Restless Leg Syndrome

[PumaJ]

I've had Restless Legs Syndrome for years & years & years. In addition, at night I have periodic Limb Movements. Needless to say it has been difficult for me to get a solid, rest full sleep for a long time. Due to certain meds I must take everyday, I'm not able to take any of the meds that can help reduce the RLS-PLM.

Last year, I discussed the problem with my new physician. She suggested we check my Ferritin level.

Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. The amount of Ferritin stored reflects the amount of iron stored. The protein is produced by almost all living organisms, including bacteria, algae and higher plants, and animals. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload

She said that sometimes, even if one's Ferritin level seems normal, if it is in the low end of normal range it might be too low. This can aggravate & in some cases cause RLS. My level of Ferritin was in the low normal range. My Dr. advised that I take either ferrous glucanate or ferrous sulfate to boost my iron levels. Unfortunately, both preps caused me to have constant nausea:-( I then tried a "natural" plant based formula that was recommended to me, but it didn't have the oomph I needed.

I then decided to get the increased iron via my diet, which previously was very low in red meat, but high in other protein sources & lots of the right types of veggies & fruits. Also, due to issues with carbohydrate metabolism & weight control, I generally eat very low carb & wheat free meals. Since the FAll, I've increased the number of red meat servings in my meal plan from 1-2/wk to 3-4x/wk. I only buy & eat red meat that comes from cattle that are antibiotic & hormone free & that are generally range fed. I also eat Buffalo. In addition, I've increased the amount of green leafy veggies in my diet. A typical dinner might include a 6 oz. steak cooked on my George Forman grill, a 2 cup or more serving of steamed broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, green beans for example, plus perhaps carrots, a small sweet potato, or ear of corn. Sometimes I'll have an artichoke.

Snacks include fresh fruit or small handfuls of unsweetened organic trail mix made with non-roasted seeds (sunflower-pumpkin), nuts (almonds-cashews), & raisins. Sometimes, I'll have a piece of organic string cheese with a Lundberg organic rice cake.

I have to also add Vitamin D supplementation to my diet because my Vit D levels were in the sub-basement. I take that in combo with calcium.

Since making these dietary changes, my Ferritin levels are in the upper range of normal & I have fewer problems with the RLS-PLM. By making these changes in my eating, I've lost over 80lbs. which has helped, plus has reduced the amount of arthritis pain I was experiencing:-) .

If one isn't interested in the weight loss aspects, just add more complex carbs into the plan.