Q. When I was teaching elementary school, I spent many sleep-deprived nights because I was awakened with leg cramps so severe they took my breath away. I mentioned this to my mother, and she said, “Take calcium-magnesium.”
I was already taking calcium, but her doctor had told her it must be the combination supplement. I took this with a grain of salt, thinking, “I’ll try it; it won’t work.”
As you might have guessed, it did work. I continue to take calcium-magnesium each night and no longer have cramps. One exception: I bowled six games in succession and later that afternoon awoke from a nap with an excruciating cramp in my leg. I took three calcium-magnesium tablets with a glass of water and the cramps were soon gone. Others might like to know about this.
A. Thanks for the suggestion. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are all essential minerals for muscle function. Other readers have also had success preventing leg cramps with magnesium or calcium supplements. Taking them together is a good idea. Anyone who would like additional remedies for leg cramps can find them by searching our Web site www.peoplespharmacy.com.
