What are Muscle Cramps and How Can They be Treated Naturally

If you have been experiencing an invariably excruciating pain and contraction in muscles near your thighs, legs, hands or even stomach, there is a chance that you are getting muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are involuntarily contracted muscles that do not relax. The slight contraction of muscle is spasm, however, if the spasm becomes forceful and sustained it becomes a cramp. These muscle cramps cause a visible and palpable hardening of the respective muscle. Did you know that a muscle cramp can last for about a fraction of seconds to about an hour? What are the various causes of a muscle cramp and what is its solution? Here's what you need to know.

Causes of Muscle Cramp

One of the major causes of muscles cramps is dehydration or loss of fluids in the body. It is important to keep yourself hydrated. Other causes may include inadequate blood supply in any part of the body that causes muscle cramp. Narrowing of arteries that deliver blood to legs can produce cramp like pain in the legs or any other part of the body. Another cause may be nerve compression in your spine that produces cramp-like pain in your legs. Cramps could also result from depletion of important minerals in your body that includes potassium, calcium or magnesium that causes muscle cramps.

Natural Ways to Prevent Muscle Cramps

Whenever you experience a muscle cramp, you must understand that your body requires refueling of important nutrients and minerals in order to function properly. Here are some foods that you can consume to prevent muscle cramps:

1. Foods Rich in Potassium

Potassium is a major electrolyte that is found inside the cells and is critical for proper nervous system and muscular functions. Foods like sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, dairy, banana and citrus fruits are rich sources of potassium.

2. Foods Rich in Calcium

Calcium helps in the smooth muscle and skeletal contraction, including in your heart, blood vessels and intestines. Foods like dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, sardines and salmon are rich sources of calcium.

3. Foods Rich in Magnesium

Most of the magnesium in our body is located in our muscles where it is used for muscle contraction and relaxation. Foods that are rich sources of magnesium include bananas, whole grains, cocoa, dark chocolate, dry fruits and yogurt.

In case of severe muscle cramps, consult a physician. Ensure you are physically active, making sure you have a smooth blood circulation.