Readers want to know:
"What causes cramping?"
The number one reason for a leg, calf, or foot cramp is dehydration. The easiest way to resolve this problem is to drink more water. If consuming more water does not resolve the problem, consult a physician, you might be mineral deficient.
Most people drink just enough water to survive during the day, and many drink alcohol at night. Because no one wants to get up several times per night, little or no water is consumed at dinner. If you have consumed very little water during the day, then you start the evening dehydrated. If you drink alcoholic beverages in the evening, you should drink one glass of water for each alcoholic drink in order to break even. Otherwise, since alcohol dehydrates the body, you could cramp all night and be left wondering why!
Cramping is no surprise when you look at it from a hydration point of view, right?
Here is an important truth to remember:
Hydration is essential for the health of your body and muscle function.
If your muscles are screaming at night for water, you must not forget that your heart is also a muscle, so drink more during the day when you can run to the bathroom.
Another good reason to drink more water is in the interest of weight control or even weight loss. It is a proven fact that if you increase your water intake by only one extra bottle every day, at the end of the year, you will be 5 lbs lighter without even changing your diet.
Lastly, dehydration causes low blood pressure which is very dangerous – so please, please, drink more. When you sweat this summer playing or working outside, drink more water.
If you run outside or live in a dry climate, drink even more than you think you want! For you gym goers, when you do cardio machines at the gym, you should drink at least half of your water while performing on your cardio machines since you are breathing heavily (as you should be).
Bottom line: Water is essential and it is easy to flavor to satisfy your childlike preference if you wish, but whatever you do-drink more water!
To your health!