Restless Legs Syndrome: Gaining Control with Powerful Natural Solutions

Restless Leg Syndrome; many have heard of this condition, but few know exactly what it is and how debilitating the syndrome can be. Once thought of just a nervous  compulsion or psychiatric problem, evidence shows that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that can be successfully combated.

The term initially coined by Swedish neurologist Karl A. Ekbom, RLS can be characterized by kicking, rolling and tossing in bed, to an inability to relax the legs at night. Those affected use such words as creeping, itching, pulling and tugging to describe the sensation.  Symptoms can be so severe as to interfere with sleep, cause discomfort while walking and a general worsening during inactivity.

Although a number of theories on the cause of RLS exist, researchers have concluded that RLS is not caused by a lack of circulation or extended periods of standing as previously thought. What seems to be at the center of this syndrome can be a genetic component along with abnormalities in certain parts of the brain which control muscle movements known as the subcortical dopamine pathways.

However, more and more magnesium deficiency seems to be a key player in the severity and manageability of RLS. An essential element of the nervous and musculoskeletal system, magnesium is receiving more focus as the mineral that not only is critical for bone matrix but is a key element for peaceful sleep, heart health,  warding off depression as well as relieving RLS.  Surprisingly, magnesium deficiency is very prevalent in our world today; this can be traced back to a depletion of the element in our food supply chain to the use of pharmaceutical medicines, which hinder the absorption of this critical element.

What is important to remember about managing RLS with magnesium is that only  high-grade magnesium which is not bound to calcium will be truly effective. Often, the nutrients we ingest cannot infer their benefits if absorption is not optimal.  In the case of minerals, kelp can be quite effective in aiding absorption hence, magnesium paired with kelp is helpful for RLS sufferers. 

Along with magnesium, white willow bark which is a potent pain-relieving herb can also be quite helpful in managing the discomfort of RLS. White willow bark is a known alternative to pharmaceutical pain relievers that in combination with magnesium can greatly improve the symptoms of RLS.

Two other nutrients that have been found to be helpful for RLS are licorice, which is a source of absorbable magnesium and peppermint which has unique muscle-relaxing properties.

More often, RLS is an uncomfortable and overlooked condition but those who suffer from this disease know all too well that many aspects of one’s life are affected, namely restful sleep and limb control. Although pharmaceuticals promise to control RLS, they can often come with the price of side effects. High-grade magnesium along with factors that help absorption and aid pain relief are increasingly used with success for RLS.

Priyanka Sutradhar-Gupta ND is a practicing Naturopathic physician in Toronto who focuses on family health and wellness along with pain management through acupuncture.

For more information on Restless Leg Support products, call 1-866 837 2246 or visit www.restlesslegshealed.com

Priyanka Sutradhar-Gupta