Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one’s legs to relieve uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in the legs. If you are struggling with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), you may be looking for ways to alleviate its symptoms. Fortunately, there are a variety of vitamins that have been found to help reduce many of the annoying and disruptive physical symptoms associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.
Highlights:
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. It is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling of restlessness, tingling, or even pain.
- The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to dopamine levels in the brain.
- Treatment of RLS is usually done through lifestyle changes and medications.
- Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C are some of the vitamins that have been studied for their potential to help in treating RLS.
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and adequate sleep may also help improve symptoms of RLS.
In this blog post, we will discuss what vitamins help Restless Leg Syndrome and any potential side effects that may arise from taking vitamin supplements. Read on to learn more about this bold approach to managing your RLS.
Vitamins for Restless Leg Syndrome:
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.
While there is no known cure for RLS, there are a variety of vitamins that may help reduce symptoms. These include:
1. Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is important for healthy nerve function. It has been shown to be effective at treating the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Vitamin B12 helps to relax the nerve cells and reduce the symptoms of RLS such as pain, tingling, and leg cramps.
Tips to follow while taking Vitamin B12:
- Taking vitamin B12 is most effective when taken orally in tablet or capsule form or as an injection.
- A daily dose of 500 to 1000 micrograms is recommended, but it is important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or supplement plan.
- Taking a supplement that contains other B vitamins, such as folic acid, may also be beneficial.
- Food sources of vitamin B12 include fish, dairy, eggs, and fortified foods like a breakfast cereal to get enough vitamin B12 into your diet.
2. Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 is known to be effective in helping those with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). This is because vitamin B6 helps to increase dopamine activity in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that is believed to play a role in RLS.
Tips to Follow while taking Vitamin B6:
- The recommended dosage is 50-100 mg per day, divided into two to three doses. Vitamin B6 can be taken in supplement form, or through foods such as fortified cereals, legumes, eggs, potatoes, chicken, and fish. Vitamin B6 is water-soluble, so it is not stored in the body and excess amounts will be flushed out in the urine.
- It is recommended to take any vitamin B6 supplements with food and spread out the dosage throughout the day.
- Taking vitamin B6 should be done under the supervision of a neurologist to ensure that the correct dosage is taken and that any potential side effects can be monitored.
- Additionally, it is also important to make sure that the vitamin B6 supplement does not contain any other additives or fillers that may be harmful.
With proper supplementation, many people have found that their RLS symptoms have improved significantly.
Did You Know: In addition to taking vitamins, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stretching, and massages can also help reduce the severity of RLS symptoms.
3. Vitamin D:
Vitamin D has been linked to the alleviation of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). It has been hypothesized that low levels of Vitamin D cause this condition, as it is known to reduce levels of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for the sensation of movement in the legs.
How To Take Vitamin D?
- To Take Vitamin D, a daily dose of 2,000 IU is recommended for adults.
- Vitamin D can be taken orally in the form of tablets, or it can be taken as Vitamin D3, the active form of Vitamin D, which can be found in foods like egg yolks, fish, and fortified milk.
- To receive the most benefit, it is recommended to spread the dosage throughout the day by taking smaller doses, such as 800 IU twice daily.
- Vitamin D may also be supplemented through sunlight exposure, which is the most natural way to produce Vitamin D.
Tip: For those looking to get their vitamin D through sunlight, it is best to expose your skin to the sun for at least 15 minutes a day with sunscreen.
Nonetheless, it is important to consult a physician to ensure that you are taking the right dosage of vitamin D.
4. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C can help to regulate neurotransmitter activity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall neurological health.
How to Take Vitamin C?
- Taking vitamin C orally can be the most effective method, however, it is also possible to take it in the form of a supplement.
- Additionally, foods like oranges, kiwis, and bell peppers are all high in vitamin C and can be incorporated into a balanced diet.
- To get the most benefit, it is recommended that individuals take 500 to 1000 milligrams daily with meals to ensure it is properly absorbed.
- It is important to note that taking too much vitamin C can have adverse effects on the body, so it is best to consult with a neurologist before starting any new vitamin supplements.
By incorporating these vitamins and minerals into your diet, you may be able to reduce the severity of your RLS symptoms.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Vitamin Supplements?
Vitamin supplements can be beneficial to reduce the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome in many ways, but they can also cause side effects.
Some potential side effects of taking vitamin supplements include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Vitamin supplements can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a neurologist before taking any kind of supplement.
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to Restless Leg Syndrome, vitamins can be a great way to supplement treatment. Vitamin deficiencies are known to play a role in the development of this condition, so ensuring that you get an adequate amount of key vitamins is essential. Different people will have different responses to vitamin supplementation, so it is essential to consult with a doctor before beginning any supplements. With the right combination of vitamins and minerals, people suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome can find relief and improve their overall quality of life.
FAQs:
1. What is the first-line of treatment for restless leg syndrome?
Pregabalin, gabapentin, and gabapentin enacarbil are all effective first-line treatments for chronic persistent RLS in a large number of patients.
2. How do you test for restless leg syndrome?
The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome cannot be made with a single test. Your symptoms, medical history, family history, physical exam, and the findings of any tests will all be taken into consideration when making a diagnosis. Your doctor should be able to identify restless legs syndrome, but if there is any doubt, they might recommend that you see a neurologist.