Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs, often due to an uncomfortable feeling in the legs. To improve sleep, it is important to avoid common triggers such as getting hot and cold, taking a warm bath or shower before bed, and using natural remedies like taking a bar of soap to bed and drinking tonic water.
For many people with RLS, the optimum diet consists of avoiding four common ingredients: caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and salt. To lessen symptoms and improve sleep, it is essential to avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for at least several hours. Additionally, products with caffeine, including coffee, chocolate, and soda, can intensify restless legs symptoms.
A case study reported that a patient developed restless legs syndrome symptoms with the use of a stevia extract-based no-calorie sweetener. It is recommended to avoid caffeine-containing products for a few weeks to see if this helps. Maintaining a healthy diet may help lessen symptoms, and it is essential to avoid these common ingredients.
People who are food chemical sensitive can experience various symptoms, including skin rashes, headaches, and restless legs. Caffeine, sugar, and some sweeteners can exacerbate symptoms, so it is crucial to be aware of what you eat and not eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
📹 Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome and Causes – Dr.Berg
Find out what causes restless legs syndrome and learn what you can do about it! Timestamps 0:00 Restless legs syndrome 0:15 …
How to settle restless legs immediately?
Restless legs syndrome can be relieved through various methods, including massaging the legs, taking a hot bath, applying a compress, and engaging in mind-distraction activities. Mild restless legs syndrome can be managed with lifestyle changes, while severe symptoms may require medication. Those caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating the underlying condition.
What drink is good for restless legs?
RLS patients often have low iron levels, which are essential for the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that controls movement. Consult a doctor about iron supplements, which can be taken with orange juice or vitamin C. Some cold and allergy drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, and nausea-treating drugs can trigger RLS symptoms. It’s important to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, as there may be another drug that doesn’t trigger RLS symptoms.
Why am I suddenly getting restless legs?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition with a complex genetic background, often inherited through family history and gene variants. Low iron levels in the brain and a dysfunction in the basal ganglia, which controls movement, may also contribute to RLS. Parkinson’s disease patients are at a higher risk of developing RLS. Other underlying conditions include end-stage renal disease, neuropathy, sleep deprivation, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine use. Symptoms usually disappear within four weeks after delivery. RLS is often associated with Parkinson’s disease and can be influenced by various factors.
Can eating sugar cause a restless leg?
Sugar is not a specific contributor to Recurrent Lymphoma Syndrome (RLS), but anecdotal evidence suggests that sugary foods or beverages before bed may contribute to symptoms. Overweight individuals are at higher risk, and high sugar intake is associated with weight gain and obesity. High-sugar foods may affect magnesium absorption, which regulates body functions like protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Low magnesium levels can affect other health conditions, leading to RLS. Caffeinated and sugary beverages, like soda, may worsen RLS symptoms. More research is needed in this area.
Can diet cause restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition causing discomfort and an intense urge to move the legs, often at night. It can be caused by a lack of specific nutrients in the diet, which can either worsen the condition or make it worse. Research indicates that iron deficiency or incorrect use of iron in the brain can be a factor in the onset of RLS. Other conditions that may impact iron levels include kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and iron deficiency.
What can I drink to get rid of restless legs?
RLS patients often have low iron levels, which are essential for the production of dopamine, a brain chemical that controls movement. Consult a doctor about iron supplements, which can be taken with orange juice or vitamin C. Some cold and allergy drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, and nausea-treating drugs can trigger RLS symptoms. It’s important to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, as there may be another drug that doesn’t trigger RLS symptoms.
What calms restless legs?
Restless legs syndrome can be relieved through various methods, including massaging the legs, taking a hot bath, applying a compress, and engaging in mind-distraction activities. Mild restless legs syndrome can be managed with lifestyle changes, while severe symptoms may require medication. Those caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating the underlying condition.
How to lose restless legs?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by a strong urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable feelings in the legs. The symptoms usually start or worsen when the patient is resting, are partially or temporarily relieved by activity, and worsen at night. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group established criteria for diagnosis, which include a strong, often irresistible urge to move the legs, symptoms that cannot be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition, and symptoms that cannot be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition. A healthcare professional may also conduct a physical and neurological exam, and blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, to rule out other possible causes.
How to stop restless legs in bed?
To manage mild restless legs syndrome, it is recommended to avoid stimulants in the evening, to cease smoking, and to engage in regular exercise, while avoiding exercise in close proximity to bedtime. In the event that the symptoms are particularly severe, it may be necessary to consider the use of medication. In cases where the syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, it can often be cured by treating the underlying condition.
Can diet soda cause restless legs?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by a tingling sensation in the legs, often accompanied by a tingling sensation in the feet. The symptoms can be worsened by strenuous exercise, caffeine-containing products, nicotine, alcohol, and refined sugar. To manage RLS symptoms, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise, avoid caffeine-containing products, quit smoking, maintain a regular sleep schedule, engage in moderate exercise, give leg massages, take warm baths, and use heating pads or ice packs.
📹 2-Minute Neuroscience: Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an urge to move the legs that often occurs along with uncomfortable …
I learned about Biotin for restless leg years ago, and have used it ever since. One sublingual Biotin (5000mg) when it is bothering me and it stops within minutes, so I can fall asleep. This one actually has worked for me every time. Once in a rare while I will need two pills. Just wanted to pass this on…
Dr Berg!!! I suffered with RL for over 15 years, tried many medications. I started following your suggestions for IF and keto to lose weight and reduce inflammation. I have fibromyalgia. I have lost 25 pounds since February 2021 and the only problem I had left was Restless legs( severe). I bought the potassium citrate powder and nutritional yeast and followed your instructions. Wow did that work! 💖💖💖 I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!! May The Lord richly bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and your family and give you peace✨✨✨✨✨
I suffered (past tense) for years, until I saw someone’s advice written online. Desperate, I tried it and OMG, it works. Simply stand up keeping your legs straight, then bend as far as you can as if to touch your toes. Hold it for a couple of seconds. Repeat 3 or 4 times. It worked so well I rarely have it these days. Good luck.
Hi! I am 46 and suffering for few years from RLS. I tried to fix it by taking Brewers Yeast and B1 but it didn’t work. Then I took off the B1 and started with taking Potassium Citrate. Now I am going better. Thank you for your advice!!! I am now for about 3-4 months on Keto. I was suffering from Heartburn. It is although now going better. And I am following your advices you gave in your other films. But now my question: when Potassium citrate is alkalizing the stomach, when is the best time to take it, because I am trying to acidify my stomach. Thank you again. Your advices changed my life!!!
Thank you for this article! I know it’s a little old but surely valid for today. I just ordered both of these supplements and after reading about the benefits of potassium citrate, I should have been taking this for a long time now. I’ve had diabetes for 29 years and can only eat a certain amount of bananas and potassium enriched foods. Hopefully this will help get my legs back to par. 👍🏼
I’ve suffered from RLS fits maybe four times a month since I was four years old. RLS, in my case is so all consuming that there is zero chance of sleeping or anything else for that matter. At one time I was an armed guard securing a facility over night when the RLS kicked in. I ran up and down ten flights of stairs for over two hours until I could barely stand and the only thing I accomplished was drawing weird looks, ridicule and comments from my coworkers. It’s impossible to deal with as an adult. As a child it drove me crazy and got me in trouble with my parents because I couldn’t stop thrashing and they just “wanted me to go to sleep”. They thought I was making excuses because I didn’t want to go to bed. Doctors had no idea how to help me because RLS was unknown at that point in time. After being hit by a Truck and acquiring a Traumatic Brain Injury ten years ago, the RLS is now a constant, 24/7 issue instead of a few times a month. I’ve tried everything from lasers, acupuncture, acupressure, massage, running until I could run no more, diet, tens units, beating my legs until there were numb and several different combinations of prescription meds. Beating my legs only made it worse because the RLS was still turned up to 10 and my legs were now in pain as well. I’m allergic to several of the prescription meds that say are said to help the condition and the others did me no good. RLS has pushed me to the point that I came close to laying my legs over train tracks just for the escape and some rest!
Well, I’ve been having tons of leafy greens (7-10 cups) with lots of nutritional yeast (1/4 cup) each day for awhile now, and am still suffering. In fact, It’s steadily getting worse. It must be something else or a different deficiency. You also mention iron deficiency in another article…I will look into that, too. Thanks 🙂
WARNING! There is a vendor named “RLS LLC ” that sells magnesium citrate …they are scammers on amazon delivering tablets HALF the potency of that which their title description states “Magnesium citrate 400mg 240 ea” NOT! And buyers have no idea they even have been had! It took me having health issue to realise my dose was cut in half! Could not figure out why things had changed …now I know … Was taken by crooks at RLS LLC on amazon! SHAME on these kinds of people!
Hey am a 21 year old male I had a leg paralysis 4 month ago but thank God I recovered and now am able to walk,but my legs are giving me hard time because I feel electric shocks, itching,heavy legs during the morning and it doesn’t seem to go away, I smoked weed to try and relax but it became worse so I quit smoking but still I feel very restless, so what is going on plz help me.
I had this bad, and I fixed it. However, I did not increase potassium, I rather eliminated salt, since sodium and potassium compete with each other to make ionic bonds with Chloride and Iodine in the body . Hense, too much salt = potassium deficiency. Also, I was drinking Waaaaay too much water to mask hunger. It flushed out electrolytes leading to deficiencies. It’s better to take small sips only when you’re thirsty like Dr Berg says
Dr Berg I really need an answer please. I have suffered with restless leg syndrome for years and was close to collapse through lack of sleep. I also got it during the day if I sat for too long. At night I would rock from one leg to another, I would rest my head on my arms by the sink and carry on rocking and often times I would fall asleep and bash my face I would be so exhausted. All I was told by the Doctor was to try Magnesium, it did not help. Eventually I got to see a Neurologist who said it was a lack of dopamine and he put me onto clonazepan and requip slow release ropinirole, I believe this is also given to patience suffering with Parkinson’s disease? I have bought the Vitamin B1 powder and the potassium citrate, what I want to know is when and how do I take it, can I take it with those tablets, will it get me off that medium cation which I have been on for a very long time, and will I eventually just be able to take the two that you recommend? Of late my legs have got worse, my husband died recently after a long illness and I did not pay attention to taking care of myself and so put on a lot of weight. I have now been on a low carb diet and am eating a lot of low starch veg and beans and fish, chicken and healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, and very little fruit. I am desperate to get advice on the above as I need to get back to feeling healthy again. Your articles are about 3 months old, do I stand a chance at getting a reply? I do have low Thyroid so do not have any form of sugars or sweeteners, just what is in the little bit of fruit I eat, for example a small amount of blueberries, or strawberries.
Thank you again Dr. Berg .. I have had restless leg syndrome for 30 years. It comes and goes I never know when it is coming on. I have been taking B Complex for about 3 weeks now and it seems to have helped. This is very good advise. Thank you again for all of your great information. Gotta get more potassium in my system. I eat salad trying for 7 cups and taking potassium citrate. I feel pretty great! KETO is so awesome I have lost 30 lbs since June.
Severe magnesium deficiency is the major cause of Restless Leg Syndrome. More than 90 percent of people are deficient in magnesium, which is one of the most important electrolytes in the human body. I would suggest soaking your feet in Epsom salts or magnesium chloride salts three times a week to get complete relief. Sufferers of RLS can also spray their feet with magnesium oil at bedtime for a good and undisturbed sleep.
I saw the article, was thrilled how easy it might be to get rid of RLS. Since I take Vit B supplements anyway, I thought that couldn’t’t really be possible to have Vit B 1 deficiency. The potassium struck me. I don’t eat many green vegetables, maybe lettuce, but is that enough? I still had some potassium gluconate tablets/ 550mg each from long time ago . So I took 4 tab =2000mg in some juice. What a surprise, 30 min later the twitches and jerks were gone. About 1 hour before bed time I took another 2000mg potassium gluconate. I took my regular medication Pramipexol and 1 CBD 18% capsel and 5mg Melatonin to sleep anyway( which hadn’t really worked recently) . And what a surprise, I slept 8,5 hours !!! Ever since I redused my Pramipexol in half, still kept the CBD and Melatonin as before and again I had a wonderful good nights sleep. Maybe I can get off the medication all together in short while. Thank you so much, I am thrilled and happy! So easy and so effective. RK / Germany
Thank YOU Doctor for giving me some hope. I will definitely try this. My RLS can get so bad it effects my whole body sometimes. It’s hell. I know that certain Antihistimines can exacerbate the problem. If I have “Allersoothe” or “Phenergan” (same thing) for my allergies then that night it becomes Restless and Painful Body syndrome. Every night for the past week, I’ve been up all night until about 6 – 7am kneading my legs like dough, it’s exhausting and severely disruptive to my routines and responsibilities. I gotta fix this or I’ll just go insane.
As a physician, I would strongly advise AGAINST the daily use of high potency POTASSIUM solutions, without medical supervision, aka regular check of potassium blood levels, with your GP! Big amounts of potassium when ingested, might cause high potassium blood levels – a condition which is known as hyperkalaemia and is lethal(especially in the elderly, people with kidney problems or concomitant use of potassium-sparing drugs).
I went to the emergency room this past Sunday due a Partial seisure, after experiencing an Eye Aura(Ocular Migrain). I have had the auras for 17 years. They can just appear out-of-the blue – but never had a seiesure. Now, I’m really concerned. About a week before this happened – my right leg started tingling, feeling numb, and very restless. Do you think this has anything to do with the aura with seiesure? Also, before I went to the hospital, I took Magnesium Bisglycinate, electrolytes, coq10, and a B Complex. Oh.. One last thing. The attending Doctor said that Potassium doesn’t sit in the cell, and can be tested with a blood test. He also asked, “Why did you take a Magnesium?” I will say, by the time I reached the Hospital, I was feeling better, but still numb and stiff feeling. I will try this. Thanks..
Hi Dr. Berg I have L5-S1 disc hetniation and unilateral sciatica I used to drink 3-4 litters of water daily. One month ago I noticed vibration at both legs usually while getting down the stairs 1- May that vibrations be due to K deficiency or they relate to nerves? 2- Could Mg supplement be administered with K citrate? Thanks a lot Blessings
Gentle stretching before bed might help. For a calf stretch, step forward and bend your front leg while keeping your back leg straight, in a small lunge. You can put your hand on a wall for support. Repeat on the other side. Stretching also helps if you’ve been sitting for a long time I made a article in my website about 15 Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome you can watch it
Hi, I have a 4 year old grandson that has restless leg syndrome. He doesn’t like meat so he consumes mostly carbs all the time. I am going to try the nutritional yeast. Do you have any other suggestions for me to try? He has been going thru this for several years and he is a booger to cosleep with!! 😂
This is amazing news! I have in misery for years with the restless leg syndrome but now it’s starting to effect my arms occasionally as well. What Brand of nutritional yeast do you prefer? Is the yeast supposed to be flakes or powder form? I love your articles, you explain everything so well. Thank you for providing such great information. Love your cooking articles too!
I have unbearable RLS and I’ve been to multiple doctors/neurologists and even the hospital ER one night because it was so bad that I was contemplating suicide. All the professionals tell me to take a ton of magnesium which doesn’t seem to help much & send me home with a prescription for muscle relaxers with occasionally tylenol 3, which seems to help more than anything else. Why would tylenol 3 help my legs?
You’re not going to believe this but I took a multivitamin it was an expensive multivitamin like $26 but I finally figured it out I don’t have no more restless leg syndrome or soreness in my legs it’s been a good six months since I’ve been trying to get rid of this I had a few years ago but I’ve always been on drug medication but yeah as simple as a multivitamin hope this helps
It’s 4 am, my skin is hurting. Legs twitching, (hey! I Should be kicking on a football team! ) can’t sleep = Up whole nt. Dieted great for 2 months, now😥😥😥😥😥😥😣😣😣😣😣😐😄 uh, hit sugar like a fish swallowing water! Got up, found the brewers yeast and apple cider vinegar. Took both,and the jumping stopped! took magnesium and 3 potassium’s too. Skin feels like novocaine wear off. Wow, I can remember skin pain as a kid, frightening! Th U Dr. Berg!
If you are stuck for tonight until you get to buy these things please try the youtube articles that are bineral beats for restless leg syndrome. Put on your headphones and turn on the article. It sounds real strange to listen to but within 5 to 10 minutes those legs will start to ease and before you know it you’ll be asleep. I listen to a 10 minute one and put it on again if I need more help to sleep but I highly recommend trying this.
Great info. Problem is for me, I am on dialysis. I can only have 2000mg of potassium per day. If I overload on potassium, I could die. I take medication to help keep my legs calm for the most part. Many times during treatments, my legs will bother me and they are very intense. My legs are just bouncing all over the place and i cannot control them. There is nothing I can do at that point until the treatment has ended. Unfortunately, I am on the dialysis machine for 4 hours 3 times a week. So far, I have been on dialysis for over 4 years. I sure hope someday I will get a transplant. Thanks for uploading this article, Dr. Berg…
Is this the case for Periodic Limb Movement Disorder too? My labs are normal…(waiting for results on iron). I don’t take an antacid (do take ACV) & balenced blood sugar. So, now what? TIA! Edit: iron was normal but ferritin was low so now I’m taking iron supplement. So far, it has resolved pulsitile tinnitus. Hopefully lessens the PLMD too as low ferritin another cause.
Great article. Do you have any information on RLS (or as I like to call it, restless body syndrome, because it affects my whole body when it hits) correlating to chronic neurological Lyme disease? Just a casual question, I have many doctors and we suspect it’s caused by mis/undiagnosed Lyme for 20+ years. We’ve been working on treating Lyme and coinfections for five years and have a long way to go still, but if this could help even that one area of it, I’m glad to have the info from this article. Thanks for taking the time to share this and explain.
My restless leg syndrome was so bad I wanted to cut off my arms and legs until I heard about the combination “calcium and magnesium” supplements. I’ve been in perfect balance ever since!! I can’t believe it and no one else can either, especially that I now take only 1 tablet a week and still no RLS!! I hope this works for everyone cos RLS is a total nightmare. Good luck!
I have noticed that mine is sometimes triggered by antihistamines. Mine is usually a growing tickling feeling that finally becomes so bad that my legs jerk by themselves and then it repeats. Long periods of sitting prior to bedtime also triggered it. I think it has to do with long term pressure on the leg nerves going through the butt.
Mine was my circulatory system was basically breaking down. I needed citrus bioflavonoids, butchers broom, Cayenne, vitamin C, a few things like that. Then later on I ran out of B complex for only about two weeks. The pain in my legs in bed was frightening. It stopped the day I went back on B vitamins. 😁
Pounding seems so harsh but I do one thing at three am I run outside stand on assault to stop my leg stuff it’s worked for years my hubby thought I was nuts till he got a spazzing leg one night I run him out side lol it worked for him he was a long hauler truck driver 25 plus years now he thinks I have a good idea on the road he is on assault all the time lol so it cost him nothing
I’m so glad you are talking about this. I’ve had RLS for YEARS off and on. Sometimes it seems like a few weeks that I’m fine and then other times its bad. The muscles in my legs even tighten and then release- like a contraction. As for the banana’s you mentioned, I can’t eat them, they upset my stomach. However I love vegetables, I’m obsessed with them so I do get a lot of veggies in my diet. I’ve read that RLS is a neurological disorder? Yes/No?
I have had restless legs for over a year. I am 22. I would describe RLS exactly how Dr. Berg did. Yesterday I tried Nutritional Yeast for the first time, not expecting much. That night when I went to bed, my legs were back to normal. I’m holding back tears writing this right now. Thank you so much Dr. Berg! God Bless you!
I tried all that. My rls is severe. I got radiofrequency ablation for a disk bulge in l4 l5 while i was under anesthesia the dr witnessed my rls that was amplified while sedated. I almost went off the table was moving around. He says he knows where the rls coming from and that is the nerve pinching affecting my sciatic nerve. I will be getting rfa treatment for that soon. But this rfA treatments have been known to successfully treat the underlying cause of rls. Many people don’t get relief of rls from b1 or other medications as those just cover up the rls not treat the underlying issues. Its a nerve problem.
I’v had this for the past few years and it drives me crazy when my leg twitches as I’m nodding of to sleep. Iv tried different things and only recently found your very informative article’s and i thank you for taking the time to help others as you are, i just purchased the nutritional yeast and i will purchase the potassium citrate tomorrow, i cant wait to hopefully see results. Thank you again Eric, all the way from Ireland, Merry Christmas, Brian
am now 51,have had to move my legs and feet,since.i was very little…..often have to get up and walk around….i eat lots of vegetables…..the feelings,feel like,a dry,sometimes hot yucky feeling….have recently been put on diabetic medicine for type two diabetes,still,get restless legs and feet,sometimes…..do not know,why,I get weird legs and feet……its really annoying……happens when sleeping or if my feet get to hot.
Hello, Dr. Berg! I’m your new subscriber. For about 3-4 years I suffered RLS. At first, I didn’t know what it was, that I kept feeling these tinglings and constantly moving of my legs at bedtime. The doctor informed me, it is RLS and gave me medicine. I’m against any medicine, and started taking Cayenne pepper. I noticed this started to make my legs feel so much better. Now, I feel like I never had it. Also, I forgot to mention, I started green leaf vegetables and fruits smoothie, and went on Gluten-free diet, which I believed helped to stop the symptoms.
Not sure if what I had was restless legs but I think so. I never had it before and got it right before I was sick. But in my case it felt as if my feats had a fever and it made my legs restless too. Usually my feat are icecold, even in the summer and when I work out. I rarely get sick and I haven’t had a fever since I was a kid. That’s why I’m not sure of what it was I experienced for three days in a row. I mean my feat were really on fire and for me that’s like unheard of.
My RLS, 90% of the times kicks in as soon as i lay down. I get this feeling in my gut, like extra energy, and i get jumpy, shake, twitch, etc. My body HAS to move. My feet get itchy. This can be anywhere from 2 hrs to 8 hrs or more any given night. Its horrible. I took a Parkinson’s disease drug called “requip.” And it worked, but I stopped taking it 5 years ago because i don’t know what long term use could physically do to me.
I have gone about 4 days without RLS which is extremely eye opening since I was right in the middle of the worst case. It went away 2 days after I stopped taking my calcium citrate chewables. My first guess, is the calcium was causing my RLS. Although I’ve had this when I wasn’t taking Calcium. But my RLS started when I was pregnant with my twins, and I believe my pregnancy could have released calcium into my system lasting for years. I looked up some things on calcium supplements and found that most the time they never get absorbed by the body, and it’s like ingesting rocks, which accumulates and causes stiff joints and cramped legs. My second guess is that it went away from one of the supplements I added to my diet. However these were added weeks before the RLS went away. So, if it’s from one of these new supplements then it took a while for it to start working. Which is possible I guess. The new supplements are: Ox Bile (to help absorb fats), increased my potassium, Vit. C, Iron, Selenium, B-1, B-5, and L- Tryptophan. So, for now it’s a mystery. Unless I want to test things to figure it out. I will probably do that later, but for now I just want to enjoy not having it!!! Oh, one more thing, I lost 5 pounds. I’m not sure, but I think it’s possible that once I get over a certain weight I get RLS. Also, pinching between my big toe and second toe made my RLS go away when I would get it in the middle of the night. The first three times in one night, it worked. The second night it worked, The third night, it did NOT work, The fourth night I never needed to try it because this is when my RLS started to go away.
I stopped my RLS and every other ailment I had by drinking this every night water with 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp organic honey. half tbsp olive oil. my severe insomnia 100% gone. high blood pressure and circulation greatly improved. RLS symptoms gone. in 3 weeks I feel ten years younger .cost like 10 bucks amazing
I think you need a blood test for potassium deficiency. Potassium side effects can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal gas, and other side effects. Too much potassium is UNSAFE and can cause feelings of burning or tingling, generalized weakness, paralysis, listlessness, dizziness, mental confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and death.
Does RLS hurt? plus its my knee not my leg, i only feel like its weak, i can also kinda resist it, its not jerking or twitching, I only wanna stretch it, it also happens in my arms and wrists, after saying I can kinda sleep well, I feel good during the day, not gonna lie I think I lack Iron, after saying all these things, do you think I have RLS? Answer ASAP pls.
Strangely, I get RLS for about a week every 3-4 months, and I hit the booze hard during this week. It numbs me and helps me fall and stay asleep. Daytime not so bad as Im in the gym 1-2 hours everyday. I already drink about 2 times a week normally and hitting this hard for 7-10 days in a row makes me feel like a real loser, LOL! What to do? Looking for a natural solution.
Hmmm. Interesting. I have found that yellow prepared mustard is good for leg cramps. But you have to take a good Tablespoonful. Difficult to go to bed on, unless followed by a large tumbler of good cold water. I found this article via search, because I was suffering from RLS this afternoon, and just couldn’t face another big spoonful of mustard. So, after thinking about it, I went to my kitchen cupboard and found the Morton Salt Substitute. Almost pure Potassium Chloride. I cut up 1/4 of a tomato, “salted” it well, and laid a fried egg atop, “salted” also. Not bad. I feel better.
Dr Berg, thank you for the information. I am having more and more symptoms of low potassium not just restless leg syndrome but other issues as well.I am trying to take the electrolyte powder that you have but I constantly get sick. What I mean by that is bloated gassy and even diarrhea I’m trying to take a little bit at a time because I think as you said, I don’t have the enzymes to process it maybe? Or I need to take apple cider vinegar before hand so that I can process it? I don’t know. It’s just frustrating. I’m not sure how else to get the potassium.
Thank you so much. I’m going to experiment with your advice. I have horrible RLS just like my mother & sister. I’m not sure how many other family members have it. But I’ve also had restless arms too…! Its so agonizing! I’ve had booed work done lately first total L hip replacement done in May and my docs didn’t mention any real deficiencies. But maybe I’ll give it another look. I’ll bet some potassium is needed in my diet, as well as some Bs…All the Bs I’m sure….. Thx & God bless!😊
RLS has tormented me off and on for almost 2 years. Gave up hardcore drinking almost 2 years ago and tomorrow will be one week down since i layed a heavy smoking habit down I’m 52 and was diagnosed as having obstructive sleep apnea and Copd almost 2 years ago along with secondary polycythemia. I haven’t received any treatment from my doctors for sleep apnea nor Copd since diagnosed almost 2 years ago and I feel this is medical neglect if not malpractice. Thank you Dr Bergman for the informative articles.
My son was just diagnosed with pediatric RLS (he’s 6 yrs old). I was told by his amazing pulmonologist that it is caused by low ferritin levels & low vitamin D levels. He is currently on both supplements now. Also dysautonomia requires extra electrolytes on a daily basis & we suspect he has that also but he does take antacids for GERD via gtube 2x daily. He also has been in lactic acidosis multiple times & he has ketotic hypoglycemia. So for all of those issues & overall trying to help his RLS what would you recommend???
How about coconut water as a source for potassium. One large bottle says it supplies up to 700 mg of potassium. It is still a lot to drink, but its better than trying to eat 30 bananas or whatever it was. CORRECTION: Harmless Harvest coconut water says on the label 8 ounces of coconut water provides almost 540mg of potassium, so the large 16 ounce bottle should be a bit over 1 gram. I thought there was a good reason why potassium supplements were limited to 99 mg … which to got to 4700 you would have to take 47 of them. That is a great way to get sick I think, and so I am betting there is probably a warning on the potassium citrate powder not to take more than a certain amount per day. Like the warning on one bottle says: Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 275mg a day or as directed by a physician. Due to potential toxicity, use of a digital milligram scale is necessary. Another warning is stronger: Potassium can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal gas, and other side effects. Too much potassium is UNSAFE and can cause feelings of burning or tingling, generalized weakness, paralysis, listlessness, dizziness, mental confusion, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, and death. DEATH! By the way, when you have auto-advance set like that it is a pain to be in the middle of a comment have the article end and go on to the next one … just saying! 😉
I have been taking requip for 6 yrs now for moderate to severe RLS. I’m 41 and I’ve had it chronically since 16yrs old, during a time I was dancing classical ballet 6 days a week so I know it’s not about needing to move more. Once a blood test did show I was low on potassium but that was over a decade ago and since my blood work is fine from my drs perspective. I am so frustrated and even sad/angry about it. I am considering seeing a neurologist. I have often wondered if it may be my death. I feel completely dependent in the medication. There is no rest without it. I’ve even fallen asleep while walking and tripped over furniture. It affects my arms and hands as well. Do you possibly know why the requip works? Thank you! *Also it’s called Willis Ekbom Syndrome. September 23 this year will the the “awareness” day for it. Seems like there is science backing it now from various sources, even John’s Hopkins, that it’s a neurological disorder.
I started drinking coconut water to increase my potassium, and it’s helped my RLS tremendously! I was skeptical, since I figured I get plenty of potassium from all the whole plant foods I eat, but I figured what the heck, I’ll try it. I was already taking magnesium, and for a while taurine powder seemed to help. Since I started drinking coconut water, about a cup to two cups daily, my restless legs at night hasn’t been an issue. Except for one night, but that’s because I had taken a decongestant, Sudafed, that day, and my experience had been that taking pseudoephedrine hcl will always make the RLS much worse.
Prescription potassium stopped my restless leg syndrome within a couple hours of ingesting it. Yes you must be careful of potassium overdose. My doctor had overprescribed potassium and I had to drink 4 awful tasting containers of antidote drug. Now on reduced amount I now longer am overdosed and have no restless legs. My script strength is 10 mg to 20 mg, but I am on lasix for heart failure and take losartan potassium also a heart blood pressure medication so a simple blood test will show if you’re low on potassium or magnesium or B12. I also have atrial fibrillation and these nutrients are needed to help keep me out of that arrhythmia. Consult your doctor and mention potassium, magnesium and B12, because otherwise they’re going to just prescribe you the standard restless leg medication that did absolutely nothing for me. But my insistence on blood work for the afore mentioned things cured my restless leg problem.
In the first min of this article I can see clearly why Restless Leg Syndrome is so prevalent in people who are on dialysis. People with kidney failure tend to have to limit potassium because it can built up and cause problems for the heart. I just went back on dialysis 3 weeks ago and just a week ago I started having real bad Restless Leg Syndrome. I haven’t had it since the last time I was on dialysis 10 years ago. Also my hemoglobin was real low and they finally gave me a blood transfusion. I looked at my labs and my Potassium is within range but I wonder if the process of dialysis making my numbers up and down are having an effect.
Geez, just had both legs in restless moods last night. I usually have one restless leg but both? I wasn’t happy. Yes, I do sit long time. Will try stretching method before bed. I wake up restless legs, I get up and go sit on the toilet to go. While sitting, I jerk my leg(s), it’s like when a person gets nervous, they jerk or allow the legs to go up and down without having the feet to lift off the floor. The jerking or bouncing relaxes my body and I do this about 5 mins. Then go back to bed. No more restless legs. You need to really bounce your legs, for few mins to 5 mins to rid of that restless feelings. When I feel I don’t need to go to the bathroom, I hated the idea of getting up though but I rather spend 5 mins bouncing my legs to get the rest of the night sleep. I have another method that was strange to me. I don’t remember how I got this information but it was a few months back. Take a soap bar, rub the bed sheet only in the area where your feet are. I tried that and so far, have not had any restless legs. I suppose you can rub also where your legs are, from the knee down to your feet for a good coverage. It’s something to do with that odor coming off from the soap bar. I can’t explain this but I’m going to find this information somehow. Would not hurt to try and see if the soap method can help. I’ll be scrubbing the soap again tonight. I don’t scrub soap on the bedsheet every night but maybe could be effective every other night. Thank you Dr. Berg for sharing the important information that us people need help to solve our problem.
I love you Dr. Berg! You have helped me so much. Your always right and when you say something with certainty, I take it to the bank and you are always right. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Just to make sure I have this correct…I take omeprazole, So I should try the potassium powder, apple cider vinegar, and B1?
Dr. Berg thanks for your articles! I have a question can you get RLS type symptom in your chest with night sweats? I have been suffering from that a almost 2 weeks now.. I am going to Dr next week. I decided to get back on ketogenic diet after a 85hour water fast. I was hoping that would help after being off diet since May. Thanks Candice
Hi doctor. I always have the feel of the electric on my legs when i am sleeping. It always happens when i consumed lots of foods that high is MSG. Its happens so many times and it did affect my sleep. But just discover that if i get that discomfort again, i just drink a lot of water and its gone! Makes me happy to the max! I just wonder if MSG is the real culprit?
Iron with vitamin C, B12, magnesium lotion or foam, and vitamin D3 all seem necessary at times for me. Iron is usually the culprit for me. But occasionally I will still have episodes where I take all those things multiple times and it still doesn’t help. I will try B1 and potassium. Haven’t slept for the last three nights due to RLS, fortunately I don’t have RLS during the day and can sleep a bit then.
I’ve had restless leg syndrome for many years now it goes away it comes back but this last year and a bit it starts just when I’m going to try and go to sleep and it’s at both legs but I have a calcium problem in the left leg and hamstring issue on both and it’s affecting circulation what can I do please thank you for your articles they’re very good
I suffered with RLS for 30-years, getting 5-hours sleep on average as a result. Over time it literally destroyed my health; sleep apnea, T2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, obesity… I was taking Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, B-Complex supplements, as well as prescription Pramipexole (Mirapex), Gabapentin, and Cyclobenzaprine; all with no improvement. I used to thump my calf muscles with a rubber mallet to get some relief. Even taking Oxycodone would not help. Doses had been increased to the point where I was getting RLS symptoms in the afternoon (augmentation). It was a living hell. After a follow-up with a Cardiologist on an unrelated issue, he encouraged me to stop eating anything that had artificial sweeteners in it. A challenge for a Diabetic, but he said, if you want something sweet, have a little, as long as it’s natural sugar. I strictly followed his advice and within 3-weeks my RLS symptoms started to fade, to the point that I stopped taking the Gabapentin and Cyclobenzaprine. One week later I stopped taking the Pramipexole, and was symptom-free within 1-month!! That was about 1-year ago. Now I fall asleep within 2-minutes and don’t lose sleep to RLS. Yes, I’d heard previously to stay away from artificial sweeteners, “You’re body doesn’t know how to metabolize…” yada, yada, yada. I used to think it was a lot of bunk. But after cutting all the artificial sweeteners I am symptom-free for over a year.
Before I start you will need Vitamin iron okay. I’m back and these multivitamins that I took only worked temporarily what I found out was the main source of my restlessness in my body happened to come from smoking cigarettes leading to low blood cell count due to smoking cigarettes causing lack of oxygen tube my blood causing the blood cells die out leaving my heart struggling to pump blood and causing my legs and almost my entire body to end up and restlessness at different times of the day be my knees my ankles my calves my thighs my forearms my shoulders it was terrible one day about to last week me and my friend figured it out I stopped smoking and within 32 hours I was pink free
I don’t think what I have is rls but my legs ache bone deep for no apparent reason. I don’t want to move them. I don’t want to move but it does hurt after a few minutes and i have to reposition. It’s only my legs. Both of them equally. Just throwing that out there haha but you are very generous doing articles like u do. I’m very appreciative of your work. And i didn’t know I was missing out on so many veggies lol. Thanks again
What about Periodic Limb Movement (PLM) while sleeping that causes arousals and awakenings? I have had 9 sleep studies. After going to a whole food, plant based nutrition philosophy, my recent sleep study indicated that I no longer have sleep apnea. However, I still have PLM that wakes me. My understanding is that restless leg syndrome is when you’re awake. On the other hand, PLM occurs while you’re sleeping and you don’t know it’s happening. It’s only detected by another individual witnessing the movement or a sleep study. I maximize my nutrients each day and I track them using Cronometer. I get between 6000 and 8000 mg of Potassium a day from whole food plants. I get plenty of iron as well. I am active and doing running, jump rope, weight lifting, and rock climbing. Any words on how to combat PLM?
4700 mg of potassium per day seems like a huge amount, but I agree it’s what most sources I’ve checked suggest. For reference, a teaspoon of sugar weighs about 4000 mg, so we’re talking about MORE than that weight each day of an elemental metal! For further reference, the recommended amount of iron per day is 8 – 15mg a day (depending on size and gender): around one five hundredth the amount based on the lower estimate. Surprising!
Just looked you up to see if you could help with restless leg syndrome and can’t believe you have a article for this a cure I was always told there is no cure and you just learn to tolerate it manage it . Exercise paracetamol hot baths cold bath shaking machaines legs 🦵 up the wall 😒😔 Had this since I was a child I’m 38 now always at night. X Thank you x
Hi Dr. Berg, I have mitochondrial myopathy, which is an inherited and complex genetic condition. Fortunately, my friend HahnH introduced me to your YouTube articles. Since then, I have been able to platform some of my personalized treatment protocol on your healthy keto-based approach to eating. Treating complex genetic conditions – like the mitochondrial diseases – requires an understanding of the relationships amongst: cellular respiration, lactic acidosis, metabolic enzymes, electrolytes, food as healing, organs, and glands. Stabilizing my complex health condition is like balancing on a ball… very difficult, as the ball keeps wanting to roll away in new and unusual directions. For example, over this past week, a recurrence of restless legs kept waking me up. I tried my old ‘go-tos’ of orange juice, a banana, and a glass of almond milk. The problem persisted. Desperate for sleep, I rewatched your Restless Legs articles and, following your guidance, I took a potassium (citrate) supplement. Within minutes my legs calmed down and I fell into a deep restful sleep. I now have both B1 and Potassium Citrate next to my bed in the event of a recurrence of Restless Legs. Many thanks for your generous sharing of alternative approaches to wellness. Appreciatively, PaulaS
If anybody can dr. Berg can🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 I have just been dignosed with rls, and all my JPs told me it is for life and it will only get worse from now. I am on medication. I am now going to try your recomandation. My English is not that good to understand the names of the preparetions you have recomended but thank God we have Google. Thank you Dr. Berg❤
Stumbled on potassium citrate as the end all to RLS a week ago. Just amazing and I was augmenting off ropinole. Took a big pinch in water and it disappeared. Not believing, I tried it again next night. A week later and I went to dinner with mother in law, got home late and now am trying to catch up with the potassium citrate, one .25 ropinole, and a gabapentin. It’s the worst ever. Hopefully the PC will keep it back to zero RLS. Love Dr. Berg.
For those of you that potassium nor B1 Magnesium doesn’t help and you just want sleep in a natural non addictive way. Try Kratom works for me. Hope this helps some of you. Myself I haven’t tried Eric’s Suggestions but I’m going to just to see if they work for me. Other suggestions I would try apple cider vinegar if this works your not getting enough acid to absorb the foods you eat. Exercise number people we want a cure exercise is one of them along with diet as being overweight adds to the discomfort.
Soooo relieved to have some hope for the maddening that is RLS. I developed it about a yr ago and have been taking 1200-1500mg of gabapentin a day. It works BUT side effects are pretty bad-complete dry mouth, painful sores on tongue, and ahhh weight gain. So ppl that havent had rls, know that someone like me would rather take a drug w/ those side effects just to relieve it. But i am trying the potassium suggestion asap
Does restless limb syndrome make u wake up with a gasp unable to breathe?Shoot upright in bed gasping?I had a sleep test and the hospital said Im waking up every 15 mins and they think its restless s limbs as Im moving about a lot.I dont want to take any of the the 4 diff pills they want me to try.Thanks
This is confusing are we talking lag cramps I get bad leg cramps at 3 to 5 in the morning in the calf and sometimes in the upper leg but always in the back of the leg and so bad I have past out it got so painfull one thing I don’t get I road my bike to go camping from Minnesota to Wisconsin 80 m with a trailer probably pulling 200 lb I never got those cramps the whole time I was camping the night I got back a slight one in lower leg it makes no sense to me I hiked 20 ml each day I so wish I could find a place we’re I could go and get blood work I do not mind paying part out of pocket but I need alot of test I just can’t afford it my thoughts mold I live in a basement very humid if any one has a thought I would appreciate it
Is it possible to get too much insulin from fasting and muscle breakdown? I’ve been on keto for over a month doing just fine. I skipped my salad one day because I felt like I didn’t need to eat. But then I couldn’t sleep from this creepy crawling feeling I haven’t had in a long time. More likely potassium but normally I have bone-twisting cramps when I need potassium so it sounded more like an insulin issue.
My doctor prescribed something for me to take before bedtime. It helped with the funny feeling on my legs however I was having headaches that lasted half a day. I decided to stop the meds and deal with my legs my own way, walk for an hour before I go to bed. It helps most of the time, so glad I checked with Dr. Berg. 🙂
My pcp has told me that doctors dont know what causes rls. Ive taken remeon and mirapex and both make me violently ill. So do alot of supplements. I have been up for over 24 hours because of this crap. My doctors think im nuts when i tell them my symptoms and have literally said to me “are you sure its not all in your head?” I am so exhausted from this condition
Thank you ! I think the cause also can be gluten? For times i did not have any problems with my legs and i did not even think about it anymore.. But yesterday evening suddenly it was terrible… The one thing that came up in my mind is that this day and day before at lunch i eat 2 small slices of dark bread, after weeks deleting almost all the gluten in my food. I was loning for it suddenly so much with some cheese and hoping for the best. Now i am curious after eating no ( or less ) gluten after yesterday if it comes back or not.
recently i tried another doctor and he advised me to consume 600mg of magnesium sulfate and gave me a prescription for celebrex. i suspect the celebrex had some effect. it didn’t work every night but there seemed to be a positive effect. a month or 2 later i still get rls while still taking more than 600mg of mag sulf. i’ve just read your post again and spotted the word “coffee”. caffeine in coffee and tea is a major cause of rls. decaffeinated tea or coffee is not fully decaffeinated. and the word chocolate is mentioned in your post too. it contains theobromine, another reason for rls.
I was on 4 12-hour codeine everyday for a couple years until the amputation of my left arm up to the shoulder and after the last surgery out of 4 to try and save my shoulder, the Doctor told me that if I did not need the painkillers anymore to stop taking them. I did not need them anymore for pain so I stopped taking them. He did not say to gradually go off of them. I now have restless legs cause my legs were addicted to the painkillers and I did not know it. I have tried your remedies but is not working. Is there something else I can try?
I feel like i have restless body syndrome. if im not shaking my legs, then my body starts fidgeting in other ways, my arms move, my toes, my face will tick..last time i got sick it was so bad it was like my nervous system had been stimulated and i had parkinsons, i could not stop moving my body for a second. does anyone know what this might be?
My friend takes a shower early evening (hot showers works for him) then he sprays apple cider vinegar on his legs after shower and just before he goes to bed and that works great. Once every 3 months or so, it’s not enough but it holds the rls at bay and then he swallow 2 tablespoons of acv (in a glass of water) and sprays his legs as normal and it works.
my mom has this, and i feel so bad for her. i try to offer all the support i can, but on a bad night, sometimes all she can do is just pace the floor until the flare-up stops. my heart goes out to anyone dealing with, or helping someone deal with this condition. from the outside, i think it’s hard for people to understand just how unpleasant rls can be. let’s wish together, for a future where all the problems burdening each of our bodies, minds, and spirits can be cured.
I’ve often had restless legs at night my entire life. It’s torture because you’re tired but you can’t settle because your legs don’t feel right. I’ve also been told I kick, move and talk a lot in my sleep (probably why I’m still happily single lol). Interestingly re dopamine… since being medicated for ADHD, my sleep improved. I don’t think I’m dopamine deficient, just dopamine unregulated. I’ve recently been diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome (to add to ADHD and Ulcerative Colitis diagnosed 2 years ago)…. I seem to be collecting diagnosis!. I’ve learned that hypermobility (which is caused by a mutant gene that affects collagen) also affects the brain and the gut, not just the joints and connective tissue, so neurodevelopmental conditions are common. I suspect it’s partly the combination of genes but also blood flow (low blood pressure, not enough blood to the brain). I feel great and more mentally clear after a headstand or being upside down 🙃
Oh, so that’s what it is. I have RLS, it gets really uncomfortable because to me, it mostly occurs when I’m almost asleep, then the real nightmare starts, I couldn’t sleep and it takes a while to go away, I keep tossing and turning in bed to get rid of the sensation, it doesn’t work. Well, now that I know its this, I’m gonna see a doctor to rid of this menace. Update: Yes, clinically diagnosed with RLS and gonna get that sort out and hopefully it’ll go away
I have had RLS for 15 years or so. It’s worse in the summer months. In winter I sleep right through. Even while I sleep my wife can’t sleep with me because of the kicking and jerking. While I have not overcome it here’s what I do to help me get some sleep, in case this helps anyone: 1. Keep my diet as low in salt as possible. Any fast food means I’ll have a bad night. I’m about to try to go as salt free as possible and see what that does. I recently did a 3 day fast and I slept great all three nights. So for me RLS seems to be diet related. My blood tests show my iron levels are fine also. 2. I take magnesium powder called Calm that I get on Amazon right before bed. A big heaping teaspoon in water. 3. I take 2 Alterin Sleep Aid capsules at bedtime. They are a mix of melatonin and herbs etc and they really help to get me in a deeper sleep. 4. The above aren’t enough to stop me waking up a few times at night and so when I wake and am restless I get up and do squats. When this first started I did 10 squats – enough for my thighs to start burning. After 15 years of so it now takes 30 jumping squats to get they same burn. But once I do the squats in conjunction with everything else, I go straight back to sleep. So I haven’t cured it but this regime is how I manage it. I hope this helps someone.
From the very beginning of my life I have severe RLS. It’s painful sometimes, people make it worse. They make fun of me, say it’s a bad habit. It is not a habit, it’s a defect. My teachers say I’m ill mannared. It is practically painful to keep my legs still. I hate it. My sister said I just don’t wanna change myself that’s why it isn’t recovering. I’ve been compared with my better, well mannered, good grader siblings most of the time in my life, I guess that caused my anxiety to worsen. Deficiency, that’s a major thing.
I have had RLS in mild form since I was a teenager, and I too did not realize it wasn’t normal. In the back of my mind I think I ascribed it to my untreated severe anxiety, my unhappiness, and loneliness. It was just all pain to me. As an adult in my thirties I started noticing that it was getting more severe. I had to wiggle my feet and toes until I would finally sleep. By the time I was 45 (ten years ago), I was suffering from arthritis in my knees and hips and had developed medium range back pain. I went to a sleep doctor who put me on Tramadol, a “synthetic” narcotic. It worked for a while, but kept getting worse as time went on. The doc who put me on it was employed by a healthcare group that was notoriously against prescribing any pain meds long term, so it became a battle every month to get the medication prescribed to me. He wanted to put me on the RLS medication Ropinerol, a treatment for sensitive nerves, like people with neuropathy might have, but it did absolutely nothing. I ended up being treated like a drug addict. He did not believe, or didnt care about, my pain. RLS is an awful malady. I was so exhausted but couldn’t sleep, and I was a nervous wreck as well because I did not have treatment for my anxiety. My only anxiety remedy was sleep, and without it I could barely function. A few year later I moved from a rural area in Washington state, to the “big city” of Seattle. I had to find a new physician, and by some miracle I found my current doctor. She is the best and kindest practitioner I have ever gone to.
No one in my life apart from my dad really understood how frustrating RLS can be. I’m pretty confident I got it from him, since I always have memories of him kicking his legs when he’s trying to sleep and dealing with insomnia. My RLS always kicks in when I’m sitting in class or going to bed, it makes it very distracting to listen to a lecture or fall asleep. The only thing that seems to alleviate it for me is to exercise my legs until they feel like jelly. My dad also has low iron and and takes iron supplements for anemia, and now I’m wondering if I’m affected by something similar to that.