. If one goes 100% gluten free, you may be losing a main source of magnesium, and could go deficient especially if you are also supplementing with extra calcium to make up for the casein free part.

Higher amount of magnesium may cause a laxative effect (milk of magnesium, epsom salts)."

The whole article can be read here: http://www.enzymestuff.com/magnesium.htm

OK, so I want all of you spastic pain sufferers, to get on this Magnisium Chelate stuff and see how it works for you. Then report back here, to us....OK?

I have read that PWMS are low on magnesium and most need to supplement. My neruo agrees, she said it's like being low on B-12. When you need it, you know it.

I take a lot, 3 tablets of 250 mgs of Magnesium Oxide, and there is other 400 mgs in my Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc tablet, which I take two of, so that's a total of 1550 mgs a day and have no problem with it. If I don't take this amount I get constipated and muscle cramps of the leg calves, toes, arch and spasms of some odd muscles.

My Gastro doc said this was a lot, but he looked on his computer and then said if it doesn't give you diarrhea, then it is fine with him.

If I do get any looseness, I cut back the next day. If I don't take it at times I get blockage of solid, yet water comes thru so you think you have diarrhea but you don't. The fluid is just going around and out passed a solid that got too large to exit or from lack of motility. This was discussed with my Gastro doc, after my recent colonoscopy.

Muscle cramps and spasms are indeed helped by magnesium, you just have to find the right dosage that works for you. Magnesium citrate was too harsh on my stomach. It seemed too acidity or something, for me. It may be fine for others, we all have our own little problems with foods or vitamins in certain forms. JMO

Are we just not processing or absorbing it properly? I mean 1 cup of cooked spinach gives ample amounts of magnesium (about 700 mg) which is more than enough for a person of my size/activity level. Many veggies are a great source of magnesium. I have been tracking my diet for several weeks so it can be analyzed by a nurse/nutritionist and I am getting plenty of magnesium as well as other nutrients and vitamins. Currently, I don't take vitamins/supplements as my diet is well balanced with a variety of foods. I still suffer from spasms.

So, I guess I am back to the question of are we not absorbing it properly or utilizing it properly? Does anyone have an explanation for this?

OOPS! Sorry I read the wrong line from my SIL's (nurse/nutritionist) e-mail. 1 cup of spinach = 157 mg of magnesium.

Wow I could have written this myself. I have all of these issues.

This morning I drank a full 10 oz of magnesium citrate and 12 hours later I have no results.

My son has taken magnesium glycerinate for years. I'm going to have to do some research to see what is the best kind for both of us. Most recently I started taking slomag and find I feel more peaceful.

As for the cramps they not only happen to me at night but also when I am out and about. I can be walking thru the grocery store an all of a sudden get an awful cramp in my foot. What I normally have to do is whip my shoe off and put my foot down on something cold.

Hi MsBees,
Welcome to NT. I am glad you found a thread that you can relate to. I was thinking that if you get these spasms, while out walking it, it may be the shoes you have on.

I find if I change from my house slippers to my stiffer sneakers with high arches (which I need) I get that foot spasms that makes me take off my sneaker and rub that foot and my toes so hard to make it stop spasming.

I think we are stretching the foot muscles when we walk in different shoes or sneakers. It may not just be Magnesium, it may be the change in shoes.

When I was younger and wore high heels, than went to flats, oh boy! Major foot cramps. The higher the heel the shorter the muscle, then change to a flat or slipper that muscle, tendons, try to stretch out and cause spasms. At least that is what happened to me.

Yes, in the house, a cold tile floor in the middle of the night works out the spasm.
Nice to meet you. Please join in wherever you want.

Welcome to this fantastic forum!!

I was astonished at the wealth of information here at NT!

There is a GOLDMINE of information on supplements, etc...

Here is the direct link to the vitamin/supplement forum:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum49.html

Some very in depth discussion on Magnesium and the others
you've mentioned!

Good to Have you!