In yoga this morning I got a miserable charley horse. As if I needed another reason to lay down the entire time. So it got me thinking, what is this infamous muscle spasm that always comes on at the wrong time? Dehydration? Vitamins and minerals? Working out too hard? (I was praying for that one!)
Turns out- it’s all of the above and then some.
Scientists haven’t pinpointed one cause of those sleep and workout ruiners yet, but if you have certain structural abnormalities like flat feet, are on your feet all day or sit in odd leg positions while sitting- like being cross legged- you’re more prone to them.
Certain medications like blood pressure meds, antipsychotics and diabetes meds can be triggers.
Also potential culprits? Dehydration, of course, as always. And having depleted levels of ELECTROLYTES!! The key electrolytes that play roles in muscle contraction are magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium.
So what can you do to prevent and soothe ‘em?
- Stay well hydrated
- Get plenty of our buddies the electrolytes!
- Stretch daily
- Massage the problem area
- Take a hot shower or warm bath
So next time you experience one, it’s just another reason to spend all of your savings at Lush and/or Bliss… or I guess you could just drink water, but where’s the fun in that??
