RLS, mainly known as restless leg syndrome, is a lifelong condition that might worsen with age. But some people go into remission and don’t have the symptoms for days to years. There are various home remedies for restless leg syndrome, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
How do you know if you have restless leg syndrome?
As there is no test that the doctor can conduct to diagnose RLS, a physician often has to diagnose the disorder by listening to patient’s descriptions of their symptom. However, to confirm a diagnosis of RLS, a patient must have the following symptoms –
- An urge to move or uncomfortable sensations begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, such as sitting, watching TV, or traveling in a car or airplane.
- A desire to move legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant or disagreeable sensations such as numbness, crawling, tingling, itching, crawling, aching, cramping, burning, or pain.
- The unpleasant sensations worsen in the evening or night than during the day or only occur in the evening or night.
What are the causes of restless leg syndrome?
- Chronic disease
Certain long-term medical conditions include restless leg syndrome, including Parkinson’s disease, iron deficiency, kidney failure, diabetes, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy.
- Medications
There are some drugs that can make symptoms worse, including anti-nausea meds, antidepressants, antipsychotics, cold, and allergy medications that have antihistamines.
- Lifestyle
Lack of sleep or sleep disorders such as apnea can trigger your symptoms and make them worse. In such cases, it’s better to avoid tobacco, alcohol, caffeine,
How to control or lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome?
Not all patients with restless leg syndrome need treatment. Patients with the mild disease don’t need drug therapy or other interventions. However, those with severe symptoms require multiple medical treatments. Here are the top ten natural ways to help restless leg syndrome:
- Start doing mentally engaging activities such as solitaire, playing video games, making a crossword puzzle, or mentally inspiring conversations as it aids in considerably diminishing the symptoms of RLS.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco could bring restless leg syndrome relief. Fatigue can also worsen restless leg syndrome. Therefore, it’s better to keep up a healthy sleep regimen.
- Move your legs by walking around the house or engaging in other forms of physical activities. You can perform gentle calf stretches; wear compression socks or leg wraps that apply gentle and consistent pressure to your legs.
- Start using RLS relief products from top licensed professionals as these products are customized treatment regimens based on your symptoms. They are results-driven, highly effective, and relief-focused products.
- Regular exercise such as stretching can help in treating restless leg syndrome. However, you must remember that working out within a few hours of your bedtime can get in the way of a good night’s sleep.
- By managing your stress, you can get rid of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Ensure including stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
- Maintaining sufficient levels of magnesium and calcium are some of the best RLS home solutions that keep your nerves and muscles functioning properly.
- Apply warm or cold compression to the affected area or alternating hot and cold therapy to soothe the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. You can also try taking a warm bath and gently massaging the muscle of your legs.
- If you are going to bed at the same time each night and not performing certain rituals to get in the mood for sleep, your restless leg syndrome could be telling you that you aren’t ready to sleep yet. Adjust your sleeping schedule and get into a regular pattern.
- Various medications can cause or worsen restless leg syndrome. Therefore, if you believe that you are taking a medication that can cause your nighttime struggles, get professional assistance from a top licensed and highly experienced doctor.
What food you should add to your diet if you have restless leg syndrome
- Iron
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, incorrect use of iron or lack of iron in the brain is some of the leading causes of restless leg syndrome. You can treat your iron deficiency and reduce RLS symptoms by eating more iron-rich foods, including;
- Spinach
- Red meat.
- Liver
- Dried fruit.
- Pork.
- Iron-fortified cereals.
- Seafood
- Folate and magnesium
Restless leg syndrome can be caused by deficiencies in folate or magnesium. Both these nutrients are essential for proper muscle contraction and nerve impulse conduction. You can treat your folate or magnesium deficiencies by eating magnesium-rich foods, including –
- Spinach
- Cashews
- Soy milk.
- Peanut butter.
- Brown rice.
- Black beans.
- Peanuts
What food you should avoid if you have restless leg syndrome
Foods and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your nerves and aggravate restless leg syndrome. It includes –
- Coffee.
- Energy drinks.
- Chocolate
- Tea.
You should also avoid fattening items, including
- Fried foods.
- Soda.
- Processed foods.
You are not alone!
Once in 33 Americans require daily treatment for their restless leg syndrome, and around 10% of the population experiences the symptoms. Therefore, by taking adequate RLS home solutions and using quality products, you can control your RLS symptoms or make a difference for others to live with RLS.