Muscles cramp sometimes during class

[benda_starr]

Hi, I have noticed that there are some days where I will get muscle cramps during class. Does anyone know what might cause this on some days while on others I'm fine? I try to drink the same amount of water every day.... could it be vitamin or food related? Thanks

[InnerAthlete]

It could very easily be the chemical balance in your body between potassium and magnesium. You could approach this with a change in diet, or if you are less patient, a supplement.

[benda_starr]

too much potassium & too little magnesium? I'd rather do it with diet... your suggestions are welcome thank you!

[InnerAthlete]

I'm not sure if you're thanking me for the input already offered or inviting additional feedback.

Never the less, you're welcome. Your magnesium levels will likely be boosted by adding the following to your diet, though there are others. I presume you are google-capable and can do that on your own

Black Beans
Halibut
Cooked spinach
pumpkin and squash seeds
Okra
Plantain
Peanuts

[xela]

That's really interesting. I've always thought it was just water intake, as I experience this sometimes as well.

[benda_starr]

Yes- I was thanking you for past & future info. Thanks again & have a great day!

[cyclezen]

if the cramping is not severe, then look to what you might be doing, diet-wise. Diuretics (like a lot of coffee) can cause greater depletion of potassium in many people. Aging also has an effect on kidney function and mineral balance. Many weight lose diets also can be a cause of this.
to add to IA's list, I have at least one banana a day, often 2. They great for helping balance out minerals, fiber and vitamins (B6 and C). Bananas are a miracle food. Very low for tolerance issues (as in allergies) for most people. Course, some people just don;t like them... go figure...
If at the same time you experience runny stools, thats one indicator of quite low potassium (among other things) and it might be worth thinking of some light supplementing.
I supplement whenever I perspire heavily for some longer time (1 hr or more) as well as re-hydrate. Thats just me; others may have different tolerances for fluid lose and mineral depletion.
Magnesium can be/is an important mineral which might call for supplementation to reduce cramping.
On advise from qualified trainers I've always been advised to do Calcium and Potassium supplement together. The Calcium helps absorption of the Potassium. At least a ratio of 4 to 1, Ca to K.
Magnesium has great benefits for me when I start having cramps. I have a light supplement as soon as I feel a tendency to cramping.
Do be critical of your diet. Often internittent cramping can be nicely addressed by improvements in your diet composition.
This is well worth further personal research. There's a lot of good info available on the body's mineral balance and dealing with associated issues.

Edit- ah, just noticed on IA's list - plantains
plantains = bananas - however you like em, great stuff!

[benda_starr]

WOW!!!! Thank you for all that information!!!! I'll use both your lists & ideas to try to keep the cramping away. Thank you very much -- I really appreciate it.
Have a great day!!!