is it normal to get nocturnal leg cramps on SB? i woke up in the wee hours of the morning with a huge charlie horse in my lower left calf. i know they're said to be caused by a lack of certain nutrients (i can't remember which).

any insight would be helpful.

I think when I was on Atkins boards they said it was a lack of magnesium or potassium or something like that. It could also be caused by dehydration if you aren't drinking enough. Ouch though, they are so painful. I have never had them on this plan or Atkins but I don't have the best circulation, so it happens sometimes. I just point and flex my foot and it usually takes it away.

Hi, Dreaming!

A couple of other people have had this problem too. Potassium appears to be the culprit along with lack of water. Make sure you are drinking enough and start taking a multivitamin at least (taking several pills, each dedicated to a specific mineral or vitamin is better, since you get a better amount of each rather than the small amounts in a multi) to get the potassium. Someone else in the forum posted a website with different foods that have high potassium (besides bananas, which are not OP).

I totally feel your pain...I get them often and they hurt so terribly! One thing that helps is to loosen your sheets so you do not point your toes as you sleep. Pointing your toes causes the muscles to tighten as you sleep, it appears. Each time I sleep in a hotel and forget to loosen the sheets, I get a charlie horse!

I wish you luck...must be your day to get sick, Dreaming! I hope you feel much better soon!