Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
The Sleep Thief!
Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome
Patients with restless legs often have an almost irresistible urge to move their limbs, particularly at night. Scientists believe that RLS results from poor dopamine metabolism, either because of a genetic trait (~40 percent of all cases) or an underlying health problem, such as iron deficiency or diabetes.
🧬 Genetic Factor
~40% of all RLS cases are due to genetic traits
🩸 Iron Deficiency
25%+ of RLS patients are deficient in ferritin
💊 Nutritional Treatment Approaches
🩸 Iron Supplementation
This nutrient appears to play an important role in dopamine metabolism and, thus, nerve health. More than a fourth of all RLS patients are deficient in ferritin (the form in which the body stores iron).
⚠️ Important Testing Requirements
Before taking iron supplements, get your ferritin levels checked. Standard blood tests don't measure it. So you have to ask for the specific test. Doctors recommend supplementation only if ferritin levels measure less than 50 ng/ml.
📋 Dosage
200 to 300 mg of oral ferrous sulfate one to three times a day (depending on the degree of deficiency)
⏰ Duration
Studies show improvement when taken over several months
💡 Optimal Absorption Tips
- • Take on an empty stomach
- • Take an hour or two after your last meal
- • Have iron levels monitored while supplementing
⚠️ Safety Warning: Since taking too much iron can cause serious health problems, make sure to have your iron levels monitored while supplementing.
🧬 Folic Acid (High-Dose Therapy)
Expert Insight: Dean Neary Jr., ND, chairman of the physical medicine department at Bastyr University in Seattle states: "People who respond best to high doses of folic acid are people who have a family history of RLS. Perhaps there is some deficiency that gets passed from gene to gene that causes malabsorption of the folic acid end."
🎯 Best Candidates
People with a family history of RLS
📋 Dosage Range
Start at 5 mg daily, may increase up to 30 mg under supervision
⚠️ Important: These dosages are very high - so work under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
⚡ Magnesium (Electrolyte Balance)
RLS can occur because of an electrolyte imbalance, says Norma Cuellar, RN, and RLS researcher with the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. For instance, people who have an eating disorder or who undergo gastric-bypass surgery often develop RLS.
🔧 How It Helps
If an electrolyte imbalance is the culprit, taking extra magnesium may help. This mineral promotes muscle and nerve health.
📋 Dosage
200 to 800 mg of elemental magnesium daily
⏰ Timing
Take at bedtime
📈 Approach
Start with low dose and move up if necessary
💬 Consultation Required: As always, discuss with your doctor before starting supplementation.
⚠️ Common Risk Factors for Electrolyte Imbalances
🍽️ Eating Disorders
Can lead to nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances
🏥 Gastric-Bypass Surgery
Often associated with the development of RLS symptoms
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